Human foods to avoid for cats and dogs

There are a many human foods you should not feed to cats and dogs as they can get sick or even die.

Alcohol 

Alcohol affects cats and dogs in the same way it affects humans. High levels of alcohol consumption can cause:

  • intoxication
  • gastrointestinal irritation
  • respiratory distress
  • coma
  • death

Avocado

Avocado contains persin in all parts of the avocado. Ingestion causes:

  • gastrointestinal irritation
  • vomiting
  • diarrhoea
  • respiratory distress
  • congestion
  • fluid accumulation around the tissues of the heart
  • death

Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine (a methylxanthine), which is toxic to cats and dogs. Toxicity is dose-related, meaning that the overall effect of chocolate ingestions depends on the:

  • size of the cat or dog
  • amount eaten
  • type of chocolate

Symptoms include:

  • restlessness
  • excitement
  • hyperactivity
  • nervousness
  • trembling
  • vomiting
  • diarrhoea
  • increased drinking and urination
  • increased heart rate
  • seizures

Darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest.

Coffee, tea and other caffeine products

In large enough doses, caffeine can be fatal for a cat or dog. There is no antidote. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include:

  • restlessness
  • rapid breathing
  • heart palpitations
  • muscle tremors

Cooked bones

Cooked bones can splinter and cause gastrointestinal obstruction or laceration.

Fat trimmings

Fat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause intestinal upset, with vomiting and diarrhoea. Your pet can develop pancreatitis.

Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants 

The toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown but it can lead to kidney failure.

Onions, garlic and chives

These contain a substance that can cause gastrointestinal irritation and lead to red blood cell damage and a form of anaemia. Garlic and chives contain the same substance but at a lesser volume.

Salt

Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning. Signs that your cat or dog may have eaten too many salty foods include:

  • depression
  • tremors
  • elevated body temperature
  • seizures

Tomatoes and potatoes

These contain a substance that causes violent gastrointestinal problems.

Xylitol (artificial sweetener)

Xylitol (artificial sweetener) causes insulin release in cats and dogs, which can lead to liver failure. Initial signs of toxicity include:

  • vomiting
  • lethargy
  • loss of coordination

This sweetener is used in:

  • candy
  • gum
  • toothpaste
  • baked goods
  • some diet foods

Yeast dough

Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your cat or dog's digestive system. This can be painful and cause the stomach or intestines to rupture. The risk diminishes after the dough is cooked and the yeast has fully risen.

References

The information on this page was gathered from: 

Page last updated: 07 Mar 2022