Toxic Foods for Cats and Dogs: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Our pets are part of the family, and we love to share our lives—and sometimes our food—with them. However, certain foods that are perfectly fine for humans can be extremely dangerous for cats and dogs. To keep your pets safe, it’s crucial to know which foods are toxic and how they can affect both cats and dogs.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most common toxic foods for both species:

Chocolate Why It’s Toxic: Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to both cats and dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is, as it contains higher levels of
theobromine. Symptoms of Poisoning: Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Restlessness
Rapid breathing
Tremors or seizures
What to Do: If your cat or dog ingests chocolate, seek veterinary help immediately. Small amounts of chocolate can still be dangerous, especially for smaller pets.
Grapes and Raisins Why They’re Toxic: Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs and are suspected to have a similar effect on cats.
Symptoms of Poisoning:
Vomiting (often within a few hours)
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Decreased urination, a sign of kidney failure What to Do: Even small amounts of grapes or raisins can be life-threatening. If your pet eats them, bring them down to your vet right away.
Onions and Garlic Why They’re Toxic: Onions, garlic, and other members of the allium family (such as leeks and chives) are toxic to both cats and dogs. They can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Weakness
Pale gums
Rapid heart rate
Blood in urine What to Do: If you suspect your pet has eaten onions or garlic in any form (raw, cooked, or powdered), consult your veterinarian. Anemia can develop over time, so prompt action is important.
Alcohol Why It’s Toxic: Alcohol is dangerous for pets of any size. Even small amounts can cause significant harm, affecting their liver and brain much more quickly than in humans.
Symptoms of Poisoning:
Vomiting
Disorientation
Decreased coordination Seizures
Difficulty breathing What to Do: If your cat or dog consumes alcohol, bring them down to your vet right away.
Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener) Why It’s Toxic: Xylitol, commonly found in sugar-free gum, candy, and baked goods, is highly toxic to dogs and cats. It causes a dangerous drop in blood sugar, causing hypoglycaemia.
Symptoms of Poisoning:
Loss of coordination Vomiting
Seizures
Rapid heart rate
What to Do: If your pet ingests any product containing xylitol, this is a veterinary emergency. Immediate treatment is critical to prevent severe complications.
Dairy Products Why They’re Problematic: While dairy isn't toxic, many adult cats and dogs are lactose intolerant. This means their bodies can’t properly digest lactose, leading to gastrointestinal upset.
Symptoms: Diarrhoea
Gas
Stomach cramps
What to Do: If your pet reacts poorly to dairy, it’s best to avoid milk, cheese, and other dairy products. While the symptoms usually aren’t life-threatening, they can cause discomfort
Avocados Why They’re Toxic: Avocados contain a substance called persin, which is toxic to animals, particularly birds. While dogs and cats are less sensitive to persin, avocados can still cause digestive issues and pose a choking hazard due to the pit.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Abdominal pain
What to Do: If your pet has consumed a significant amount of avocado or swallowed the pit, contact your vet to ensure they aren’t at risk for a serious issue.
Macadamia Nuts Why They’re Toxic: Macadamia nuts are particularly dangerous for dogs, causing temporary but severe symptoms such as weakness and tremors. While cats are less commonly affected, these nuts are still not safe for them.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Weakness, especially in the hind legs
Vomiting
Tremors
Hyperthermia
What to Do: Call your vet if your dog or cat eats macadamia nuts. Although symptoms usually resolve with treatment, they can be distressing for your pet.
Cooked Bones Why They’re Dangerous: While many people believe bones are a natural treat for pets, cooked bones can be extremely dangerous for both cats and dogs. Cooking makes bones brittle, causing them to splinter easily when chewed. These sharp fragments can lead to serious injuries, including choking, mouth injuries, and damage to the digestive tract. Splintered bones can puncture the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, leading to life-threatening conditions that may require emergency surgery.
Symptoms of Cooked Bone-Related Injuries: Gagging or choking
Drooling or pawing at the mouth
Vomiting or bloody stools
Abdominal pain or swelling
Lethargy or refusal to eat
What to Do: Never give your pet cooked bones, no matter how tempting it might seem. If your pet ingests a cooked bone or shows signs of injury or distress after chewing on one, seek immediate veterinary care. Raw bones, while safer, should also be given cautiously and under supervision to prevent similar risks.
Caffeine Why It’s Toxic: Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, soda, and certain medications, is toxic to both cats and dogs. Even small amounts can have serious effects on their heart and nervous systems.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Restlessness
Rapid breathing
Tremors
Heart palpitations
Seizures
What to Do: If your pet ingests caffeine, contact your vet immediately. Keep caffeinated products out of reach at all times.

Conclusion: Keeping your pets safe from toxic foods requires awareness and vigilance. Many of the foods we enjoy can have serious or even deadly consequences for cats and dogs. If you ever suspect that your pet has consumed something harmful, it’s essential to contact your veterinarian as quickly as possible.
By avoiding these common toxic foods, you can help ensure your beloved pets remain
healthy, happy, and by your side for many years to come.

Done by: Nurse Quenas