8 Human Foods to Avoid for Pets

8 Human Foods to Avoid for Pets

Though you consider your pets as beloved family members, you cannot share your food with them. Your cat or your dog can be tempted to snack with you on your favorite food due to the unconditional love you shower upon them. However, it’s important to be aware of several foods considered healthy for humans and are ideal for human consumption can be fatal for your furry companion. Ensure you have plenty of cat or dog food and treats (i.e., Bully Sticks) on hand to feed your pet. And also, m ake a note of the most common human foods that can cause serious health problems in cats and dogs, and in extreme cases, can even cause death:

  • Root vegetables
    This category of foods mainly includes onions and garlic. Onions contain a deadly-for-pets substance called N-propyl disulfide that attacks and destroys red blood cells in cats and dogs. They cause a form of anemia. Garlic, on the other hand, has a similar substance that can be fatal for pets. Even a small amount cooked into a sauce can cause severe problems, including an upset stomach and other GI issues.
  • Raw fish
    Know the effects of giving your pet raw salmon or trout that is often infected with a bacteria called Neorickettsia helminthoeca. This bacteria doesn’t cause humans any harm but can be fatal for your pets. Make sure to cook salmon or trout thoroughly before feeding your pet.
  • Mushrooms
    While some mushrooms are safe for your pet, others are extremely harmful. Some mushrooms that are safe for human consumption can cause seizures, tremors, and organ failure in your pets. It’s advisable to avoid feeding your cat or dog mushrooms to ensure they’re completely safe from the same ill-effects.
  • Rhubarb
    It’s a popular vegetable that is used to make pies. However, its leaves and stems deplete calcium levels to a significant extent in your pets. When your cat or dog consumes it, it can lead to renal failure and cause other severe medical problems.
  • Coconut
    The milk of fresh coconuts has heavy oils that cause serious stomach disorders and diarrhea in pets. Coconut water should also be avoided since it contains a high degree of potassium that causes liver damage and other pets’ complications.
  • Cheese
    While cheese is a staple human food, it has high doses of sugars and fatty acids that cause severe digestion problems in pets. Your cat or dog will start vomiting and experience severe gastrointestinal diseases that can be life-threatening.
  • Raw eggs
    Consuming raw eggs can lead to a condition called salmonella. This is the condition where your pet experiences excessive diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy. Raw eggs also contain an enzyme called avidin that can deplete the absorption of vitamin B. This vitamin is essential to keep your pet’s coat healthy and prevent skin diseases and inflammation.
  • Citrus
    The citric acid found in citrus fruits is highly problematic for your pets that attack the central nervous system. While most pet foods contain a very mild dose of citric acid as a preservative, it’s the large quantities that cause harm and upset your pet’s digestive system and overall health.