6 Human Foods You Should Never Give Your Pet

When you have a pet in your home, it’s always tempting to feed them little treats. But remember that you should limit those treats to foods that are made for them! Though you might be tempted to feed your pet the occasional scrap from your own table, there are many foods that are completely safe for you to eat, but potentially deadly if consumed by your pet. Here’s a list of foods you should never feed your pet.

1. Chocolate, Caffeine, and Coffee

These three types of products all contain a substance called methylxanthines. Methylxanthines are commonly found in cacao seeds (what chocolate is made of) and in some extracts used to make certain types of soda. When your pet eats these substances, they can cause vomiting, panting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythms, hyperactivity, excess urination, increased thirst, and seizures. In serious cases, they can even cause death. The darker the chocolate, the higher the level of methylxanthines it contains, and therefore, the more dangerous it will be. White chocolates are the least dangerous but should still be avoided.

2. Milk and Other Dairy Products

It’s tempting to offer your cat a bowl of cream or milk, but the truth is that your cat’s body does not produce much lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk. Because of this, offering them milk and other dairy products can cause them to have an upset stomach and diarrhea. If you must offer your cat milk, you can buy kitten milk products that are designed to be easily digested by felines. Offer these sparingly, though, as a special treat for your kitty.

3. Foods Containing Xylitol

Xylitol is a common sugar substitute used as a sweetener in a variety of different foods and other products, from baked goods to toothpaste. Even small amounts of this substance can cause your pet’s body to release insulin, which could potentially cause liver failure. This increased insulin can cause lowered sugar levels, known as hypoglycemia. Signs of xylitol toxicosis can include lethargy, loss of coordination, and vomiting, and it can eventually lead to seizures.

4. Alcohol

Even small amounts of alcohol can cause serious side effects in your pet. Think of the effects that alcohol has on humans, and then consider how much smaller your pet is than you. Just a few tablespoons is enough to cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, difficulty breathing, and even more severe symptoms like a coma or death. Your pet’s tolerance for alcohol is significantly less than yours, so never offer your pet alcohol, and if you suspect that your pet has consumed alcohol, no matter how small the amount, call your veterinarian or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center as soon as possible.

5. Citrus Fruits and Oils

The citric acid in the leaves, stems, and fruit of citrus plants can cause varying levels of irritation and even depression of the central nervous system if they are consumed in high enough amounts. However, just consuming the fruit in small doses won’t likely cause much harm other than a mild upset stomach. Keep in mind, though, that citrus essential oils—like those used in a diffuser or as perfume—could potentially cause serious side effects in your pet. Cats, older dogs, and puppies are particularly sensitive to citrus essential oils, and they can cause seizures, coma, or even death if ingested in high enough quantities. Avoid using these around your home.

6. Raw or Undercooked Meats, Eggs, or Bones

Though you might think it’s natural to feed your pet bones or raw meat, keep in mind that a raw food diet must be strictly controlled in order to be safe. It’s not safe to feed your pet raw food or eggs without ensuring their safety. Raw meats can contain salmonella and E. coli bacteria, which can cause sickness in both humans and pets. Raw eggs contain an enzyme that inhibits the absorption of the B-vitamin biotin, and this can potentially cause problems with your pet’s skin and coat. Raw bones can also be dangerous for your pet, since they can splinter and become lodged in your pet’s digestive tract or cause your pet to choke.

These six foods are certainly not the only ones you should avoid giving to your pet. Both dogs and cats should never be fed raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, nor onions, chives, and other plants in the Allium family.

If you’re ever in doubt about whether a food is safe to give your pet, contact your veterinarian beforehand. If your pet has eaten something unsafe, also call your vet, or contact the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center so that they can advise you what to do. Your best bet for keeping your pet safe is to limit their treats and meals to foods designed specifically for them, and to keep potentially unsafe foods well out of their reach. Stick with pet foods and keep your pet safe!