Common Foods Harmful to Pets

[Miro]

Common Foods Harmful to Pets

As responsible pet owners we must be diligent about protecting our
pets from harm. Besides taking care of their basic safety needs and
seeing that they get regular veterinary care, this should also include
closely monitoring the foods they eat. This is especially true if you
are feeding your dog or cat any type of human food.

Some people have always given their pets human food as a treat in
addition to their own dog or cat chow. However, in light of the recent
pet food recalls throughout the United States and some other regions,
many pet parents are opting to make their own, completely forgoing
commercially made pet foods.

While this may offer peace of mind for some, it may not be safe
without knowing what foods you can and can't give to your pet, as well
as learning their exact nutritional needs.

Before you head to the cupboard or pantry to prepare your pet's next
meal, make it a point to learn what foods and products may actually do
your dog or cat more harm than good.

Common foods that are harmful to pets include:

* Chocolate
* Coffee, caffeine
* Alcohol
* Xylitol
* Grapes
* Raisins
* Avocados
* Macadamia nuts
* Onions
* Garlic
* Chives
* Milk
* Raw or undercooked meat
* Raw eggs
* Bones
* Yeast dough

Many people may be surprised to see milk on the list of foods that can
be harmful to our pets. Although they may like the taste, cats and
dogs, unlike most humans, do not have enough lactase, which is the
enzyme needed to break down the lactose in milk. Milk, as well as
other milk-based dairy products, may cause digestive difficulties in
pets, particularly dogs. Diarrhea, upset stomach, and even vomiting
can occur, especially in younger pets, after drinking milk.

Xylitol, an artificial sweetener commonly used in products labeled
"sugar-free," is extremely harmful to animals, especially dogs,
although perfectly safe for human consumption. Xylitol, which causes
an excess of insulin production in most types of animals possibly
leading to liver failure, can be found in snacks such as baked goods,
candy, gum, and even in certain toothpastes.

Warning signs of xylitol poisoning include:

* Vomiting
* Lethargy
* Loss of muscle coordination
* Seizures

If you think that your dog or cat may have eaten something toxic,
immediately contact your veterinarian or your local poison control
center without delay.

Pet Health Care Tips
http://pethealthcaretips.blogspot.com/

[Jessica Holland]

I am disinclined to agree with some of these things. While I agree that
with the way meat is raised today that raw anything may be harmful I
think that bones are fine and even good as this is the way that calcium
is gotten in the wild. I also disagree with onions and garlic. I have
four adult huskies and they all have had these in moderation and do
well. I have to agree that if given to much that it can bother the dog
but small amounts can be beneficial. I have one husky who no matter
what you do will not eat plain dog food and will often watch it mold and
go to the point of throwing up stomach acid before he will eat it. I
mix his food with table scraps and he eats what we eat. I have no
problems. Now I have removed onions from one females diet only because
she is nursing 3 new pups and they will not tolerate it well.

Anyway, this is my 2 cents and take it for what it is worth. However,
take into account that where I live I do not have a lot of choice as to
what I feed my dogs and I give them what they will eat