What Foods are Bad for Pets?
There are plenty of foods that are bad for pets, though certain foods may be bad for dogs and not for cats or vice versa. There are some foods that are bad for both cats and dogs. It’s important to take note of these because they are often common foods in our homes.
A list of foods that are bad for pets, both cats and dogs, includes any types of raisins or grapes, which may cause kidney damage. Tomatoes may also be problematic, creating violent illness in both dogs and cats. Onions and garlic are bad for pets and may result in anemia if consumed regularly. This risk is higher for cats but still can occur in dogs.
Chocolate is equally a problem, and so are foods and drinks with alcohol. Neither dogs nor cats should eat uncooked yeast dough because it can expand in their stomachs. Another food that both cats and dogs can’t digest and may have problems with is raw potatoes of any kind.
For dogs, there are other foods that should be avoided. These include raw eggs, most nuts, large amounts of liver, cut fats off of meats, pits from fruit, persimmons, and surprisingly cat food. Cat food can create problems for dogs because it is high in fat and has incorrect nutritional balance for dogs. If you have a dog, dog food is a better choice than cat food, although it should be remarked that if you had to feed a dog cat food once or twice in its lifetime, it would be unlikely to harm the dog.
Another food that may be bad for pets is milk. Some dogs and/or cats appear to digest milk fine and others have significant intestinal upset from it. Most dairy products may bother the stomachs of pets, though occasionally dogs and cats adore cheese and digest it well. Choose lower fat cheeses for them, since this should be a treat instead of an every day type of food.
Sometimes the food itself isn't bad for pets, but the way you prepare it can be. If dogs or cats are given meat or fish, it should be free of small bones. These can block the digestive system or cause cuts in the intestines and should be avoided.
If you have pets that are not dogs or cats, there are few things you should avoid feeding them:
- Rabbits—avoid lettuce, potato tops, leaves from tomato plants, and parsnips
- Most Rats/ Mice—avoid blue cheese, raw potatoes, raw carrots and carbonated drinks
- Hamsters—avoid garlic, onions, frozen foods, chocolate, and citrus fruits.
When in doubt, check with your veterinarian about an optimum diet for your pet. Remember that just about anything we humans consider junk food is also bad for pets. When you want to give snacks to a pet, be sure that such snacks are treats that will not harm your animal.
Written by Tricia Ellis-Christensen
