We all know that our pets love to eat human food whenever they get the chance, and while certain foods are actually good for their health, like blueberries and cantaloupe, some can make them very sick or even put their lives in danger. But why are there foods that we can eat that our four-legged friends can’t?

As Dr. Whitney Miller, chief veterinarian at Petco, says, humans evolved differently than cats and dogs, which means we developed different diets and ways of processing food. “From our gastrointestinal makeup to our teeth, we are designed to be omnivores with a rich and complex diet,” she says. “Additionally, our bodies can flush out many toxins that other animals do not have the capability to process.”

To discover some of the foods you likely have at home right now that aren’t safe for your pets, read through this helpful list.

Grapes and Raisins

Dr. Liz Moses, emergency veterinarian at Veterinary Emergency Group in Tampa, Florida, further explains that cats and dogs simply lack the necessary enzymes to properly digest some of the foods that we eat regularly. One notable food that’s toxic to cats and dogs is grapes. Although experts are unsure as to what part of the grape is toxic (There is speculation that the skin is to blame.), grapes and raisins can both cause kidney damage and possible failure, according to Dr. Moses.

Macadamia Nuts

“Similar to grapes and raisins, we are unclear why Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs,” Dr. Moses says. “However, they can cause vomiting, ataxia [poor muscle control], weakness, hyperthermia [increased body temperature] and depression.”

Almonds

Macadamia nuts aren’t the only nuts that are poisonous to pets. Dr. Miller adds that almonds are also toxic.

Pistachios

“Due to their size, many nuts, such as pistachios, present a choking hazard to pets, whose teeth are not designed for eating nuts like humans’ are,” Dr. Miller says.

Chocolate

Chocolate is a big one when it comes to toxic foods for pets. Dr. Moses says that the caffeine and theobromine in chocolate stimulate a pet’s central nervous system and heart. Symptoms can include vomiting and diarrhea along with more serious symptoms like abnormal heartbeat, muscle tremors and seizures. “The darker the chocolate, the higher the stimulation,” she says. “However, if a dog eats a large amount of milk chocolate, the effects could be similar to those of a dog who eats a small amount of dark chocolate.”

Dr. Miller says that dark chocolate also includes baking chocolate, and both pose the most serious threat to pets.

Cocoa Powder

“Cocoa powder is more dangerous than chocolate itself,” Dr. Moses says. “Cocoa powder can contain 50% more theobromine than plain chocolate. This can cause significant stimulation of the central nervous system, which can cause death.”

Onions

Onions, along with onion powder, chives, leeks, scallions and shallots, contain something called thiosulphate, which causes destruction of red blood cells and ultimately anemia in pets, resulting in symptoms like lethargy, weakness, pale gums and discolored urine, according to Dr. Miller. It can even lead to possible death.

Dr. Moses adds that red blood cells are essential to carry oxygen throughout the body. The destruction can cause kidney damage, as the kidneys filter the blood.

Garlic

Garlic and garlic powder also contain thiosulphate, just like onions and onion hybrids. “Thankfully, many pets do not like this flavor,” Dr. Miller says. “Recommendations exist to use garlic as a natural pest prevention, but there is no data to support this and generally it is not considered safe.”

Xylitol

Xylitol, a sweetener commonly used in sugar-free products — like candy, gum, diet foods, baked goods, toothpaste and some brands of peanut butter — is toxic if it’s consumed by a pet.

“It can stimulate the release of insulin and cause a severe drop in blood sugar or even liver failure,” Dr. Miller says. “Symptoms can occur within minutes of eating xylitol, so time is of the essence if your pet accidentally ingests this substance.” Consuming xylitol can also lead to seizures or death.

Avocado

Dr. Moses says that persin, which is a toxin that’s present in the fruit, leaves and pit of an avocado, can cause vomiting and diarrhea. “The high-fat content can cause pancreatitis, a painful inflammatory process that can land a pet in the hospital,” she says.

Dr. Miller also shares that an avocado’s pit is a choking hazard.

Cherries

Dr. Miller says that although the fruit of the cherry is OK for most pets to consume, the stems, leaves and pits contain cyanide, which is poisonous to pets and potentially fatal if consumed at toxic levels.

“The pits of cherries also present a choking hazard and can block a pet’s digestive tract, so it’s best to avoid them altogether,” she says.

Wild Berries

If you enjoy picking wild berries and keeping them around the house, be forewarned that they are toxic to pets. Dr. Miller says that mistletoe, gooseberries, salmonberries and holly berries are all toxic to dogs. “Generally, stick to berries you can buy at the supermarket to give to pets,” she says.

Apple Seeds

“Apple seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic to cats and dogs,” Dr. Moses says. “Even though a large amount needs to be ingested, owners should avoid feeding these to their pets.”

Yeasty Dough

“Yeast can cause low blood sugar, low body temperature, seizures, breathing difficulties and possibly death,” Dr. Moses says. The toxic ingredient in yeast is ethanol, Dr. Miller explains.

She also notes that dough can expand in the stomach once ingested and cause bloating. This can sometimes resolve with time, but bloating can also advance to GDV (gastric dilatation-volvulus), a very serious complication requiring emergency surgery. Symptoms of GDV usually occur an hour or two after eating and can include pacing, anxiety, a swollen abdomen and unsuccessful attempts to vomit.

Milk or Dairy Products

Dr. Moses says that all dogs and cats are considered to be lactose intolerant. “Therefore, any amount of dairy can cause gastrointestinal upset,” she says. Although these foods aren’t considered toxic, they are unsafe because they can make your pet feel sick and uncomfortable.

Pickles

“Regular, unseasoned pickles can be OK for pets to eat, but if they contain any garlic, onions or peppers, they can be toxic to your pet,” Dr. Miller says. “Many pickles are also high in salt or sugar, which can be harmful to pets.”

Raw Potatoes

Raw potatoes contain something called solanine, and as Dr. Moses observes, large amounts of this toxin can cause vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, dizziness and possible neurological issues.

Salt

“High amounts of salt in any animal can cause salt toxicity,” Dr. Moses says. “Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and seizures.”

Homemade Playdough

Homemade playdough is safe for kiddos to nibble on as long as it’s made with food-grade ingredients, but it isn’t safe for your pets to consume. As Dr. Moses says, homemade playdough contains large amounts of salt, which can cause salt toxicity.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a spice that can bring on myristicin toxicosis, which can cause high blood pressure, increased heart rate, abdominal pain and even hallucinations, Dr. Moses says.

Moldy Food

If you’re thinking of giving your pet those past-their-prime berries — or other forgotten foods from the back of your fridge — think again. Dr. Moses says that moldy food contains mycotoxins, which can be toxic to the digestive tract and the nervous system.

Bones

While many bones purchased at pet supplies stores are safe for your pet to chew, real bones are a different story.

“The bones of other animals might be enticing to your pet, but they easily fracture and break, and can cause damage to a pet’s mouth or digestive tract,” Dr. Miller says. “Ensure bone chews for pets have been processed to be safer for their consumption.”

Coffee, Caffeinated Drinks and Coffee Beans

As with chocolate, Dr. Moses says caffeine from coffee causes an elevated heart rate. Dr. Miller further details, “This substance found in chocolate, tea and coffee is a type of methylxanthine and can cause symptoms like rapid breathing, elevated blood pressure and body temperature, seizures and tremors, vomiting, diarrhea and, in large enough doses, death.”

Dr. Miller also notes, “Some folks use spent coffee grounds for compost or fertilizer — ensure this is not accessible to pets at any time.”

Spicy, Fried or Fatty Foods

Dr. Miller says that spicy, fried and fatty foods can cause digestive problems for pets as well as diarrhea and vomiting.

How can you prevent pets from eating unsafe foods?

While the thought of a fur baby snatching up one of these foods is unsettling to say the least, there are ways to prevent them from eating unsafe foods.

“Owners should treat their pets like children. If they can get into something they shouldn’t, then it should be put away,” Dr. Moses says. That means stashing harmful items inside cabinets or drawers.

A few safetly tips from Dr. Miller: “If you’re serving foods that are unsafe for your pets, ensure that family members and guests know to be careful about food dropping on the floor. For kids who may drop food accidentally, keep your pet in a crate or other contained area of the house during mealtime. You can also ward off your pets’ curiosity by feeding them before the unsafe foods come out, redirecting their attention with cues such as ‘leave it,’ or with puzzle toys and treats.”

Dr. Miller recommends sticking to pet food and treats formulated specifically for their nutritional needs, but if you’re ever unsure about your pet’s ability to eat something, err on the side of caution and consult your veterinarian.

What to do in an emergency

Despite your best efforts, if your pet still manages to eat an unsafe food or is acting abnormally and showing any signs of illness, contact your veterinarian and the Pet Poison Helpline (available 24/7) at 800-213-6680 immediately.

By Shelby Deering for HGTV
Published 12:21 PM EDT, Thu August 22, 2024