Module 8

Foods to Avoid

Estimated Time: 15 minutes

The foods you should avoid giving your pet include the following topics:

• Human Food
• Foods Toxic to Dogs
• Foods Toxic to Cats
• Foods Toxic to Other Pets

8.0 Introduction

Certain foods can be harmful for your pet which is why many pet food manufacturers create different types of food that are designed for specific animals.

Cats, for example, are meat eaters, or carnivores. They can handle eating skin, muscle, and meat from a dead animal, but rabbits subsist mostly on plants and vegetation, and are not as good at digesting animal meat. To ensure your pet stays healthy throughout their life, you need to know what foods your pet should avoid.

8.1 Human Food

It seems like fun to feed your pet food from the table.

Children particularly think it is no big deal to sneak a bit of food to their pet. However, it can lead to trouble with your pet. Certain human foods can be toxic or at the very least indigestible to your pet. Just because a food is safe for a human, does not necessarily mean it is safe for your pet.

The following is a list created by the ASPCA regarding foods not to feed your pets:

• Alcohol: Have you ever seen a cat lick an alcohol bottle like a beer bottle or try to lick a little off your leftover margarita? Pets like sweet things, but alcohol can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, abnormal blood acidity, tremors, coma, and even death. No pet should be given alcohol or come into contact with the substance.
• Avocado: Dogs, cats, birds, donkeys, rabbits, horses, sheep, and goats should never come into contact with avocado. It can cause cardiovascular damage, a swollen head and neck area, vomitting, and death.
• Caffeine, chocolate, and coffee: The triple C of beverages is dangerous to any pet due to the methylxanthines. This substance is found in cacao seeds, coffee plants, and nuts. When ingested by animals it leads to diarrhea, vomiting, panting, urination, excessive thirst, abnormal heart rhythm, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, and death.
• Citrus: The leaves, stems, peels, seeds, and fruit of citrus based plants and fruits contain citric acid. Citric acid along with essential oils found in citrus plants can lead to irritation, as well as central nervous system depression. Small doses only show an upset stomach, but enough of the fruit can lead to major complications for pets that do not have plant based diets – i.e. rabbits, mice, and hamsters can eat certain fruits.
• Coconut oil and coconut: In general, any coconut product, including coconut oil, can be harmful to your pet in high doses. It may lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Coconut water has too much potassium for your pets to consume in large amounts, so make sure to use moderation when giving it to your pets.
• Grapes and dried grapes (raisins): Grapes and the dried variety of the fruit can lead to kidney failure in specific pets, especially dogs and cats.
• Macadamia nuts: In dogs specifically, macadamia nuts are known to cause depression, weakness, vomiting, hyperthermia, and tremors.
• Milk and dairy: The milk that pets receive as babies is different from the milk we drink. Our milk contains lactose and we have an enzyme called lactase that can break it down. Pets, even cats, lack this enzyme which is why milk and dairy products can cause diarrhea and other digestive issues.
• Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and pecans have a high amount of fats and oils. These fats and oils can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and pancreatitis in pets.
• Chives, garlic, and onions: All three of these veggies and herbs can lead to gastrointestinal damage, as well as red blood cell damage. Dogs are more at risk than other pets, but you should avoid giving these to any pet.
• Raw or undercooked meat, bones and eggs: Eggs and meat are known to contain salmonella and E.coli. Both are not only dangerous to you, but your pets. You want to make certain that you are not providing food to your pet that could contain these bacteria. Raw eggs also have avidin, which limits the absorption of a B vitamin called Biotin. Biotin is essential to your pets for coat and skin health. Bones may be something your pets were adapted to handle in the wild, but as domesticated animals, there is a high potential for your pet to choke on the bones. Bones can also splinter and puncture your pet’s digestive tract.
• Salt: In any form from plain salt to salty foods, your pets can be harmed if they have too much. They can experience excessive urination and thirst. Sodium ion poisoning can also occur. This can also lead to vomiting, depression, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, elevated body temperature, and death.
• Xylitol: Found in some sweets, gum, toothpaste, and baked goods, xylitol causes an insulin release in most pet species, which leads to liver failure. It can cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels. Vomiting, loss of coordination, and lethargy are signs of toxicity. If too much is consumed, elevated liver enzymes and then liver failure can occur within a few days.
• Yeast dough: Yeast rises, which means it can also rise when ingested by your pets. Stomach gas can cause it to rise in the digestive system, causing the stomach to bloat, even twist, before becoming life threatening.

Cats are generally more sensible than dogs when it comes to eating things they shouldn’t.

Source: vets-now.com

8.2 Foods Toxic to Dogs

While the list above includes some  foods that we should not to give to dogs, there are also other specific foods that should be mentioned with regards to dogs.

Dogs tend to eat anything of interest and sometimes it is not good for them. Dogs might try to eat spoiled food, moldy food, or rubbish. Dogs have been known to go through rubbish bins and drag out food. You want to carefully monitor your dog whenever it is outside.

Bones from fish, meat, and poultry are dangerous to dogs. Bones can cause obstructions or lacerations throughout the digestive system.

Cat food is definitely not good for dogs. While dogs do eat protein, cat food is too high in protein and fats for dogs.

Fish, whether it is raw, cooked, or canned, is not appropriate for dogs. In high amounts or as an exclusive meal, there is too much thiamine (a B vitamin) which can lead to a loss of appetite, death and seizures in dogs.

Human vitamin supplements, particularly with iron, should never be given to dogs. They can lead to organ damage and digestive system troubles.

Some mushrooms are not good for your dog because they can contain toxins that cause shock and death in dogs. Before giving your dog mushrooms, confirm that they are able to process that species of mushroom.

Persimmons, although not toxic, their seeds can cause an obstruction in the digestive tract or intestinal tract, leading to enteritis.

Pits from fruits like peaches and plums can also cause obstructions in your dog’s bowels.

Rhubarb leaves contain oxalates, which are known to affect the nervous, digestive, and urinary systems of dogs. Bear in mind these are also highly poisonous to human beings as well.

String may be something you have around the house. It should be put somewhere that your dog cannot play with it. They are likely to ingest it and that can cause a digestive system issue.

Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced for your dog. If you are going to provide something from your table it should be no more than 10% of their daily diet. Furthermore, all fat and bones need to be removed. This is why it is a good idea not to feed table scraps.

8.3 Foods Toxic to Cats

While the list above also includes some  foods that we should not to give to cats, there are also other specific foods that should be mentioned with regards to cats.

Tuna for cats should be mixed in with other meats and nutritional items. If you feed your cat tuna from a can meant for you, this can lead to your cat becoming addicted to just tuna. Your cat will no longer be getting all the nutrients they need, and when tuna is the only thing eaten, mercury found in the fish can start to build up and become too high a dose, leading to toxicity.

Table scraps can also be extremely dangerous to your cats. They usually have fat and bones. Fat, whether uncooked or cooked can create intestinal upset in your cat, which leads to vomiting and diarrhea. Cats also have smaller mouths and digestive systems, so any bone can block your cat’s internal system, or splinter and cause a laceration.

Dog food might be something your cat is interested in, however, you should not let your cat get used to stealing this food. Dog food is not a substitute for cat food. It has a different balance of nutrients. Cats eat a higher protein diet than dogs. There are also certain fatty acids and vitamins your cat needs that are not found in dog food. Your cat can become malnourished with dog food.

Liver is often a component mixed in with other protein ingredients for cats. You do not want to feed cooked or raw liver to your cat as their only food. Small amounts found in their cat food are fine, however, if it is the only ingredient your cat is receiving, they can suffer from vitamin A toxicity. Vitamin A toxicity can lead to death. It can also affect your cat’s bones, leading to deformed bones or osteoporosis.

Too many cat treats can lead to cat diabetes. Low end cat treats are usually high in sugary substances and not meant to be very nutritious. You want to be strict with certain treats. If you are going to feed your cat treats often, consider treats that contain natural supplements or that are very low in sugar content.

Also, make certain if you drop any human medication that you pick it up immediately. A cat may be inclined to play with the small pill and ingest it. Cats should never be given medication that is used for humans, unless a vet prescribes it. Ingredients like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be deadly to your cat.

Cats love to sneak into a lot of different places and can get into all sorts of things. You never want your cat to get into your pantry where you keep foods they should never get close to. Additionally, avoid leaving plastic bags out that your cat might chew on or break through using their claws. They sometimes use plastic as a way to clean their teeth, but unfortunately they also ingest little bits. This can cause a blockage in your cat’s digestive system and lead to serious physical harm.

Certain ingredients in cat food, like ash, can become harmful over time. Look for low ash content in food to avoid future kidney problems.

8.4 Food Toxic to Other Pets

Rabbits are omnivores, however, there are still foods they should avoid like bread, potatoes, rice, biscuits, and chocolate.

You may think you can feed any plant food to your rabbit, but some plants can actually be harmful. Plants that grow from bulbs, apples and apple seeds, apricot skin and seeds, tomatoes, wild carrots, almonds, arum lily, belladonna, larkspur, fools parsley, foxglove, evergreens, poppies, and potato tops are all types of plants that should be avoided for rabbits.

Rabbits need a high fiber diet that is low in sugar and fat. Your rabbit may try to eat certain plants in your back garden if you let them roam around there. Most rabbits will at least avoid plants they know are toxic, however, there may also be certain plants they are drawn to because they are like the plants you feed them.

Hamsters are also going to require a certain type of diet to maintain proper nutrition. Hamsters should avoid almonds, celery, unwashed fruits, garlic, kidney beans, lettuce, peanuts, potatoes, spicy products, sugary products, and unwashed vegetables.

Hamsters are omnivores. This means they subsist on plants, like fruits, and nuts. However, there are certain nuts that contain cyanide and aflatoxin, which are highly dangerous to your pets.

You also want to avoid giving too much food to your hamster at a time. They are pack animals, so they will store the food. Dwarf hamsters are known to pack food into their cheeks and not remove it, which can lead to infection. By providing just enough for a full meal, your hamster will avoid leaving food for too long.

Overall, if you buy appropriate food from the pet store that is marked for your type pet, you can usually avoid feeding foods that are not good for your pet. You always want to feed your pet safely.

Module 8 Summary

Many of the foods your pets should be avoiding  may already be given by you to your pet.

The good news is you can stop right now. You want to make certain your pet is always safe and that includes what you feed them.

If you are ever in doubt about what to feed your pet, speak with a pet store, pet nutritionist,  or vet for an appropriate diet recommendation.

Avoid giving your pet foods made for humans until you have confirmed it will be safe for your pet.

All animals have specific dietary needs, including humans. Our diets differ from those of a cat, dog, horse, rabbit, or other pet, and we need to make certain our family pets get what they require.