It’s natural to wish to share the foods we enjoy with our dogs. But a lot of popular human foods can be harmful to our pets. They can lead to severe health conditions and even be fatal in some cases, which is why it is imperative to know which foods can be fed to our dogs and which cannot. This article discusses a few human foods that can be harmful and unsafe for your dog. Chocolate and other caffeinated foods and beverages Chocolates are an absolute no-no when it comes to dogs and other animals. This is because chocolate contains methylxanthines found in the cacao seed. When cacao seeds or their resulting methylxanthines are consumed by dogs, they can experience a wide range of harmful side effects. Most side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, constant and excessive thirst, urination, and increased and abnormal heart rhythm. In worse cases, dogs may also experience tremors, seizures, or death. White chocolate contains the least amount of methylxanthines, but it is best to keep this harmful food away from your pet. Other foods that contain caffeine, including coffee, tea, energy drinks, should also be avoided. Instead of these, you can opt for chocolate that is free of toxins and is made especially for dogs. Dog food and treats that contain chocolate made for dogs are made from the carob tree. Avocado Avocados make for a great breakfast meal or a healthy snack for us. But, as much as we humans enjoy avocados, they should not be fed to dogs. This is because avocados contain a fungicidal toxin known as persin. When consumed by dogs, persin can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and a whole lot of other health problems. In worse cases, persin can also cause death. Note that it’s not just the fruit that contains persin; the leaves, pits, and pretty much the entire plant contains persin.

Families also include pet members. However, that does not mean feeding on each other’s food is a brilliant or a safe idea. Each species has its own set of nutritional requirements, and exchanging food would deprive everyone of these requirements. And yet, humans are guilty of letting their pets indulge in human food. Some human foods can be extremely detrimental to cat health. To alert you, here are human foods that are dangerous for cats. Garlic and onions Garlic and onions are not on the list of healthy cat treats. Both these ingredients can cause damage to a cat’s red blood cells and even lead to anemia. Consumption of large quantities of these foods or even shallots can lead to poisoning. It can also cause pale gums, decreased appetite, weakness, and lethargy in cats. In case of consumption, intentional or accidental, it is advised to visit the veterinarian immediately. Chocolate When it comes to foods that our pets like but can’t have, chocolate ends up on the top of the list. Chocolates and cacao both contain the alkaloid theobromine, which is known to deposit in the cat’s body. This deposition eventually leads to toxicity. The symptoms accompanied by chocolate toxicity include diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach ache. Dairy products Cats are commonly fed milk and other dairy products without apprehension. Research suggests dairy and dairy products can lead to diarrhea in cats and dogs. This can often be accompanied by vomiting and an upset stomach. This stands true for both cats and kittens as they are lactose intolerant. Additionally, if you are on the lookout for healthy cat treats but do not want to risk it with human food, you can always purchase packaged cat food. Here are some of the most reliable brands when it comes to healthy cat treats.

Most of your feline’s meals should consist of nutritional and wholesome cat food. However, you can give them a few bites of what you eat every now and then. In fact, some of these human foods are perfectly safe for your kitty, and some are even nutritious for them. You just need to pick the right cat-friendly snacks with the nutrients they need. Here are some harmless treats you can share with your cat occasionally. Spinach This dark leafy green is not good just for us humans but cats too. It contains vitamins like C, K, and A, which are essential for good health. Spinach also contains iron and calcium that are essential for growth and development. Giving just boiled spinach to your cat may not work, so try making a paste and add it to their food. Salmon Most cats love salmon, so adding it to their meals won’t be a problem. It is a good source of protein and has some much-needed essential omega-3 fatty acids. While some cats may eat raw salmon, too, it is recommended to cook it properly before feeding it to your pet. Eggs Eggs, which are a good source of protein, make for a great treat. They also contain vitamin B, which keeps your cat healthy and strong. You can simply boil an egg and mash it or cut it into tiny pieces for your pet to chew easily. Fish oil Giving your cat fish oil is an excellent way to keep them healthy and happy! You can choose from various options like salmon or cod liver oil and add this to their meals. Try incorporating fish oil into their food, especially during winter, as it helps in keeping their skin hydrated and coat shiny and fluffy. Chicken Boiled, shredded chicken is one of the healthiest and delicious foods to give your cat!

It’s very natural and common to want to share your food with your dog. But, dogs have different digestive systems, meaning that all human foods may not be safe for their consumption. However, there are many human foods that are safe for them and not only provide them with a delicious treat but also have tons of nutritional benefits. In this article, we list a few human foods that are safe and healthy for dogs. Carrots Carrots are great human food for your pet pooch. Carrots are high in fiber which helps improve your dog’s digestive system. They are also loaded with vitamin A that helps boost the immune system, improving the overall quality of your pet’s skin and coat. Carrots are also good for your dog’s oral health and help remove plaque due to their crunchy texture. Dairy products Dairy products in limited or small amounts are also good for your dog. You can try giving your pet milk, cheese, even plain yogurt. But, note that most dogs could be lactose intolerant due to the low levels of lactase in their body. Lactase is a digestive enzyme that is essential to break down the sugars in milk. It is recommended to avoid dairy products if your dog is lactose intolerant. Fish Omega-3 fatty acids are not only an essential nutrient for human beings but also dogs. They help boost their immune system, improve the quality of their skin, and even maintain a healthy fur coat. Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, shrimp, and tuna. Note that it is important to cook any fish before feeding it to your dog. This is because raw fish can contain harmful parasites that could cause more harm than good. Apples Apples are rich sources of vitamin A and vitamin C.

We love to pamper our pets in every way we can, and sometimes we tend to give in to those puppy eyes during mealtime. But you need to watch out for your furry friend and learn what’s best suited for their digestive system. If you’re a new pet parent and don’t know what to feed or not feed your dog, take a look at our list of human foods that can be dangerous for dogs. Onion and garlic Onions and garlic in any form – powdered, dehydrated, raw, or cooked can be toxic for dogs as these can cause damage to their red blood cells, eventually causing anemia. When these ingredients are ingested excessively at once, they can quickly turn poisonous. Signs of ingesting onions or garlic can include weakness, vomiting, and respiratory issues. Grapes and raisins These may seem like the perfect treat for your dog, but even a small amount of these can cause kidney failure in dogs. The initial signs may include vomiting, sluggishness, and depression. Milk and other dairy products Dairy products like milk and ice cream can trigger allergies among dogs, causing diarrhea and itchy skin. If your pet is lactose intolerant, they may have severe reactions to ingesting dairy products. Talking to your vet before feeding your dog any dairy product would be advisable.  Macadamia nuts These nuts are toxic for dogs and can be fatal when combined with chocolates. Your dog may develop symptoms like muscle weakness, rhythmic shaking, vomiting, and high temperature. These nuts are usually found in sweets and chocolates, which must be completely avoided. Xylitol This sugar alcohol is an artificial sweetener usually found in sweets like candy, gum, toothpaste, cookies, muffins, sweet bread, cakes, and more. Ingestion of xylitol brings down the blood sugar levels in dogs due to excess release of insulin from the pancreas.