5 Foods Your Pets Should Never Eat

by Tony Zerjavic July 17, 2020

1. Anything Containing the Sweetener Xylitol

Xylitol is a type of artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free products like gum and candy, as well as some nut butters like peanut butter. Xylitol can cause insulin release, which can lead to liver failure, seizures and brain damage in your pet.

2. Chocolate, Coffee and Caffeine

While many dog owners are already familiar with the chocolate warning, the ASPCA points out that chocolate, coffee and caffeine all contain substances called methylxanthines, which are very dangerous to a pet’s health.

According to the ASPCA, “when ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest.”

3. Onions, Garlic and Chives

In all forms (powdered, raw, cooked etc.), these foods can cause gastrointestinal irritation in pets and could lead to red blood cell damage. While cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if they consume enough of any of these foods.

4. Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones

Raw meat and eggs can often contain bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can be harmful to both pets and humans. According to the ASPCA, raw eggs also “contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems.”

Raw bones can also be very dangerous for domesticated animals, as they can choke on them, and if the bone splinters, it could get stuck in or puncture your pet’s digestive tract.

5. Grapes and Raisins

Watch that glob of fruit salad you dropped on the ground, and keep the oatmeal and raisin cookies from Rover.

Although experts haven’t nailed down exactly what the toxic substance is residing in grapes and raisins, they say it’s best to avoid giving them to dogs, as they can cause kidney failure.