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Toxic Foods for Dogs and Cats

by Yvette Eastman

There are dozens of foods that are hazardous and potentially deadly to dogs and cats. Mostly everyone knows not to feed a dog chocolate, but the other things listed here are not as well known and several are used constantly in our human diets. They are often mixed with a dog’s meal as a treat or just because you don’t want to throw it out. The following items are among the most common poisonous foods for dogs and cats.

Chocolate
Chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats, though a toxic dose will vary depending on factors like whether the dog ate the chocolate on an empty stomach, if the dog is particularly sensitive to chocolate, and the type of chocolate, since dark chocolate is more toxic, whereas milk chocolate less so, and white chocolate must be consumed in extremely large quantities to cause a serious problem.

Theobromine is the toxic ingredient in chocolate. Theobromine serves to stimulate the central nervous system, resulting in rapid heart rate, seizures, tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, panting and extremely fast pulse.

Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are toxic for dogs. Grapes and raisins (which are dried grapes) will trigger acute renal (kidney) failure. They kidneys act as filters for toxins in the dog’s or cat’s body, therefore, when the kidneys are not functioning properly, toxins accumulate in the body and lead to death due to toxins. Urine production will also slow significantly or cease in cases of grape or raising toxicity in dogs and cats, so this can suggest a very serious problem if observed in an animal who may have accessed grapes or raisins.

Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic can trigger a form of anemia where the body’s red blood cells burst. Onions and garlic contain thiosulphate, the chemical that makes them toxic foods for dogs and cats. This results in poor oxygen supply to the vital organs and tissues. If you feed onions or garlic to him regularly, his red blood cells may weaken and literally fall apart. The thiosulphate can reach toxic, even deadly levels, if he eats too much of either food.

When fed regularly in small doses, serious and potentially deadly nutritional deficiencies can also result. So animal owners should always check ingredients of prepared foods before offering these foods to pets. Baby food very often contains onion powder. So French onion soup and other food items containing onions and garlic should be crossed off the list of cat or dog-safe foods. Without treatment, severe anemias and death can result from overeating these toxic foods. Garlic, in small amounts will NOT kill your animal. It's a useful flea/tick/skeeter deterrent. It does the same for cats as dogs, but there's a higher chance of toxicity - I do 1 week on 2 weeks off for the cats (it can cause a certain type of anemia in cats). Many of us feed garlic and onion to our dogs to ward off fleas, not knowing that both are also toxic to our dog. Some canned dog foods contain onions. Read your labels.

Avocado
Avocado fruit, pits, leaves and the actual plant are all potentially poisonous to dogs, along with other pets like cats, mice, rats, birds, rabbits, horses, cattle and goats, among others. Avocados will trigger fluid accumulation in the lungs and chest, leading to difficulty breathing and death due to oxygen deprivation. Fluid accumulation can also occur in the heart, pancreas and abdomen. It is fortunate that avocado is expensive and so rarely fed to our animals, yet recently, my dear friend was heartbroken when her dog ate an avocado out on a counter and died. Her dog exhibited horrible breath afterward, and she feels so guilty that she did not recognize the symptoms of poisoning where she could have given him charcoal and perhaps saved his life.

Tomatoes, Potatoes and Rhubarb
Tomatoes, potatoes and rhubarb contain oxalates, which trigger abnormalities with the nervous system, kidneys and digestive tract. Especially toxic are green tomatoes, green potatoes, potato skins, and tomato leaves and plants, can trigger tremors, seizure and heart arrhythimia, so tomatoes should never be given to dogs. These foods are harsh for humans with arthritis as well with the addition of green peppers.

Cat Food
Cat food is very high in fats and protein and when ingested by a dog, particularly in large amounts or on a regular basis, the cat food can cause a bout of potentially deadly pancreatitis. It should be noted that all high-fat foods – particularly ham and bacon - have the ability to trigger pancreatitis, therefore pet owners should also use caution when offering table scraps that are high in fats. On the other hand, dog food should not be eaten regularly by cats since it does not fulfill their nutritional needs. They may become nutritionally deficient.

Alcohol
Cats and dogs cannot tolerate alcohol, even in small amounts. And the hops in beer are also potentially toxic to both cats and dogs. Alcohol ingestion by them can result in intoxication, liver failure, coma, seizures and death.

Nuts
Macadamia nuts and walnuts are toxic to cats and dogs, and these foods can also trigger pancreatitis. Peanuts can trigger a deadly allergic reaction.

Mushrooms
Mushrooms contain toxins that will trigger numerous organ systems, including the kidneys, liver and brain. Nervous system abnormalities, seizure, coma, vomiting, and death can all result when a cat or a dog ingests mushrooms.

Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Peaches and Plum
These five fruits aren't usually thought of as toxic foods. However, they contain a type of cyanide compound that can poison your cat or dog if he eats enough of the stems, seeds and leaves. This can result in dilated pupils, breathing difficulties, hyperventilation, shock, and apprehensiveness.

Coffee and Coffee Grounds or Beans
Some dogs will eat anything, especially if they're enjoying a forbidden treat from a trash can. Coffee grounds and beans have caffeine in them, and dogs that eat them can suffer from caffeine toxicity. The symptoms of coffee toxicity are similar to the symptoms of chocolate toxicity, and just as serious, if not more so. Also beware of leaving out bowls or packages of chocolate-covered coffee beans. These amount to the worst of both worlds in terms of chocolate and coffee poisoning. Since cats are much fussier eaters, this does not affect cats as much as dogs.

Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a popular spice at Christmas time, especially for egg nog.
It shouldn't be popular with your cat or dog, High levels of nutmeg can result in his death. Symptoms include seizures, tremors, central nervous system problems, and death.

Yeast Dough (Unbaked Bread)
If you bake bread, you know that the dough needs a warm, moist environment to expand. Your animal's stomach is a nice warm, moist environment, and so, the dough can expand to many times its size when first ingested. This distends his abdomen and can cause pain. Another issue with raw dough is the rising process itself. The dough rises because the yeast ferments it. The fermentation results in alcohol, which can cause alcohol toxicity. Avoid these problems by always keeping unbaked dough out of your animal’s reach. Leave it on the stove top, or on the counter or a high table.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda
Although not really foods, baking powder and baking soda are common items found in the kitchen. They are both leavening agents, used in baked goods to create a gas, which causes doughs and batters to rise.

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. Baking powder combines baking soda with an acid of some kind, usually cream of tartar, sodium aluminum sulphate or calcium acid phosphate, or a combination of the three. If your cat or dog eats a large amount of either of these powders, he can suffer from electrolyte changes, muscle spasms and congestive heart failure. Keep baking soda and baking powder out of your animal's reach. If you spill some on the floor, clean it up immediately.

Fatty Foods
Dogs love rich and fatty foods, just like we do. They find these foods in the trash, or receive them as treats or leftovers. Excessive amounts of fatty foods can cause pancreatitis. Miniature and toy poodles, cocker spaniels and miniature schnauzers are especially prone to pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis signs include abdominal pain, acute onset of vomiting, and diarrhea. The pain can show through a hunched posture when you pick up your dog. You can easily avoid pancreatitis by not feeding your dog oily or fatty "human" treats and leftovers, and by keeping your trash bin securely fastened. If your dog has a garbage habit, keep him out of your neighbours trash can to keep him out of digestive trouble.

XYLITOL
This is a sugar substitute found in many types of candy, chewable vitamins, sugarless baked goods, and in sugarless gums like Trident™ and Orbit™. As little as three grams (e.g. about five pieces of gum) can kill a 65 pound dog, with smaller dogs succumbing to just one or two sticks. Within 15-30 minutes of ingesting xylitol a cat or dog's insulin levels will surge and blood sugar levels will drop, resulting in lethargy and loss of balance. Permanent brain damage can occur and without treatment liver failure will result in death within 24 hours. Diabetics that might have sugarless baked goods or other sugarless products in the home should be especially careful to read all ingredients before sharing food.

If a cat or dog should ingest a product that contains xylitol call your veterinarian or animal emergency services immediately. You might be instructed to induce vomiting if the animal is already having a reaction or if the office is more than 30 minutes away. Do not leave products containing xylitol within a dog's reach.

Ibuprofen
It's not a food, but ibuprofen is also very toxic to dogs. Brands like Advil which are sugar-coated can be the most dangerous because dogs will snarf them down. Ibuprofen, like antifreeze, may smell sweet. Dogs will eat it if they’re found lying on the floor and don’t be surprised if your dog tries to chew threw a bottle to eat the entire contents. This is definitely toxic to dogs. It causes ulceration and perforates the lining of the stomach, and decreases the blood flow to the kidneys.

Cat food in Pop-Top Cans
When they make pop-top cans they line them with a chemical called bisphenol-A. I think it seals the lid under the pop top. Anyway, this chemical is hypothesized to be the cause of hyperthyroidism related to the use of pop top cans. It isn't used in regular cans that have to be opened with a can opener. Four or five years ago a study of hyperthyroidism showed a correlation between feeding cats canned food and hyperthyroidism. This was further studied in a report published this year (March 15 2004 AVMA Journal) which asked what kinds of cans were used and it was noted that the increase in hyperthyroidism is only in cats fed from pop-top cans. The major difference between the cans is apparently the use of this chemical, so it is thought to be the culprit. Before that is confirmed further study will have to be done, though - and like all these types of studies it is conceivable that something entirely different will be found. Mike Richards, DVM
Other miscellaneous foods that are toxic to dogs include: raw eggs and egg whites, raw fish, nutmeg, salt, tobacco, trash items, persimmons, marijuana, yeast and dough containing yeast, liver, hops, and human iron supplements. .

Toxic Plants for Dogs

Alocasia Aloe Vera Amaryllis (bulb) Andromeda Apple (leaf & stem) Appleseed (cyanide) Arrowgrass Autumn Crocus (bulb) Avocado (seed) Azalea Bird of Paradise (seed pod) Bittersweet Black Locust Bleeding Heart Boxwood Buckeye (seed) Buddhist Pine Buttercup Caladium Calamondin Orange Calla Lily Castor Bean Cherry (leaf & stem) Cherry Pit (cyanide) Chokecherry Christmas Rose Chrysanthemum Cineraria Climbing Lily Cordatum Corn (Cornstalk) Plant Corydalis Crotalaria (seed) Croton Crown of Thorns Cuban Laurel Cycad Cyclamen Daffodil (bulb) Daphne

Death Camas (bulb) Delphinium Dieffenbachia Dumb Cane Easter Lily Eggplant (not fruit) Elderberry Elephant's Ear English Ivy Fava Bean (seed) Fiddle-Leaf Fig Finger Cherry (fruit) Foxglove Ground Cherry (not fruit) Hemlock Holly (berries) Hyacinth (bulb) Hydrangea Indian Tobacco Iris (bulb) Japanese Yew Jasmine (berries) Java Bean (seed) Jerusalem Cherry Jessamine Jimsonweed Jonquil (bulb) Kalanchoe Laburnum Larkspur Laurel Lilly of the Valley (bulb) Locoweed Lupine Manchineel Marble Queen Marigold Marijuana May Apple (root)

Medicine Plant Mistletoe (berries) Monkshood Morning Glory Mushrooms Narcissus (bulb) Nightshade Oleander Onion Pea Peach Pencil Cactus Peony Philodendron Poinsettia Poison Ivy Pokeweed (root) Potato (not tuber) Precatory Bean Primrose Privet Rayless Goldenrod Rhododendron Rhubarb Snow on the Mountain Star of Bethlehem (bulb) Stinging Nettle String of Pearls/Beads Taxus Toadstool Tobacco Tomato Tulip (bulb) Walnuts Water Hemlock (tuber) Wild Aconite Wisteria Yew

3186 Bedwell Bay Road

Belcarra, BC, V3H 4S1

Canada

604-936-3227

1-800-211-3533 (outside Greater Vancouver)

yvette@touchpointreflexology.com

 

Never idealize others. They will never live up to your expectations. ... Leo Buscaglia