Toxic foods

Did you know that many foods which are edible for humans can be hazardous to pets?

Some may cause only mild digestive upsets, whereas others can cause severe illness, and even death. The following common food items should not be fed (intentionally or unintentionally) to cats or dogs.

• ALCOHOL - can cause intoxication, coma and death.

• BONES - can cause obstruction or perforation of the digestive system, leading to peritonitis.  However, if you do want to feed a bone to your dog, the most suitable ones are the large cannon bones from a butcher.  Cooked bones are worse than raw ones as they splinter very easily.

• BROCCOLI, GREEN POTATOES & GREEN TOMATOES - contain oxalates, which affect the digestive, nervous and urinary systems - broccoli is only toxic in large quantities.
  
• CHOCOLATE - contains theobromine, a compound that is a heart stimulant and a diuretic, and this can be fatal to dogs! Dark chocolate contains more than milk chocolate, which contains more than white chocolate.
  
• COFFEE & TEA - contains caffeine, theobromine or theophylline, which can be toxic and affect the heart and central nervous system.
  
• FAT TRIMMINGS - can cause pancreatitis, a painful and debilitating illness causing inflammation of the pancreas. Treatment for this requires hospitalisation and intensive care.
  
• GRAPES & RAISINS - these contain an unknown substance which affects the kidneys and is evidently poisonous. Toxicity can lead to acute kidney failure. Raisins are more toxic than grapes, and as few as 4-5 raisins can be poisonous to a 10kg dog.
  
• MACADAMIA NUTS - like grapes and raisins, these contain an unknown substance that is toxic to dogs and just a handful can affect the digestive, nervous and musculoskeletal systems.
  
• MILK & DAIRY PRODUCTS - some adult dogs and cats have an intolerance to lactose which means that feeding too much dairy products can result in gastro-intestinal upsets. Lactose-free milk products are available for pets.
  
• MOULDY OR SPOILED FOOD AND GARBAGE - contains mycotoxins which cause vomiting, diarrhoea and can also affect the nervous system, inducing seizure type activity and a dangerous rise in body temperature. This can lead to death.
  
• MUSHROOMS - can contain toxins which may affect multiple systems in the body, causing shock and resulting in death.
  
• ONIONS & GARLIC - contains the toxic ingredient thiosulphate and toxicity can result in a life-threatening anaemia. Onions are more of a danger (as garlic contains less of this toxin), and cats are more susceptible than dogs. Many pet foods contain very small amounts of garlic but you should be aware not to feed added garlic to your pets.
  
• RAW EGGS - contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain the bacteria salmonella.
  
• RAW FISH - can result in a Thiamine (B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures and in severe cases, death. Toxicity is more common if raw fish is fed regularly.
  
• XYLITOL - found in artificial sweeteners, chewing gum and toothpaste. This can cause severe hypoglycaemia and high doses can cause liver failure.