Foods You Shouldn't Feed Your Pets

Let’s be honest: we’ve all snuck our pets some human food before. It’s just so hard to say no to those big eyes when they ask you for a piece of your dinner. You have to be careful, though! While some foods are okay to share with your pets, there are other foods that you shouldn’t feed them.

Alcohol

While you may think it’s funny to have your dog lap up some beer at a tailgate, alcohol is actually toxic to pets and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, coma, and even death. If you think your pets have consumed alcohol, call your vet right away.

Chocolate, Coffee, & Caffeine

These items all contain methylxanthine, which can cause excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, tremors, and seizures if ingested by your pet. It’s also important to note that the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to pets.

Grapes & Raisins

It’s still unknown what exact substance in these foods is toxic to pets, but they can cause kidney failure if ingested. It’s best to keep these away from dogs until more information is known about their toxicity.

Dairy

Pets don’t have the ability to digest high amounts of lactase like humans do, so ingesting milk and other dairy products can cause them to have upset stomachs or other digestive problems.

Raw/Uncooked Meat, Eggs, & Bones

You’re not the only one who can become sick from raw meat and eggs. These products can expose your pet to Salmonella & E. coli. Raw eggs can also decrease your pet’s ability to absorb biotin, which can negatively affect his skin and coat. Bones present choking hazards to your pet and can puncture his digestive track if a bone splinter gets stuck there.

If you find that your pet ingests any of these foods, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Once they provide you with immediate help, come to Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital for further treatment. We treat your pets like they are our own and will have them feeling better as quickly as we can. If your pet is in need of veterinary care, call us at 904-464-0023.