40+ Foods That Are Poisonous or Unhealthy for Dogs and Cats
Watch out for these dangerous foods.
What Foods Can Kill Dogs (And Other Pets)?
Several fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, condiments, additives, and drugs are toxic to domestic pets.
Some harm only dogs, others only cats, and several are poisonous to both.
Livestock, rodents, lizards, fish, and birds are not immune to the negative effects of certain foods either.
Here is a list of potentially problematic foods that should be kept in a safe place where a curious, inquisitive pet cannot access them and harm itself.
Prevention is key to protecting the health of the animals you love and care about.
Apricot
Poisonous Fruits
Here are fruits that you should keep away from your pets.
Apples
Apple seeds contain cyanide compounds capable of poisoning a pet dog or cat if swallowed or chewed. Cyanide prevents blood from delivering oxygen to bodily tissues, causing suffocation.
Indicators of problems in a pet suspected of eating cyanide-harboring pits, stems or leaves include the development of bright red mucous membranes, enlarged pupils, respiratory distress, fear or nervousness, and signs of shock. The condition can be fatal if untreated.
Apricots
Apricot pits and the stems and leaves of its fruit-producing tree contain the poison cyanide, a potentially fatal toxin to dogs and cats.
Symptoms are the same as that for apple seed ingestion (see above). Swallowed whole pits can also result in a bowel obstruction or blockage, possibly requiring corrective surgery.
Avocado
Persin, a potentially toxic substance with a fatty acid-type structure, is present not just in the avocado pit and surrounding fruit but in the plant leaves and bark as well.
Although harmless to humans unless someone has a persin allergy and, in fact, thought to be beneficial to women suffering from breast cancer, persin (and therefore avocados) can be fatal when ingested by domestic pets.
Dogs and cats may be lucky and not have any negative symptoms if given the green fruit; others may vomit, develop diarrhea, or a combination of both. However, for some, reactions are much more severe.
Along with other pets, such as rabbits, goats, cattle, sheep, horses, birds and fish, certain dogs and cats experience heart problems, respiratory complications, and ultimately death after ingesting persin-containing foods. Symptoms of severe reactions include labored breathing, swelling of the abdomen, and fluid build-up in the chest, abdomen, or area surrounding the heart.
In addition to these problems, damage to the mammary gland has also been seen in highly sensitive animals, including in the mouse when it is fed dried avocado leaves (4, 5). Caution should be exercised even by the few with silkworms as pets; avocado plant parts are toxic to these unsuspecting leaf munchers.
Cherries
The cherry pit, like that of the apricot, peach, pear, and plum, contains a form of cyanide.
Swallowed whole, intestinal problems may result; swallowed and partially to fully chewed pits can fatally poison dogs and cats.
Citrus
Oranges, lemons, and limes lead to vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Eating grapefruit has the same laxative effect but is accompanied by the symptoms of light sensitivity and depression.
Cats have identical negative effects upon ingesting grapefruit.
Bearded dragons benefit from occasional citrus fruit consumption; over-consumption results in nutrient imbalances and possible diarrhea.
Currants
Cats fed currants can experience kidney damage due to some unknown, yet potent, toxin contained in the berry.
Grapes/Raisins
Responsible for the deaths of several dogs, grapes and/or raisins in as little as 9-ounce quantities have proven lethal. Slightly more fortunate animals may experience kidney damage, requiring emergency medical care, but ultimately surviving.
A few very lucky dogs may have no symptoms at all, but since the reason why grapes in their various forms (fresh, dried, fermented) are fatal to some is yet unknown, caution must be taken even if an animal has eaten grapes in the past without incident. This is because toxins may be capable of building up over time and reaching dangerous levels only gradually; a small grape-containing snack here and there may not be problematic on its own but, in combination, may prove lethal.
If dogs eat a large amount of grapes or raisins, it is recommended that they are induced to vomit, have their stomachs pumped, and are given activated charcoal and IV fluids.
Like dogs, cats can be asymptomatic or else can experience serious kidney damage if fed raisins or grapes.
Persimmons
Mistletoe Berries
Mistletoe berries are highly toxic to pets; one or two could prove fatal to your dog or cat.
Peaches
The pit of the peach contains cyanide, which is poisonous to dogs and cats.
Symptoms of poisoning are the same as those after eating apple seeds (see above).
Peach pits may be doubly problematic and create an intestinal blockage if eaten or swallowed.
Persimmons
The seeds of this fruit are dangerous to dogs and cats and may result in an inflamed small intestine or an intestinal blockage.
Plums
Plum pits are cyanide-containing, as well as a potential hazard if they become lodged in the intestines of dogs or cats.
Symptoms of poisoning are the same as those after eating apple seeds (see above).
Rhubarb
Oxalates present in the leaves of rhubarb plants have negative effects on the nervous, digestive, and urinary systems of dogs and cats.
Poisonous Vegetables/Herbs
You should not give your pets these veggies and herbs.
Broccoli
Death by broccoli has been seen in different livestock breeds if it comprises more than 25% of the diet; gastrointestinal complications occur when it comprises more than 10%.
The problematic substance in broccoli, isothiocyanate, is considered a strong irritant to the digestive system.
Chives
Chives contain disulfides, as do garlic and onions, damaging the red blood cells of cats and dogs. However, onions are more problematic, as they have a much higher disulfide concentration, followed by garlic and chives.
Garlic
The sulfoxides and disulfides contained in garlic, whether fresh, cooked, or powdered, can harm red blood cells and cause anemia in both dogs and cats.
Signs of anemia include light-colored gums and lethargy.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms
Mushrooms come in wide varieties; some are highly toxic, while others are harmless.
Unless an owner is a mushroom expert and can tell the difference, a dog that has been suspected of eating mushrooms should be watched closely. (Mushrooms that sprout in backyards are usually toxic).
To be safe, it is recommended that the dog is induced to vomit and given activated charcoal if the mushroom is not expelled in its entirety. The wrong mushroom types can cause jaundice and liver damage, leading to internal bleeding or seizures, or can have hallucinogenic effects resulting in tremors, seizures, and coma.
If a dog vomits on its own or develops diarrhea but lacks other symptoms, likely no serious harm has been done; however, if gastrointestinal upset is accompanied by excess saliva or tears, reduced pupil size, slowed heartbeat, depressed activity or lethargy, restlessness, staggering, or a comatose and unresponsive pet, medical care is mandatory.
Although cats are less likely to eat mushrooms, they have been shown to be attracted to two poisonous varieties that can kill: the Amanita muscaria and the Amanita pantherina. In contrast, dogs are attracted to seven poisonous varieties. One, the Scleroderma species, is also fatal to pigs.
Onions
Although believed to be safe in small amounts, onions in quantities of a cup or more cause hemolytic anemia in dogs. This is because the disulphides contained in onion damage red blood cells. All forms of onion are dangerous, whether fresh, cooked, or dehydrated.
Cats are more sensitive than dogs to onions and can likely tolerate them less.
Signs of problems include pale, light-colored gums and lethargy. Corticosteroids or immunosuppressants may help an animal suffering from onion-induced anemia.
Potatoes
Potatoes
Raw potatoes are laced with glycoalkanoid solamine, a substance that is poisonous to cats.
Cooked tubers give no ill effects, but raw potatoes and the stems and leaves of its plant can cause gastr