Cats Dogs and Human Food - How Can Our Food Harm Our Pets?

We're all guilty of it - giving in to those big beggingmany dogs and cats tend to be lactose intolerant.
eyes pleading at us for a scrap from the tableThe consumption of milk and milk products by a
during dinner. Fido knows just how to get you tolactose intolerant pet creates a breeding ground
concede, and most of us justify that a little won'tfor bacteria, causing vomiting and diarrhea.
hurt, or we don't even think of the potentialBones
danger at all. But the truth is that human food canBones, although commonly known as a great
be harmful to your pet, and in some cases, cantreat for your dog, are potentially very dangerous
be fatal. It's important to know how certain foodsfor pets. Once eaten, bones can splinter and get
can be unsafe so that you can avoid them forstuck in the intestines, causing damage or fatality.
the sake of your animal.In most splinter cases, the bones must be
Here is how a few of some of the mostremoved surgically.
common "human foods" become harmful for pets:Other Common Harmful Foods
Chocolate and Other Human Foods ContainingOther human foods to avoid when feeding your
Caffeinepet are: macadamia nuts, potato peelings and
Caffeine is one of the greatest culprits because itgreen-looking potatoes, rhubarb leaves, moldy
contains an alkaloid called theobromine.spoiled foods, alcohol, yeast dough, tomato leaves
Theobromine acts as a cardiac stimulant and aand stems, broccoli, and raisins or grapes.
diuretic, which in turn can cause a heart attack orSome human foods potentially cause only mild
other heart and nervous system problems indigestive upsets, while others can be fatal.
animals.Regardless of the level of danger, the best choice
Onions and Garlicfor your pet is to keep him from any potentially
Onions and garlic are potentially harmful due toharmful foods in order to ensure his health and
the fact that both contain thiosulphate, which cansafety.
damage red blood cells and cause anemia in catsSo, the next time your pet looks up at you with
and dogs. Of the two, onions are the most toxic,those pleading eyes, show him you care by doing
as consumption of simply one serving by yourwhat is truly best for him and feeding him only
pet could result in anemia.products meant for pet consumption. In the end,
Milkboth you and your pet will be glad that you did.
Milk can harm your pet due to the fact that