Foods that are off limits to dogs and cats
We RVers love our pets. Our cats and dogs are part of the family, but that doesn't mean we can feed them the same things we eat. Foods that are safe for humans can be toxic or even deadly to your pet. I'm glad to know of these because my thrifty "waste nothing" nature has often caused me to pass along leftovers to my pets, especially when RVing since the refrigerator is smaller and accommodates less leftovers. Here are some of the foods to never give your furry companion, courtesy of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. You've probably heard of some of these but many were a surprise to me.
Do Not Feed to Dogs
Do Not Feed to Dogs
Macadamia nuts: These Hawaiian nuts can cause fever, tremors, weakness and other unpleasant symptoms.
Avocado: They contain a chemical called persin, which is harmless to humans but can be toxic to dogs.
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Do Not Feed to Cats
Tuna: ("What, no tuna?") Not only does tuna lack the nutrients cats need, but too much can lead to mercury poisoning.
Other raw fish: An enzyme called thiaminase, common in raw fish, destroys thiamine, also known as vitamin B1. This can lead to neurological disorders.
Do Not Feed to Dogs or Cats
Alcohol: This is a no brainer, I think, but here's why no booze for our furry buddies: beer, wine and spirits act as a depressant on animals' nervous systems, potentially leading to breathing problems and even coma.
Animal Bones: Beef or chicken bones can damage your pet's teeth or splinter and cause damage in their digestive tract. Stick with treat bones made specifically for dogs and cats. (I use balance in regard to bones, using some ham bones or even shank bones that are very solid and have rounded edges.)
Chocolate or anything with caffeine: Foods like coffee and cocoa contain methylxanthines, which in high concentrations can cause heart palpitations, tremors, seizures, dehydration and death.
Grapes and raisins: Scientists aren't sure why, but eating these fruits can cause canine and feline kidney failure.
Gum, baked goods and candy: Many sweetened treats contain xylitol, which can cause liver failure.
Milk: Adult animals don't have the lactase to digest milk and feeding it to them can cause diarrhea.
Onions, garlic and chives: While these foods add flavor to human meals, they can cause red blood cell damage in pets. Cats are more at risk, but eating larger quantities can also make dogs sick. I'd heard about the onions but had in the past been told that a little garlic could be helpful in flea prevention,,,think I'll avoid the practice now that I've read this.
Uncooked dough: (Not so sure Fido would go for this anyway...) Small bits of bread are fine as treats, but dough containing yeast can rise in your pet's digestive tract and cause stomach and intestinal damage.
If you've heard of any other food "No No's" for pets, or any other thoughts on care of your furry traveling companions, let us know in the comments.
1 comment:
A good reminder. Thank you.
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