Does your dog have the habit of nibbling food scraps that drop down? There are several recipes of home-cooked foods that your dog or cat would enjoy. But there are several  human foods that are harmful to pets , and some can cause some serious health hazards. Food allergies are different, but there are some food items that can have some life-threatening consequences in dogs and cats.

Human foods that are harmful to pets 

Tuna for cats
While tuna might be one of the most favorite food items for many cats, cooked tuna should only be given to cats occasionally. Tuna recipes prepared for human consumption should not be given as regular food to cats. Some cats can suffer from malnutrition if fed tuna regularly. Overconsumption of tuna may lead to mercury poisoning in cats.

Alcohol for dogs and cats
Both cats and dogs should not consume even traces of alcohol. While there are little chances of alcohol being directly fed to pets, you should be cautious about foods cooked in alcohol. Make sure you wipe away accidental alcohol spills before your cat or dog lick it off the floor. Breathing problems, indigestion, and in severe cases, liver damage can occur in pets due to alcohol.

Raisins for cats and dogs
Pets can be sensitive to raisins and grapes. These are fruits that should be avoided in your pet’s diet no matter what age. Some pets might show more severe consequences than others. Kidney troubles are the common side effects of the consumption of grapes and raisins in pets. Similar risks exist in both cats and dogs. Pets with health issues are more vulnerable to the effects of raisins.

Garlic and onions for dogs and cats
Both garlic and onions are dangerous for pets. Anemia occurs in pets that consume onions in diet due to the disintegration of red blood cells. Garlic, on the other hand, can lead to digestive disorders in your pets. Meals prepared with ginger or garlic for flavoring should be kept away from pets.

Chocolate
Chocolates are some of the most common human foods that are harmful to pets. No matter how much you want to spoil your pooch with a little sweet treat, giving your pet a piece of chocolate is not a good idea. Dark chocolates and other variants can lead to vomiting in pets. Some dogs might also experience diarrhea upon consuming chocolates. Ignoring the risks can even lead to grave consequences like heart failure in some pets.

As there are several such human foods that are harmful to pets, every pet owner should be cautious about leaving food items open on the kitchen counter or food scraps lying on the floor. Pay close attention to your pet’s health and appetite in order to understand their response to particular food items. In addition to avoiding potentially toxic foods, it’s important for pet owners to stick to a veterinary approved pet food from reputable brands such as Nexgard, PetSmart, Frontline and Simparica. A healthy pet is a happy pet!