Our research shows that 68% of dog owners and 47% of cat owners have fed their pets human food.*
Eating some human foods can increase the risk of pancreatitis, and kidney disease – not to mention food poisoning. If your pet eats any human food and shows signs of weakness, vomiting or any other unusual behaviour, contact your vet immediately.
What to watch out for
- Stone fruit, like peaches and plums, can cause obstructions. Also, the stones contain cyanide, which is poisonous to both humans and dogs
- Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, and even small amounts of the fruit can prove fatally toxic. Look out for vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration.
- Nuts, like macadamias and mouldy walnuts, can cause toxic poisoning. Almonds and pistachios can result an upset stomach or an obstruction.
- Bones can splinter and cause an obstruction or lacerations.. Never feed dogs cooked bones, they can splinter and cause internal damage.
- Corn, the cobs can cause a gastrointestinal obstruction.
- Alcohol can cause seizures or respiratory failure. Watch out for alcohol in hidden places, like desserts, sauces and the yeast in raw dough.
- Onions and garlic toxicity can result in diarrhoea, vomiting, and damage and loss of red blood cells in severe cases. It only takes a small amount to poison a cat or dog.
- Fatty foods and meat trimmings can induce pancreatic inflammation.
- Raw meat and fish can cause food poisoning, like salmonella.
- Chocolate contains theobromine which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive panting, abnormal heartbeat, seizures or even death. A standard 200g block of dark chocolate is potentially enough to kill a dog.
Tips
Be sure pets can’t get at the rubbish bag and snaffle up those leftovers!
- Train pets to stay off the kitchen benches, so they don’t scavenge while your back is turned.
- Be aware of the ingredients in your meals. For example, if your pet gets their paws on a slice of your pizza, make sure they haven’t just eaten onions or garlic.
*TNS survey, September 2014.
