You’d love to give your pet everything you enjoy yourself. But what’s completely harmless to us humans can be life-threatening for a dog or cat.
Accidents happen quickly: a forgotten piece of chocolate on the counter, a grape that falls on the floor, a houseplant with an enticing scent.
Below you’ll find everything you need to know: which foods are strictly off-limits for your dog, which products you should keep your cat far away from, and what to do if something does go wrong.
What should a dog not eat?
Dogs are eager eaters who love nothing more than to sniff, nibble, and taste. That also makes them vulnerable. Some foods are dangerous to them even in small amounts. Know the risks—and share them with everyone in your household.
Chocolate
Contains theobromine, a substance dogs cannot break down. Can cause heart rhythm disturbances and seizures.
Grapes & raisins
Can cause severe kidney failure even in small amounts. Even a handful of raisins is too much.
Onions & garlic
Damage red blood cells and cause anemia. This also applies to powders and derivatives.
Macadamia nuts
Lead to muscle weakness, tremors, and vomiting. Even a small portion is enough to cause serious symptoms.
Sweetener (xylitol)
Hidden in gum, candy, and sugar-free products. Causes dangerous insulin spikes and can damage the liver.
Avocado
Contains persin, a substance that can cause breathing and heart problems in dogs.
Cooked bones
Can splinter and cause internal injuries. Raw meat also carries a risk of salmonella and E. coli.
Salty & fatty foods
Potato chips, cooking oil, and salty snacks can lead to salt poisoning or painful pancreatitis.
Wild mushrooms
Some species are deadly poisonous, even to dogs. Keep your dog away from unfamiliar mushrooms in the woods.
Raw potatoes & raw dough with yeast
Raw potatoes contain solanine, a toxic substance for dogs. Raw dough with yeast can expand in the stomach and become dangerous.
Did you know…
Apple, peach, and cherry pits contain small amounts of cyanide. They also pose a choking hazard. Always remove them before giving your dog a piece of fruit.
What should a cat not eat?
Cats are naturally curious and picky, but that doesn’t mean they instinctively recognize dangerous foods. On the contrary: many everyday items in your kitchen or living room are downright toxic to your cat.
Chocolate
Just like with dogs, chocolate contains theobromine. In cats, even a small amount can cause heart problems and seizures.
Onions & garlic
Raw, cooked, or in powder form: all forms damage your cat’s red blood cells and can cause anemia.
Milk & dairy
The cliché of a cat with a saucer of milk is not true. Many adult cats are lactose-intolerant and will experience stomach pain and diarrhea from it.
Human medications
Acetaminophen is pure poison for cats. Always keep all medications out of reach, including pain relievers that are completely safe for us.
My pet accidentally ate something. What should I do?
1. Stay calm! Panicking won’t help; you need to be able to think clearly.
2. Write down what, how much, and when your pet ate it.
3. Call your veterinarian as soon as possible. Some toxic substances can take effect within one to two hours. Don’t wait—act immediately.
