While there are many tasty treats that you can share pets, there are some foods that you should never share with your cat or dog. Although sharing things with people and pets we love is like second nature, you could do your pet more harm than good. So, before you give in to your pet who is starting at you with their adorable eyes, think about if the tasty treat will harm your pet.

Some foods contain substances that are poisonous to animals or that can’t be digested properly. In fact, there are some foods that many pet owners think are healthy for animals but are actually dangerous for them.

Food You Should Never Give Your Pets – Top 5

Here is out list of the top 5 types of foods that you shouldn’t share with your pet.

Alcohol

For some reason, some people seem to find it funny to let their pets drink alcohol. However, alcohol should never be given to pets. First of all, pets become intoxicated much quicker than humans do. But alcohol can affect the central nervous system, cause the blood to become too acidic, induce coma, and even death.

Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine

Foods containing chocolate, coffee, or caffeine contain a substance called methylxanthine. This can cause digestive upset in your pet, make them hyperactive, dehydrate them, and even cause seizures and death. Dark chocolate contains more methylxanthine than milk chocolate. However, all kind of chocolate is bad for your pet.

Citrus fruits

While a small amount of citrus fruit may just cause some minor stomach upset, you shouldn’t give any citrus fruits to pets. Ingesting a lot of citrus leaves, peel, fruit, or seed can cause irritation due to the citric acid. It can also cause central nervous system depression.

Dairy products

Many people are surprised to learn that milk isn’t great for cats. Although it seems the most logical thing to put out a bowl of milk for a cat, many cats can’t digest the lactose in dairy products. (Dogs are the same). The result can be an upset digestive system resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. In nature, the only time cats and dogs drink milk is from their mothers.

Raw Meat and bones

Many people are also surprised to learn that you shouldn’t give raw meat or bones to dogs or cats. Raw meat can expose your pet to food poisoning from Salmonella and E.coli. Even though dogs would eat bones if they lived in the wild, domesticated pets can choke on bones or damage their digestive tract if they swallow bone splinters.

Eggs

You should also avoid giving raw eggs to your pets because they contain an enzyme called avidin. This can cause skin and coat problems because it interferes with the absorption of biotin.

Other Foods You Shouldn’t Give Your Pets

Here are other foods that you shouldn’t share with your pets:

  • Avocados
  • Coconut
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Nuts
  • Onions or garlic
  • Salty snack foods