🐾 Toxic People Foods Pets Should Avoid – Vet Safety Guide 2025 by Dr Duncan Houston

As tempting as it is to share your snacks with your furry friend, many everyday human foods can pose serious health risks to pets. In this 2025 guide, Dr Duncan Houston outlines the most dangerous foods for dogs and cats—and what to do if your pet gets into something they shouldn’t. 🚫🐶🐱

🍫 1. Chocolate, Coffee & Caffeine

These contain methylxanthines which can cause:

• 🤮 Vomiting and diarrhea
• 💓 Abnormal heart rhythms
• 💥 Seizures and possible death

Baking chocolate is the most toxic, followed by dark chocolate. White chocolate contains the least but should still be avoided. ☕

🍷 2. Alcohol

Even small amounts of alcohol can result in:

• 🤕 Vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors
• 🧠 Central nervous system depression
• 💀 Coma or death in severe cases

Never allow pets access to alcoholic drinks or foods made with alcohol.

🥑 3. Avocado

Mainly toxic to birds, rabbits, horses, and ruminants, avocado can cause cardiovascular issues or facial swelling. Avoid giving any parts—skin, pit, or flesh—to pets. 🦜

🍇 4. Grapes & Raisins

Still a mystery in veterinary medicine, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Until we know more, keep them far away from all pets. 🚫

🥜 5. Macadamia Nuts

Especially toxic to dogs, these can lead to:

• 😴 Weakness and depression
• 🔥 Hyperthermia
• 😵 Tremors and vomiting

🧄 6. Onions, Garlic & Chives

These aromatic veggies can cause red blood cell damage leading to anemia, especially in cats. Gastrointestinal irritation is common too. Avoid fresh, cooked, powdered, or dried forms. ❌

🥛 7. Milk & Dairy

Most pets are lactose intolerant. Milk can cause:

• 💩 Diarrhea
• 🤢 Stomach upset

🦴 8. Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs & Bones

Raw food may harbor Salmonella or E. coli. Raw eggs contain avidin, which impairs vitamin absorption. Bones can cause:

• 🦴 Choking
• 🩸 Internal punctures or blockages

🧂 9. Salt & Salty Snacks

Too much salt can lead to:

• 🥵 Thirst and urination spikes
• 😵 Sodium ion poisoning
• 🧠 Seizures or death

Skip sharing chips, pretzels, or salted popcorn. 🧂🚫

🥥 10. Coconut & Coconut Oil

Can cause diarrhea or loose stools in some pets. Coconut water is high in potassium and should be avoided. 🥥⚠️

🍋 11. Citrus Fruits

While small amounts may only cause upset tummies, larger doses can depress the central nervous system. Avoid citrus peels, seeds, and oils. 🍊

🌰 12. Other Nuts

Almonds, pecans, and walnuts are high in fats, which may cause:

• 🤢 Vomiting or diarrhea
• 🔥 Pancreatitis

🍬 13. Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)

Found in gum, candy, baked goods, and toothpaste. It can lead to:

• 📉 Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• 🩺 Liver failure
• 💥 Seizures

Immediate veterinary intervention is critical.

🍞 14. Yeast Dough

Uncooked dough rises inside your pet’s stomach and produces ethanol, leading to:

• 🎈 Bloating and pain
• 🥴 Drunken behavior from ethanol
• ⚠️ Possible stomach torsion (life-threatening)

📞 What to Do in a Food Emergency

If your pet ingests any of the above, note the food and amount, then immediately call:

• 📞 Your veterinarian
• 📞 ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
• 📞 HomeAgain Emergency Hotline: 1-888-466-3242 (if microchipped)

Expect a consultation fee with poison control services unless waived by membership.

✅ Final Safety Tips from Dr Duncan Houston

✔️ Avoid feeding table scraps ✔️ Store sweets, baked goods & snacks out of reach ✔️ Read labels carefully (especially for xylitol!) ✔️ Educate your family about toxic foods

Even small nibbles of these foods can mean big risks. When in doubt—don’t share your plate with your pet. 🐕❤️🐈

📲 Need Help? Ask A Vet!

Worried about what your pet ate? Download the Ask A Vet app for expert help 24/7 from trusted veterinarians like Dr Duncan Houston. 📱🐾