Toxic foods for dogs and cats: the list to know
Chocolate, grapes, onion, xylitol… Foods dangerous for dogs and cats, symptoms of poisoning and what to do in an emergency.
Some foods we eat every day are dangerous, even deadly, for dogs and cats. During celebrations and family meals, the risk increases: a piece of cake, a bit of tagine, leftovers given under the table… Here’s the list to know.
The most dangerous foods
| Food | Danger |
|---|---|
| Chocolate (especially dark) | theobromine: vomiting, agitation, heart problems |
| Grapes and raisins | kidney failure, even in small amounts in dogs |
| Onion, garlic, leek | destroy red blood cells (raw, cooked or powdered) |
| Xylitol (sweetener) | in chewing gum, sweets: hypoglycaemia, liver damage |
| Avocado | risky for some animals, especially birds and rodents |
| Cooked bones | splinter and can pierce the intestine |
| Alcohol and coffee | very toxic even in small amounts |
| Macadamia nuts | weakness, trembling in dogs |
| Raw dough (with yeast) | swells in the stomach |
Source and full list: ASPCA Animal Poison Control.
Onion and garlic are in many Moroccan dishes (tagine, harira, sauces). Never give your pet leftovers seasoned with them.
Also watch out for
- Human medication: paracetamol and ibuprofen are very dangerous, especially for cats.
- Toxic plants: lilies (deadly for cats), oleander, some houseplants.
- Cleaning products and rat poison.
- Spoiled food in the bin.
Symptoms of poisoning
Depending on the product, signs can appear within minutes or after several hours:
- vomiting, diarrhoea;
- heavy drooling;
- agitation or, on the contrary, great tiredness;
- trembling, seizures;
- difficulty breathing;
- pale gums.
What to do in an emergency
- Remove the product and note what was eaten, how much and when.
- Call a vet straight away, even if your pet seems fine.
- Don’t make it vomit without the vet’s advice: it can be dangerous.
- Bring the packaging to the clinic.
The faster you act, the better the chances.
Safe treats
You can give, in small quantities:
- for a dog: plain carrot, apple without seeds, plain cooked rice, unseasoned chicken;
- for a cat: a little plain cooked chicken or fish, without bones.
Treats should stay under 10% of daily intake.
Celebrations and holidays
During Eid, weddings and family gatherings:
- ask guests not to feed your pet;
- keep plates and bins out of reach;
- give your pet a quiet room if there’s a lot of noise.
Watch out for Moroccan dishes and sweets
Some specialities we love should be strictly avoided for our pets:
- tagines, harira and sauces: onion, garlic and spices are toxic or irritating;
- pastries (gazelle horns, chebakia, sellou): sugar, honey, lots of almonds, sometimes chocolate;
- dates: the stone can block the intestine, and the sugar isn’t suitable;
- mint tea: theine is bad for animals, and it’s very sweet;
- salted olives and cured meats: too much salt and fat;
- lamb bones during Eid: cooked or raw, they can splinter and cause injury.
During Eid al-Adha, be especially careful: leftover meat, bones and offal are often lying around. Don’t let your dog dig through rubbish bags.
If you want to treat your pet during the celebration, prepare a small piece of cooked, plain, boneless meat. That way the whole family celebrates, safely.
FAQ
My dog ate a small piece of milk chocolate, is it serious? It depends on the amount and the dog’s weight. Call the vet: they will tell you whether to come in.
Is milk good for cats? Most adult cats digest lactose poorly. Water is enough.
Can my dog eat raw bones? Opinions differ. Ask your vet; cooked bones are in any case to be avoided.
Your vet’s contact always at hand
In DarPaws, save health information, vet visits and treatments in your pet’s profile. Handy to have everything with you in an emergency.
Read also: Heatstroke in dogs and cats · Vet consultation prices · Welcoming a puppy: checklist
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This article gives general information. In case of poisoning, contact a vet immediately.