Pets Article:

Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets

Written by Edda Bevilacqua

Cats and dogs can be curious about human food. However, certain foods must be avoided if you want your pets to stay healthy and live long lives. Effects of certain foods range from irritating to toxic. Key foods to avoid include:

Chocolate: Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic to both cats and dogs. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea and heart problems. It must be kept strictly out of reach of your pets.

Milk (and milk products, such as yogurt): Milk products may result in lactose intolerance, which can cause diarrhea and vomiting. An alternative to human milk is available for cats.

Sugar is also dangerous. It can cause eye and liver problems in your pets.

Raw foods can cause problems for your pets, just as it can for humans. Avoid feeding raw meat or fish to your pets. E-coli and salmonella are the most common food-borne illnesses for animals and humans alike.

Finally, onions are the most dangerous food for cats and dogs. They can result in red blood cell destruction and heart damage.

To ensure that your pet lives a long and healthy life, monitor their diet and avoid foods that can cause serious health problems. Keep certain foods, such as chocolate and onions, which are the most dangerous, out of reach entirely and find alternatives to others, such as milk products, made specifically for pets.