Our cats and dogs are part of the family, but when it comes to feeding, there are precautions to take.
Both cats and dogs have a natural exploratory spirit and love to explore new smells and flavours. Sometimes, these discoveries can affect the health of your companion. We must be careful to keep certain foods and substances out of reach, as they can be toxic to cats and dogs and, in some cases, even fatal if ingested.
Foods to Keep Away from Our Pets
Here’s a list of some foods that should be kept away from your four-legged friend:
- Macadamia nuts;
- Onion and garlic;
- Raw meat and eggs;
- Chocolate;
- Bones and fish bones
- Coffee;
- Apple seeds
Toxic Substances That Can Be Harmful to Our Pets
There are substances and products we may have at home that can be harmful to our pets. We must take care to remove these items from their reach. Here are a few examples:
- Coins;
- Naphthalene balls;
- Scented oils;
- Detergents;
- Batteries and cells;
- Modelling clay;
- Plants such as aloe vera, daffodils, foxglove, oleander, tomato plants, amaryllis, azalea, bird of paradise, poinsettia (Christmas star), geranium, primrose, rhododendron, cherry tree (dry leaves and seeds).
There are various foods, substances, and plants that, if ingested, can cause general discomfort, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and, in some cases, more serious health problems.
Healthy Alternatives for Cats and Dogs
For a healthy and safe alternative to our food, whenever we want to give a “treat” or “reward,” we should use snacks specifically designed for each species. These snacks can also have other benefits, such as cleaning and maintaining dental hygiene.
Consult your veterinarian about the most suitable snack for your pet.
