Let’s be honest: cats and dogs love food and they can be quite the opportunists when it comes to getting their paws on something tasty. At the same time – not to point any fingers or anything – we know how hard it can be to resist giving your dog a reward from the table when they’re looking up at you with their puppy dog eyes. 

As pet owners, we have a responsibility to protect our pets and make sure they eat a balanced diet that’s rich in whole foods and the nutrients they need to thrive. It’s important to know that there are certain foods your pet should absolutely not eat. In fact, even certain foods that are healthy for humans – like avocado – can be dangerous for your pet. 

We started The Kind Pet to commit ourselves to the health and well-being of our pets and our planet. And that includes the food we feed them. Read on to learn more about the foods cats and dogs should avoid. 

What Foods Should Dogs Not Eat

Chocolate

Chocolate ranks high on the list of ‘what should dogs not eat.’ While it’s considered a treat for humans, it’s poisonous for your pup because it contains a toxic substance called methylxanthine. Even just a little can cause diarrhea and vomiting. Cats should also avoid it. 

Onions and Garlic

Although we as humans, love onions and garlic, the onion family is toxic to dogs and cats.  It can cause gastrointestinal irritation as well as damage to red blood cells. 

Grapes and Raisins

Raisins are often found in cakes, cereals, and other baked goods. While they seem like harmless fruits, they can cause liver damage and kidney failure in your dog – both in their fresh and dried form. This also applies to cats. 

Caffeine

Coffee, tea, and other forms of caffeine can be fatal for your pet because of the stimulant it contains. Make sure your kitty avoids caffeine, too. 

Macadamia Nuts

Your dog should avoid foods that contain macadamia nuts. Why? They contain a toxin that can result in muscle shakes, vomiting, high temperature, panting, and swollen limbs. 

Artificial Sweetener

 Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that can be found in low-fat, diet, or sugar-free chewing gum, sweet treats, and drinks. Not only can it cause your dog’s blood sugar to drop, it can also lead to liver failure. 

What Foods Cats Should Avoid

Raw Eggs

Both cats and dogs should avoid raw eggs because it can lead to salmonella or E. coli poisoning. An enzyme found in raw eggs can also cause skin and coat problems with your cat. 

Fat Trimmings and Bones

These are amongst foods on the list of ‘what cats should not eat’ because consumption can cause intestinal upset, vomiting and diarrhea. Bones can also cause splinters and cut the inside of your pet’s digestive system. The same applies to dogs. 

Alcohol

Alcohol has the same effect on your cat’s liver and brain as it does on humans. Even just two teaspoons of whisky can cause a 5-pound cat to have a coma. 

Dog Food

While dog food isn’t toxic for your cat, they require different nutrients than dogs. For example, dogs can survive with lower levels of vitamin A and protein, while cats cannot. An occasional bite of dog foot won’t hurt your cat, but it’s essential they have their proper food to avoid malnourishment. 

Raw Dough 

Keeping your cat away from raw dough will prevent gas from building up in their digestive system. Yeast also produces alcohol as a byproduct, which can cause more problems. 

Dairy

Although cats seem to enjoy drinking milk and other dairy products, it's not good for them. They are actually lactose-intolerant. This means consuming milk can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea. 

The Best Food for your Cat and Dog 

Feline Premix

Making your own homemade cat food is a healthier alternative than feeding them scraps from the table and is mountains above processed kibble. Source your own ingredients, whether they are homegrown, local, organic, in season, or on sale. Just be sure you don’t use any harmful ingredients for cats. Your feline friend will love this veterinarian-created and approved supplement for home cooking. Just mix it into a homecooked meal to make sure your cat is getting exactly the nutrients it needs to thrive.

Canine Premix

Treat your dog to delicious homemade food with this veterinarian-created and approved supplement for homemade dog food. It’s made to balance out your home-cooked meals to ensure your dog gets all the necessary ingredients.