Pet parents often shower their love on their beloved furry friends, giving them a bite or two from their plate. But do you know how much a little reward from your plate can hurt your small pet? Some of the human foods can be safe and healthy for your dogs or cats, but there are many fruits, veggies, and food items that can severely damage your canine pals’ gut health and overall immunity. Before you think of sharing every food with your cat or dog, know that these everyday human foods are toxic for cats and dogs.

Avocado
Avocados, which are considered as one of the most nutritious foods for humans, can really be harmful to your dogs and cats. Avocados contain toxins called persin that can cause allergies in your dogs and might lead to health issues such as vomiting or diarrhea. If you have an avocado tree in your garden, try to keep your dogs away from it because the leaves, bark, and seed contain this compound.

Alcohol
Whenever you are having a booze party at home, ensure that your little fur buddies are not a part of it. The ethanol content in alcohol can pose fatal health issues to your cats and dogs. Your pets will have the same effect of alcohol as humans, but a seemingly harmless amount can wreak havoc. Just a few ounces of strong alcohol such as whiskey can lead your small fur-baby to coma or even death.

Chocolate
Before you think of treating your fur pals with chocolates, know that these everyday human foods are toxic for cats and dogs. You can think of giving chocolates to your pets in a small amount once in a while. But regularly feeding a large amount of chocolate can impose serious gastrointestinal complications in your pets. Methylxanthines’ content of chocolate can stop your pet’s metabolism and cause vomiting. A large amount of chocolate ingestion can lead to seizers, heart fatalities, and even death.

Caffeine
Although a small amount of coffee, tea, or soda does not contain huge caffeine content, all of these everyday human foods are toxic for cats and dogs. Ingestion of a moderate amount of caffeine can show symptoms like anxiety, upset stomach, rapid breathing, restlessness, and irregular heart functions. Seek medical assistance without delay if your cat or dog experiences any of these symptoms.

Xylitol
One of the most common ingredients used in sugar-free chewing gums is xylitol, which can be tempting to humans but are harmful to dogs and cats. The blood sugar can drop to dangerous levels if your pets eat it. This common food in the country might cause vomiting, fatigue, disorientation, and liver failure.

That being said, refrain from sharing every food with your pets as these everyday human foods are toxic for cats and dogs. The healthiest food for furry family members is a well-balanced pet-friendly diet. However, do visit your vet for expert advice.