Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs & Cats

Many common household foods are dangerous or deadly to pets. Keep all of these out of reach. **Immediately dangerous (call ASPCA: 888-426-4435):** - **Grapes & raisins** — cause acute kidney failure in dogs. Even small amounts. Mechanism unknown. - **Xylitol** (artificial sweetener in gum, peanut butter, toothpaste) — causes sudden hypoglycemia and liver failure in dogs. - **Chocolate** — theobromine is toxic. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are worst. Symptoms: vomiting, seizures, heart arrhythmia. - **Onions, garlic, chives, leeks** — destroy red blood cells in dogs AND cats. Includes powdered forms. - **Macadamia nuts** — cause weakness, tremors, hyperthermia in dogs. - **Alcohol** — even small amounts cause dangerous drops in blood sugar and body temperature. **Dangerous in significant amounts:** - **Avocado** — the fruit, skin, and pit contain persin, toxic to dogs and cats. - **Caffeine** — coffee, tea, energy drinks, some medications. Causes rapid heart rate, seizures. - **Raw yeast dough** — expands in the stomach and produces alcohol as it ferments. - **Nutmeg** — causes tremors, seizures, and central nervous system problems. **Cats specifically:** - **Lilies (ALL varieties)** — even pollen on fur is fatal to cats. Causes acute kidney failure. - **Tuna in large amounts** — mercury poisoning and nutritional deficiency over time. - **Dog food** — lacks taurine needed by cats. Long-term use causes heart disease. **If your pet ate something toxic:** Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Don't induce vomiting unless instructed.