10 things not to feed your dog: 1. Chocolate, tea, coffee, caffeine – these foods and drinks contain substances that can cause severe or even fatal heart or nervous system problems and should never be given. 2. Grapes, raisins or currants – contain an unknown toxin that can cause kidney failure. 3. Xylitol containing gum or candy – can cause severe low blood sugar or liver failure. 4. Garlic, onion, or chives – contain a substance that can cause anemia. This includes garlic and onion powder in prepared foods. 5. Corn on the cob – pieces of the cob can be swallowed and cause a bowel obstruction. 6. Bones that splinter or can be swallowed – certain bones can cause lacerations to the mouth or digestive tract or cause obstruction. 7. Raw eggs – contain an enzyme in the egg white called Avidin, which prevents the absorption of a B-Vitamin called biotin which can lead to skin and hair coat problems. 8. Avocado – contain a substance called Persin, which causes vomiting and diarrhea. 9. Liver – when fed in large quantities causes Vitamin A toxicity causing bone and muscle problems. 10. Fish – raw, canned or cooked when fed exclusively or in large quantities a Thiamine deficiency leading to anorexia, seizures, an in severe cases death. 10 things not to feed your cat: 1. Chocolate, coffee, tea or caffeine –for the same reason as dogs. 2. Canned tuna for human consumption and raw fish – when fed exclusively or in high amounts can cause thiamine deficiency similar to dogs. 3. Grapes, raisins, or currants – same as dogs 4. Nuts – some nuts like macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin causing intestinal, nervous system or muscle problems. Also if swallowed can cause a bowel obstruction. 5. Xylitol gum or candy – same as dogs 6. Baby food – many times contain onion powder, which can cause anemia when fed exclusively for in large quantities. Also is not completely balanced for a cat. 7. Onions and Garlic raw, cooked or powder – contain sulfoxides and disulfides which cause anemia. Cats are more sensitive than dogs, and onion is more toxic than garlic. 8. Dog food – if fed repeatedly causes taurine deficiency, which can cause malnutrition and heart disease. 9. Bones – can cause obstruction or lacerations of the digestive system. 10. Raw meat – may contain ecoli or salmonella causing diarrhea or vomiting. Many of the foods listed can be used occasionally or as part of a balanced diet, but if not using a commercially prepared diet consult your veterinarian or an animal nutritionist.
Posted on: Mon, 08 Jul 2013 02:37:49 +0000