Feeling you pet’s eyes on you as you tuck in to your evening meal can pull at the heartstrings, but offering them the leftovers without a second thought could prove fatal.
Dogs, cats and birds have different digestive systems to humans, and foods we enjoy day to day could actually be poisonous to them. While it’s widely known to avoid chocolate and alcohol at feeding time, there are others that may surprise you.
From onions and mushrooms for birds, to cooked meat bones and even raw meat for dogs, there are many foods you may not consider an issue – but it’s best to avoid them to keep your beloved animals safe.
Ben Pearson, Senior Campaign Manager for World Animal Protection, told Starts at 60 that many owners unknowingly feed dogs toxic food that could cause “serious harm”. He added: “If you plan to give your dog commercial treats check the ingredients and ensure it is only on the odd occasion. A good rule of thumb is to check with your vet before feeding your dog a commercial treat, human food or even home-made dog treats.”
Meanwhile, researchers previously found raw meat can become contaminated with bacteria and parasites, so it’s best to avoid feeding any animal too much – or better still, avoid it completely.
“Cats and dogs that eat raw meat diets are also more likely to become infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria than animals on conventional diets, which could pose a serious risk to both animal health and public health,” the researchers, who were based in the Netherlands, said at the time.
It’s not just your furry pets at risk, and bird owners are advised by Pet MD to avoid anything from chocolate to caffeine and even avocado. Here are a few foods to avoid for your pets: