It is common to shower your pet with treats and leftovers from your plate. But before you do that, make sure you are not putting your pets’ life in danger by sharing human foods that can be potentially fatal. To avoid that, let us talk about human foods that are harmful to dogs and cats.

1. Chocolates and caffeine
Chocolates contain cocoa that is responsible for triggering food poisoning in your pets. It can cause anything from mild issues like tummy aches to something as severe as death! The two compounds, theobromine and caffeine, are toxic for your furry pets that can impact the central nervous system. Even the smallest piece of chocolate is enough to make them very sick.

2. Xylitol
Xylitol is one of the most toxic human foods that can prove harmful to cats and dogs. It is found in artificial sweeteners and used in products like candies, bread, and other baked items. It can lead to poisoning in your pets that can develop within an hour of ingesting. Xylitol can also increase blood sugar to dangerous levels by stimulating the release of insulin.

3. Onions and garlic
Before you feel tempted to feed your cats and dogs with your meal, don’t forget that most of our foods contain onions and garlic as a common ingredient. These two ingredients can lead to poisoning in your pets that can damage their red blood cells. It can also cause mouth irritation and stomach discomfort.

4. Grapes and related dried products
Grapes, currants, and raisins in cooked and raw forms are responsible for kidney failure in your dogs and cats. If you see signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea within 24 hours of ingesting grapes and related products, see a doctor immediately.

5. Macadamia nuts
While macadamia nuts are a healthy snack for us, they can be poisonous for your canines and kitties. When ingested, it can lead to problems, such as stiffness, vomiting, weakness, fever, uncontrollable shaking, and abdominal pain.

6. Avocados
All parts of avocado, including the leaves, fruit, plant bark, and pits are all dangerous and toxic for your cats and dogs. Clinical signs of ingestion include diarrhea and vomiting.

7. Coconut 
Coconut or coconut-based products can cause serious harm to your pets, if ingested in small quantities. The milk and flesh of fresh coconuts contain oils that can upset their stomach or cause diarrhea. This is the reason it is advisable to observe caution when offering foods that contain coconut. You must also avoid coconut water as it contains a high amount of potassium.

If you are going to make some delicious food items this festive season, make sure you educate everyone in your family as well as your visitors to avoid feeding your pets with certain foods straight from their silverware.