Treats from the Table: What's safe for your pet?

Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but we’ll be enjoying the sweet treats for at least another week. For most people chocolate is the ultimate indulgence, but we know it can be dangerous for our true loves, our pets. Consistent diets that meet the specific needs of our pets are number one in maintaining their health, but sometimes Fido and Fluffy deserve something special! This list covers common questions and some interesting foods for dogs and cats.

Cats:

Carnivorous, cuddly, and curious, kitties must have meat to survive and thrive. A bit of cooked chicken, ground meat, or fish will be a welcome treat! Watch out for the sodium and fat content of fried meats, skins, or lunch meats as this can cause your cat to feel ill.

When we think of kittens, it’s common to picture milky whiskers. The downside to this adorable image is that some cats have severe lactose intolerance and milk leads to digestive discomfort. If you want to offer milk or share your ice cream cone with your cat, do so in small amounts until you can assess whether or not they can tolerate lactose. We’d hate to think we’re treating our cats to something special while unknowingly setting them up for a lot of digestive pain.

Most foods are fine in small amounts, but always be aware of nuts or seeds in foods as they can cause obstructions in the digestive system and lead to intense pain or death.

Foods to avoid:

-any raw meat or egg
-grapes/raisins
-spinach
-Swiss chard
-chocolate
-pitted fruits
-tomatoes
-garlic and onion
-nuts (especially macadamia)
-anything with an artificial sweetener

Most of these items are toxic to cats and can lead to blood cell and kidney damage, illnesses, and/or death.

Dogs:

We know dogs will eat almost anything, their carefree spirit is one of the reasons we love them so much! As Dog moms and dads it’s important that we watch what is accessible to our pups so they don’t eat themselves into a dangerous situation.

Did you know yogurt is actually good for your dog? Choosing a probiotic version that’s low in sugar (no artificial sweeteners) and low in fat can benefit your dog’s digestion and is a great source of calcium and protein for healthy muscles and bones. Treat your pup to frozen yogurt for a safe summer snack!

Most dogs love peanut butter and their peanut butter smacking usually makes us belly laugh! Rest assured that natural, unsalted peanut butter with low sodium and no artificial sweeteners is a great snack for your precious pup! The healthy fats, protein, and vitamins found in natural peanut butter are great for a shiny coat, brain function, and overall health.

As with cats, most foods are fine in small amounts, but always be aware of bones that may splinter, nuts, or hard seeds in foods as they can cause obstructions in the digestive system and lead to emergencies or death.

Foods to avoid:

-any raw meat or egg
-grapes/raisins
-chocolate
-pitted fruits
-avocados
-garlic and onion
-nuts (especially macadamia)
-anything with an artificial sweetener

Most of these items are toxic to dogs and can lead to sickness, cell damage, and/or death.



We love to spoil our pets and sharing a yummy treat is an excellent way to let them know how special they are to us! Just be sure to always verify the safety of any foods not designated for your pet's consumption. 

**Always consult your veterinarian for pet care and diet questions. Pets should always have fresh water and a diet specific to their needs. The foods mentioned in this article are intended as suggestions for infrequent treats**

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