Your Cat Should Never, Ever Eat

Most of us know that there are some human foods our pets shouldn't eat. Keeping our cats away from alcohol, for example, is a no-brainer. But did you know that onion powder can cause anemia in cats and dogs? Because of their different metabolisms, many common foods that are safe for human consumption are not safe for your cat. Reactions can range from upset stomachs to severe illness or death.

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To help keep your kitty safe you need to know which foods to avoid. The following list spotlights eight common foods your cat should never eat:

Baby Food

It's hard to imagine that a food that's safe enough for a baby's tender tummy would hurt our fur-kids. But what makes baby food so dangerous for cats is that it might contain onion powder (see below) which could lead to anemia. Also, baby food doesn't meet your cat's nutritional needs, and could result in malnutrition if she eats too much of it.

Chocolate

Most people know that chocolate is bad for dogs, but many of us don't realize that it's harmful for cats as well. Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical compound that humans can eat safely. But cats and dogs metabolize theobromine more slowly; as a result, even small amounts of the compound can lead to theobromine poisoning, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excitability, panting, abnormal heart rate, tremors, seizures - and even death. Theobromine poisoning is treatable if caught early enough. But to be safe, keep chocolate away from your kitty.

Coffee and Tea

Caffeine is toxic to both cats and dogs, and there's no antidote. According to ProVet Healthcare, it only takes about 8 teaspoons of coffee to potentially fatally poison a cat that weighs 3 kilograms (that's about 6.6 lbs). Signs of caffeine poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, panting, hyperactivity, restlessness, muscle tremors, increased or decreased heart rate, irregular heart rhythm, increased body temperature. But most scary of all: caffeine poisoning can lead to seizures, coma and death.

Grapes and Raisins

Scientists aren't sure exactly just what substance is in grapes and raisins that make them so toxic for our pets, but according to the ASPCA Poison Control Center, dogs who've eaten large amounts of grapes and raisins have suffered renal (kidney) failure. Although it's unclear what effect grapes have on cats, to be on the safe side the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center "advises not giving grapes or raisins to any pets in any amount."

Onions and Garlic

Raw, powdered and uncooked onions and garlic are especially harmful to cats because they damage red blood cells, which could cause anemia. Not only does anemia make your kitty pale and lethargic, it can be a life threatening illness.

Spinach

The jury's still out on whether or not spinach is bad for cats, but scientists do know that spinach leaves contain a small amount of calcium oxalates (a chemical compound that makes needle-shaped crystals), which is a major component in kidney stones. If your cat eats enough spinach, it could lead to crystals in her urine. Cats with a history of urinary problems such as infections, crystaluria and kidney disease, should definitely avoid eating spinach.

Unripe Tomato

Everyone knows that tomatoes are good for humans. But did you know that they can be toxic to cats? Tomatoes are a member of the deadly nightshade plant family and contain a poisonous alkaloid called, solanine. Solanine is toxic to humans too. But you have to eat it in large amounts for it to hurt you. That's why you shouldn't eat green potatoes - a potato that has gone green has higher levels of solanine inside it. And it can make you sick, causing a bevy of symptoms that range from nausea, diarrhea and vomiting to hallucinations, paralysis and in the worst cases, death. Unlike humans, however, only a small amount of solanine can hurt your cat. According to FelineFuture.com, "traces of Solanin, like those found in just a 100g of cherry tomatoes, can be fatal!"

Yeast Dough

Raw or uncooked yeast dough should never be fed to your cat. What makes it so dangerous? Yeast (the single-celled fungi that causes bread to rise) isn't toxic per se, but if your cat eats the raw dough, it might continue to rise inside your kitty's stomach. And you can imagine what that could lead to: painful bloating, gas, and in the worst-case-scenario, possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.

Remember, the information in this article is for informative purposes only. If you suspect your cat has eaten something that is harmful, or needs medical attention, contact your veterinarian immediately! For more information about other harmful foods or toxins found in your home, check out these great references: ASPCA Animal Control Archives and PetEducation.com.

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9 Dangerous Dog Food Alternatives to Avoid 

'Bad, Bad Dog!' This may be a regular theme you hear when your adorable canine companion misbehaves and glances at you with those innocent eyes. But shouldn't she say 'Bad Food, Bad Food!' when she's served anything that isn't a healthy choice for her?

Many of us have the practice of providing bits and pieces of our dinner or lunch to others. Children, in particular, enjoy breaking smaller parts of their dish and surreptitiously feeding them to the dog, who is waiting beneath the table in eager expectation. However, did you know that not all meals are suitable for feeding dogs? Yes, the snacks and nibbles you are sharing with her may be exactly what the vet has recommended keeping the dog away from.

Here are some items to avoid at all costs while feeding your dog —

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1_Chocolate 

This delicacy is a well-known meal that might cause stomach distress in dogs. The chemical theobromine is the main culprit in chocolate. While humans can metabolize this chemical, dogs do so at a considerably slower rate. As a result, the sluggish action causes the poisonous element to accumulate in the body, causing substantial health concerns.

Chocolate consumption might result in vomiting and diarrhea. It can also cause heart rhythm difficulties in severe cases. The issue is more noticeable in dark chocolate and baking chocolate.

It is better to keep all varieties of chocolate away from dogs and save them for people.

2_Peaches and plums 

Any fruit with seeds in the core pit can be dangerous to the dog. Apart from being a choking hazard, they can also be highly toxic if consumed by the dog. The poison cyanide is present in these seeds. If the dog consumes a substantial number of these fruits and is not treated, he or she will die or go into cardiac arrest within three to four days.

The dog may show signs of cyanide poisoning. Rapid breathing, vomiting, dilated pupils, and heart arrhythmia is some of the symptoms.

3 – Foods high in salt.

Sharing a packet of pretzels or chips may appear cute to people, but it might pose a health danger to dogs. A lot of salt isn't good for either canines or people. When dogs consume a large amount of such salty treats or meals, they are at risk of sodium ion poisoning.

Depression, diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, and seizures are some of the symptoms of this condition. It can potentially result in the dog's death in extreme situations.

4 – Garlic and onions

Allium plant family derivations are toxic to dogs. Leeks, onions, and garlic are examples of them. It can harm red blood cells in the dog and cause various difficulties as a result of this issue. Garlic is 5 times more harmful to dogs than other members of the allium plant family.

It makes no difference whether you consume a huge amount of this food all at once or in small amounts over time. Both circumstances can result in serious health problems for the dog. If your dog does not enthusiastically dig into the meal, displays signs of weakness, or vomits frequently, it is advised to seek veterinary care.

3 Reasons to Choose a Good Cat Diet  

Do you believe that any food your cat will consume must be good food when it comes to their diet? If you're looking for a unique

While it is true that cats will frequently consume what we consider junk food, this does not imply that you should offer them scraps or discount food.

Healthy cat food is essential for your feline friend's health and well-being.

To persuade cats to eat it, inexpensive cat food often contains dangerous additives such as harmful preservatives, humectants, and flavoring agents.

You may save money in the short term, but you'll be setting yourself up for huge vet costs in the long run, as well as causing considerable pain and discomfort for your beloved companion. If you're looking for a unique

They are, after all, a crucial member of your family. Cats are renowned to be healers, and they have a variety of ways of expressing their affection. If you're looking for a unique

3 reasons to feed your cat a healthy diet

Cats, like humans, will not thrive on a fast-food, high-carbohydrate kibble diet. If you're looking for a unique

Cats, like humans, can develop arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, renal disease, liver illness, and obesity if they eat the wrong diet.

If you're looking for a unique

The only difference between us and felines is that they have very little control over their nutrition once they are in captivity. Cats rely on us to provide them with nutritious food, especially if they live inside.

Cats are natural predators, therefore their food must reflect this. Here are three reasons to choose a decent cat diet that can help your pet live a longer life.

1. Oral health

Many health difficulties arise in house cats with inadequate dental hygiene, just as they do in humans.

Your cat may have bad breath, which is unpleasant, but the illnesses that can cause halitosis may be far more harmful to their immune system and overall health than you realize.

Between the ages of four and six months, kittens lose their baby teeth. During that time, there are bacteria magnets in their mouth.

You probably visit the dentist regularly to ensure the health of your teeth and gums.

But how is your cat's oral health being maintained? They require high-quality food and treats that help removes plaque and stimulate their gums to keep their teeth strong and their mouth clean.

2. Carnivores are cats.

Whether you like it or not, your cat is a hunter, a predator, and a carnivore. They will never be able to thrive on a vegetarian or vegan diet.

So, while you may have opted to remove meat from your diet in favor of legumes, meat substitutes, and supplements, your cat requires animal protein.

It contains taurine, an essential amino acid that contributes to the formation of strong muscles, particularly the heart.

Fish-based cat food may work well because it is high in Omega fatty acids, which nourish your cat's body while also being kind to their digestive system. Most fish, on the other hand, has been tainted with heavy metals and other terrible chemicals or parasites, making it extremely harmful. Offering fish as a treat to a healthy cat should be fine, but a continuous diet of it should be avoided.

Avoid foods high in fillers, such as wheat and barley. They may satisfy your cat's appetite, but they do not supply the protein required for healthy development. They can also contribute to obesity, diabetes, and a variety of other issues.

Furthermore, cats are naturally built to seek and consume fresh prey that has not been roasted in an oven or processed at high temperatures in a tin can. Blood, moisture (water), and partially digested food are found in the intestines of prey species, as well as bones and organs.

When deciding what to feed your cat, choose wet high-quality food rather than dry cardboard-style kibble. Some cats do well on excellent wet food, while others do well on raw food.

3. Cats require hydration.

There's nothing wrong with giving your pet dry food as a treat or food topping on occasion. It's easier to store, usually less expensive, and you have more possibilities for ingredients that will appeal to your cat's tastes.

But keep in mind that they, like humans, require easy access to water and might overeat on carbs, so follow the package directions and pay attention to your kitty's demands.

On the other hand, improper wet food can deprive your cat of the roughage he or she requires to keep its digestive system functioning smoothly. Outdoor cats and dogs are frequently seen eating grass... they're merely attempting to get their bellies working again so they can clean up their insides.

If you have an indoor cat, consider keeping cat grass (or adding some other form of fiber to their food) to help them maintain a healthy digestive tract.

Your cat is unable to go to the grocery shop.

Your cat has basic food needs... and then, like children, they acquire their tastes. In reality, as they grow older, they learn what's good to eat and what's not good to eat, and it might be difficult to alter their minds about what's acceptable and what's not!

However, unlike your children, who will grow up and be able to shop for themselves, satisfy their taste buds, and ideally make sensible food choices...

Your cat isn't capable of doing the same thing. It is your responsibility to speak with them, explain why certain meals are beneficial for them and why others aren't, and then meet their nutritional demands.

You may believe that good quality food is prohibitively expensive, or that researching alternatives is too time-consuming...

...but consider the agony you could bring your feline partner if they get kidney stones, ulcers, or gastrointestinal cancer as a result of toxic food excess.

Cats are intended to hunt and eat small amounts of food during the day, but free grazing (eating whenever they want) with low-quality kibble is not a good choice. Smaller, more nutritious wet food servings result in a healthier, longer-living cat.

It helps if you can communicate with your cat and learn what foods fit their palate, what meets their nutritional demands, and what makes them sick or causes discomfort.

Remember that your cat, like us, passes through growing stages. Food that suits them at six months will not keep them fit at five, ten, or twenty years old.

You can prepare your cat for a long, healthy life free of stressful veterinary appointments by providing them a high-quality cat food diet.