FOR CLIENTS

People Food
to Avoid

While we support natural foods for your pets well being there are things you should stay away from when considering what you can share with your fury friends.

Foods and Substances That Can Be Toxic to Pets

At Erik Corona Pet Care, we believe it’s important to help pet owners understand which foods and substances can be harmful to pets. Prompt veterinary attention is critical if your pet is exposed to any potentially toxic items.

Alcohol and Yeast Dough

Alcoholic beverages and foods containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, changes in blood pH, coma, and even death. Alcohol is absorbed rapidly, so seek veterinary care immediately if your pet ingests alcohol.

Yeast dough can expand in the stomach, causing gas buildup, bloating, and potentially life-threatening twisting of the stomach. In addition, yeast produces alcohol as a by-product, which can lead to complications of alcohol toxicity.

Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine

These products contain methylxanthines, which can be toxic to pets. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, and potentially death.

Darker chocolate (higher cacao content) and cocoa powder pose the greatest risk.
White chocolate contains the lowest methylxanthine levels.

Fruits and Vegetables

Avocado – Toxic primarily to birds, rabbits, donkeys, horses, and ruminants. Can cause cardiovascular damage or death in birds and rabbits. Horses, donkeys, and ruminants may develop head/neck swelling and cardiac concerns.
Citrus – Stems, leaves, peels, fruit, and seeds contain citric acid and essential oils that can cause stomach upset or depression in significant amounts. Small ingestions are usually mild.
Grapes and Raisins – Contain tartaric acid, which dogs cannot process, leading to potential kidney damage.
Onion, Garlic, and Chives – Part of the Allium family; can cause gastrointestinal irritation and damage to red blood cells, leading to anemia. Cats are especially sensitive, but dogs can also be affected depending on the amount ingested.

Milk and Dairy

Many pets lack sufficient lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose. Milk and dairy products can cause diarrhea or other digestive upset.

Nuts and Fatty Foods

Macadamia Nuts – Can cause weakness, incoordination, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs. Symptoms usually appear within 12 hours, with recovery within 24–72 hours.
Other Nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts) – High in fats and oils; may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially pancreatitis.
Coconut and Coconut Oil – Small amounts are generally safe, but excess can cause stomach upset, loose stools, and diarrhea.

Raw or Undercooked Meat, Eggs, and Bones

Raw meat and eggs may contain Salmonella or E. coli, which can harm pets and humans. Raw eggs also contain enzymes that interfere with nutrient absorption, potentially affecting skin and coat health.

Feeding raw bones can cause gastrointestinal injury or obstruction, which may require surgery.

Sweeteners and Salt

Xylitol – A sweetener found in gum, candy, baked goods, and toothpaste. Can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), liver damage, vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination, and seizures. Liver damage may occur within 12–24 hours.
Salt / Excessively Salty Foods – High salt intake can disrupt electrolytes and lead to increased thirst, urination, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and even death.

Key Takeaway

If your pet ingests any of these items, contact your veterinarian immediately. Prompt action can save lives and prevent serious complications.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435

If your pet has been exposed to any of the toxins listed above, contact the ASPCA Poison Control Center immediately. Be sure to write down the case number they provide, as your veterinarian will need it for follow-up care.