Human Food for Pets

Is it Safe?

First, we wish to acknowledge that many people feed their pets human-grade food.  This post is not intended to be a conversation between feeding "raw" and feeding table-treats.  It's a light-hearted observation of human foods that can be harmful to your pet's life.

We all have had those moments where our pet wants to share in meal time. There is nothing wrong with giving our animal a treat as long as certain rules are followed. Similar to humans, there are foods that are healthy and unhealthy. Animals must be fed human food sparingly and certain foods are hazardous. See below for more info.

HAZARDOUS Foods for Pets

-         Chocolate

-         Alcohol

-         Avocado

-         Macadamia Nuts

-         Grapes/Raisins

-         Yeast Dough

-         Undercooked Meat

-         Onions/Garlic/Chives

-         Xylitol (Sweetener found in candy, gum, and toothpaste)

-         Milk

-         Salt

Many of these foods result in seizures and vomiting in pets. The risk of eating these items includes death. Pets have immune systems different than humans and are not able to properly digest these foods.

Foods Pets Can Eat

-         Peanut Butter (all natural, no salt)

-         Pears

-         Strawberries, Blueberries, and Raspberries

-         Bananas

-         Tuna

-         Plain Pasta (No Sauce)

-         Cheese

-         Eggs

-         Baby Carrots

-         Yogurt (No artificial sweetener)

Remember

Occasional Treats- Do not over feed your pet human food. These items should be treats and given very sparingly. The more human food a pet is fed, the higher a risk for serious complications including obesity.

Prepare Food Appropriately - Remove all seeds, wrappers, and other hazardous pieces before giving food to a pet. Also, properly cook all meat and items requiring proper heating (we acknowledge that many feed their pets Raw Diets...  when overseen by a professional, raw diet can be *very* effective.  Raw Diet is not to be confused with "table scraps").

Natural- Only give your pet food without salt, butter, or other seasonings. Plain items reduce the risk for allergic reactions or other health issues.

Your pet can participate in meal time with you on special occasions. However, it is crucial to remember that your pet is not capable of realizing the damage unhealthy food can cause. We are responsible for protecting their well being. While your furry-friend may tempt you into giving treats often, remember that you are protecting them by saying no.