[Nfbf-l] * Important * People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets

[Alan Dicey]

Dear Friends,
I thought this article important to share with you, especially with the 
Holiday Parties coming on.
You might want to tell your party guests, please do not feed the four legged 
bundle of love anything!
And you might want to share this article with all your friends and 
Associates.
I had a friend who lost his loved pet, who simply did not know any of this!
With Best Regards,
God Bless,
Alan
Plantation, Florida

Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
Chocolate, Macadamia nuts, avocados.these foods may sound delicious to you, 
but they're actually quite dangerous for our animal companions. Our 
nutrition experts have put together a handy list of the top toxic people 
foods to avoid feeding your pet. As always, if you suspect your pet has 
eaten any of the following foods, please note the amount ingested and 
contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 
426-4435.
Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine
These products all contain substances called methylxanthines, which are 
found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to make coffee and in the 
nuts of an extract used in some sodas. When ingested by pets, 
methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst 
and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and 
even death. Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk 
chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while 
baking chocolate contains the highest.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, 
diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, 
difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.
Avocado
The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain Persin, which can 
cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Birds and rodents are especially 
sensitive to avocado poisoning, and can develop congestion, difficulty 
breathing and fluid accumulation around the heart. Some ingestions may even 
be fatal.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are commonly used in many cookies and candies. However, they 
can cause problems for your canine companion. These nuts have caused 
weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs 
usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and last approximately 12 to 48 
hours.
Grapes & Raisins
Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these 
fruits can cause kidney failure. In pets who already have certain health 
problems, signs may be more dramatic.
Yeast Dough
Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet's digestive 
system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach or intestines to 
rupture. Because the risk diminishes after the dough is cooked and the yeast 
has fully risen, pets can have small bits of bread as treats. However, these 
treats should not constitute more than 5 percent to 10 percent of your pet's 
daily caloric intake.
Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones
Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli 
that can be harmful to pets. In addition, raw eggs contain an enzyme called 
avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead 
to skin and coat problems. Feeding your pet raw bones may seem like a 
natural and healthy option that might occur if your pet lived in the wild. 
However, this can be very dangerous for a domestic pet, who might choke on 
bones, or sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged 
in or puncture your pet's digestive tract.
Xylitol
Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked 
goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which 
can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia 
(lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, 
lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to recumbancy and 
seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few 
days.
Onions, Garlic, Chives
These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could 
lead to red blood cell damage. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are 
also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed. Toxicity is normally 
diagnosed through history, clinical signs and microscopic confirmation of 
Heinz bodies. An occasional low dose, such as what might be found in pet 
foods or treats, likely will not cause a problem, but we recommend that you 
do NOT give your pets large quantities of these foods.
Milk
Because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that 
breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other milk-based products cause them 
diarrhea or other digestive upset.
Salt
Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even 
sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many 
salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body 
temperature, seizures and even death. In other words, keep those salty chips 
to yourself!
Related Links
Top Pet Toxins of 2012
In 2012, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in Urbana, Illinois, 
handled more than 180,000 cases about pets exposed to possibly poisonous 
substances.
17 Poisonous Plants
Shopping for a little green to spruce up your home or garden? Be sure to 
check out our list of the 17 most common plants that are poisonous to our 
furry friends.
Foods that Can Hurt Your Dog
Most dogs love food, and they're especially attracted to what they see us 
eating. While sharing the occasional tidbit with your dog is fine, it's 
important to be aware that some foods can be very dangerous to dogs. Learn 
which ones.
from
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets


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