Growing up on a small farm had a lot of advantages, not the least of which was a freedom and sense of complete control over one’s own contentment and pursuits of happiness.
We had a lot of pets. We had cats, dogs, sheep, cattle, horses, chickens, bunny’s and anything else we found or that came to us as hungry strays. Back then, we didn’t think too much about what our pets ate. We very often gave our pet “people-foods”; scraps from family meals, treats, etc.
Farms always had a bunch of hungry cats and dogs running around the property, feeding on cow’s milk, cooked oatmeal with dog and cat food mixed in, mice, birds, table scraps and any other bit of fodder they could find (or that someone nonchalantly and innocently tossed their way).
What we did not realize is that we were giving our pets foods which are hazardous for them. For some reason, we believed that if we could eat it so could they. Looking back, that way of thinking, that mentality seems rather ignorant; indeed, even blind to so many things.
Funny though, because we rarely took any of our pets to veterinarians back then either. Hmmmmm…perhaps they (the pets) knew how to heal themselves from all the junk we gave them. Maybe they knew enough natural remedies (i.e, herbs, berries, fruits, weeds, and other ‘anti-toxins’) to counteract our poisons.
There was not a lot of information-sharing back then either. Certainly, nowhere near as it is today, and things we learned came much slower then, for sure! I guess life was just a whole lot slower and simpler then.
How many adorable pictures have we seen of tiny kittens being fed pure cow’s milk, directly from the cow? How, we are told many cats are lactose intolerant and cannot metabolize the mild properly, so we should not give that to them. Who Knew?
Here are seven “people foods” that should not be given to your cat or dog, as they have been found to be either directly or indirectly “toxic” to them:
AVOCADO
Avocados contain persin, which is a derivative of fatty acids. Persin is toxic to cat and dogs, as well as other animals, and especially birds.
CHOCOLATE
Chocolate is considered to be poisonous to cats and dogs. It contains theobromine, an alkaloid, which can give pets theobromine poisoning, which can lead to death if not treated early. Dark chocolate is especially toxic to all pets.
COWS‘ MILK
Cows’ milk is not considered toxic to cats, but some cats are lactose intolerant, thus mild may give them diarrhea or other digestive symptoms. Dogs can also be lactose intolerant.
FOODS CONTAINING XYLITOL
ASPCA Animal Poison Contral Center warns dog owners that products sweetened with Xylitol are harmful to dogs. Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweetener extracted from fibers of fruits and vegetables and is used in a wide variety of desserts, snacks, candies, and gums. They are now adding Xylitol to many Peanut Butters. Since we all know how dogs like peanut butter treats, make sure you are purchasing “All Natural” Peanut Butter and make sure you double check the ingredient label. Xylitol can cause a rapid and severe blood-sugar drop in dogs, which can lead to seizures, vomiting and weakness. Immediate veterinary attention is required.
GRAPES & RAISINS
Grapes and raisins should be avoided as pet snacks, as they have been linked with kidney failure, especially in dogs.
ONION, GARLIC, LEEK, CHIVE
Onions contain a substance called N-propyl disulphide, which can destroy red blook cells in cats & dogs, causing a type of anemia called Heinze body anemia. Garlic, leeks and chives contain similar substances, although in lesser amounts.
TOMATOES, RAW POTATOES
Tomatoes and raw potatoes contain the Glycoalkaloid Solanine, a poisonous compound which can cause digestive ailments in animals.
