One of the most common mistakes new pet owners make is to assume that the foods they eat will also be safe for their pets. If you need help making safer food choices for your animal friends, The Pet Hale is the right place to go. Located in Mililani, HI, the pet shop can provide useful information about which food items to avoid when feeding your beloved pets.

5 Human Foods Pets Shouldn’t Consume

1. Chocolate

Chocolates and other cacao-based products contain chemicals known as methylxanthines, which can cause serious health issues in your pets. Common side effects of methylxanthines include seizures, diarrhea, and vomiting. In more severe cases, ingesting any product containing cacao can prove to be fatal for your animal companions.

2. Nuts

Although nuts are typically considered a healthy snack for humans, the same cannot be said for your beloved pets. The Pet Hale especially warns against feeding your pet Macadamia nuts, since they can lead to digestive problems, hyperthermia, and depression. Other nuts like almonds and pecans can often be hard for animals to digest and may cause pancreatitis.

3. Fruits & Vegetables

While many fruits and vegetables are safe for your pets to consume, some are not suitable for them. For example, the acidic content in citrus fruits can irritate your pet’s stomach and affect their nervous system. Similarly, vegetables like onions and garlic are known to cause toxicity in cats and dogs.

4. Dairy

One of the most common feeding mistakes pet parents make is to give their animal friends milk or other dairy products. A naturally occurring enzyme called lactase is essential to break down the milk protein and help digest it. Since animals don’t produce lactase as readily as their human counterparts, they’re unable to tolerate milk and other dairy items.

5. Raw Animal Products

Raw meat is the staple diet for animals in the wild, but it can make domesticated pets suffer from a host of health issues. In addition to meat, uncooked eggs are also dangerous for your furry friends, as they can lead to salmonella and E. Coli infections. 

If you need further guidance on the safe food options for animals, to turn to The Pet Hale. Call (808) 696-1083, or visit them online to find out what Mililani’s best pet shop has to offer. Follow them on Facebook to keep a tab on their latest products and pet shop updates.