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Foods & Plants Toxic to Pets

Over 700 common house and garden plants (shrubs, trees, perennial and annual flowers), foods, and drinks, are dangerous or toxic to dogs, cats & other household animals.

foods and plants toxic to pets, dangerous for pets, poisonous plants for dogs, toxic foods for cats, household pets, lethal substances for pets,(Dogs Photo: Hannah Lim via Unsplash)

Use care with these items so you don’t drop or track them into areas where your pet may have access to them. What may be a small amount to a human could be a poisonous amount to a small cat, dog, or other animal.

Foods & Drinks Toxic to Pets

Store and dispose of these items securely, out of the reach of your dog, cat, or other pet, preferably in a high cupboard with a child-proof lock. One ounce is all it may take for lasting damage or death, depending on the size of the pet and toxicity of the substance ingested. Below is a list of some of the more common 

  • Caffeine & Chocolates – anything containing methylxanthines, which is found in chocolate and caffeine products such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
    • Chocolates & chocolate bars – the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is. Dogs love chocolate but it hates them!
  • Xylitol – this artificial sweetener can be found in over the counter “sugarless” baked goods, candy, gum, toothpaste, and other products. 
  • Alcohol/ethanol, hops/beer
  • Marijuana
  • Grapes & raisins – even when baked into something else – are highly toxic and can cause rapid kidney failure.
  • Onions, garlic, leeks & chives – these foods all contain allium, and are toxic raw or cooked, fresh or dried; cats are particularly sensitive. 
  • Raw & fish, poultry/eggs, bones, and seafood. Traces of raw meat may cling to all bones, and turkey, duck & chicken bones can splinter and cause a blockage. After removing meat, fish or chicken from bones, double-bag unused scraps and bones and dispose of them in a pet-proof garbage bin.
  • Salt & salty products – ingesting chips and other high-salt snack foods and products (road salt, etc.) can be lethal for pets.
  • Nuts – macadamia nuts, almonds, pecans, and walnuts
  • Rising yeast bread dough
  • Some spices / spice plants – marjoram, mint, parsley, sorrel, saffron, oregano, thyme, tarragon, nutmeg
  • Starfruit, Rhubarb leaves, citrus fruits and by-products (ie, tomatoes, grapefruit, oranges, etc.). 
  • Avocado is particularly toxic for birds.

Advise family members and visitors that food and drinks should never be left unattended on pet-accessible surfaces, and any dropped food items should be picked up immediately – feeding random table scraps to pets could be hazardous to their health. 

Tips:

  • Food wrappings including candy and chocolate wrappers, should be promptly disposed of in a secure garbage can.
  • Although it’s less common (less than 10% of all dogs and cats), some pets also have food allergies to beef, dairy, wheat, fish, etc.
  • Before buying dried animal products such as rawhide bones, jerky treats, pigs ears, etc. check for recalls here: U.S. Food & Drug Administration Recalls & Withdrawals

House & Garden Plants Toxic to Pets

In addition to the above-named plant products or fruits which are ingested by humans but are potentially toxic for pets, the following common house and garden plants, shrubs & trees, are toxic to dogs and/or cats. Some may cause a nervous or digestive system upset, while eating others may result in death. Don’t place them in areas around your home where your pet will be freely roaming without observation.

Flower Bulbs – Autumn Crocus, Daffodil, Hyacinth. Lilies are especially toxic to dogs and cats. 

Annuals & Perennials – Aloe, Azaleas, Baby’s Breath, Begonia, Bird of Paradise, Chamomile, Chrysanthemum / Mum, Clematis, Cyclamen, Dahlia, Daisy, Dieffenbachia, Elephants Ear, Eucalyptus, Foxglove, Gardenia, Geranium, Hosta, Hydrangea, Indian Rubber Plant, Iris, Jade Plant, Japanese Pieris, Kalanchoe, Larkspur, Lavender, Lobelia, Lupine, Morning Glory, Oleander, Paper White, Peony, Pinks, Primrose, Rhododendron, Shamrocks, Snake Plant, St. John’s Wort, Sweet Peas, Sweet William, Tobacco Flower, Wandering Jew, Wisteria, Yarrow, Yucca.

Trees & Shrubs – Boxwood, Citrus trees & fruits, Horse Chestnut, Locust, Privet, Yew

Seasonal House Plants – Amaryllis, Holly, Ivy, Mistletoe, Poinciana, Poinsetta

Weeds – Milkweed

Consult the ASPCA Poisonous Plants for a more complete list of plants that are toxic to pets and other animals.

**This is not a complete list of all toxic foods, drinks, or plants that are toxic to pets. This article is for general informational purposes only. Obtain immediate expert veterinarian advice from a qualified practitioner about your pet if you suspect they have been ingested a toxic substance of any kind**

Resources: 

Canadian Veterinary Medical Association

ASPCA

Anita Hamilton

50+ World editor & writer Anita Hamilton's articles are inspired by real historical events, places, and people. Her travel experiences, a lifelong keen interest in history, art, vintage music, books, silent films, classic movies, "golden age" television shows, fashion, & entertainment in general - combined with years of research - make her a subject matter expert with acquired knowledge & expertise on these topics. This, and a loving and supportive family complete with 3 mini-dachshund minions, keeps her busy.

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