Human treats are not the best form of reward.

We all like to treat our pets. Sometimes we even give them a little taste of what we humans are eating. Be careful, even natural fruits and vegetables contain toxins that pets can not tolerate. Grapes, raisins and onions contain toxins that will build up in a pet’s system over time and have very harmful effects. Eating grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure and onions can destroy the red blood cells leading to anemia, weakness and breathing difficulties. These effects can be seen shortly after consumption of grapes or raisins in some cases so be careful not to share this fruit with your pet.

Chocolate and candy can be especially dangerous for pets. Theobromine in chocolate can elevate the heart to beat very rapidly which could cause death if your pet is exercising or overly active. Many varieties of gum contain a chemical called Xylitol, which is a common sweetener. This additive can cause a sudden drop in the animal’s blood sugar which can lead to seizures and loss of coordination. If left untreated, the pet could die. It can also cause liver failure. Many people carry these types of gum in their purse, which is often left accessible to dogs. Safeguard your pet’s health by keeping this out of reach.

Not all human foods are bad for pets. There are some foods that make very good treats for your pets. Below is a common list of human foods that are ok for your pet. As always, it is still a good idea to get your vet’s approval before feeding human food to your pet.

Vegetables
• Carrot sticks
• Green Beans
• Cucumber slices

Fruit
• Apple slices
• Bananas
• Watermelon with no seeds

Grains
• Plain cooked bread with no nuts or raisins
• Plain cooked pasta
• White rice

**White rice and boiled lean chicken is often recommended when your pet has temporary gastrointestinal problems