Many dishes that we relish can actually be fatal foods for dogs and cats. Even though you love your pet and want to feed them off your plate, you must resist the temptation, no matter the big eyes turned to you. In minor cases, these foods can also cause indigestion, diarrhea, vomiting, itching, and irritability. In worst cases, it can lead to death. Here are 5 food items to keep away from their reach.

Top Foods to Never Feed Your Cat or Dog

1. Avocados
The delicious avocados that we adore can actually be fatal foods for dogs and cats. Avocado has a toxin called persin. Now it is perfectly safe for humans to consume the toxin as it has no real effect on us, but for dogs and cats, it can be very poisonous. It is found in the fruit, pits, and even barks, so basically, any part of the avocado plant is not safe for your dog. Eating avocados can lead to the accumulation of fluid in the dog’s chest and lungs, which can cause breathing difficulties.

2. Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is often used to sweeten gums, candies, toothpaste, and other baking goods. While foods that contain xylitol are perfectly safe for human consumption the same foods can be dangerous for dogs and cats. They can lead to a significant reduction in the blood sugar level of dogs, leading to problems like weakness, difficulty moving, coma, seizures, and vomiting.

3. Coffee, tea, and other caffeine-rich foods
Caffeine-induced foods for dogs and cats can prove to be lethal. Drinks and food like coffee, tea, cocoa, and even soft drinks and certain medication have caffeine in them. If a dog or a cat eats caffeine, it can speed up their heart rate and stimulate the nervous system. Even a little bit of consumption of caffeine can lead to restlessness, lack of bladder control, excessive thirst, vomiting, and diarrhea.

4. Grapes and raisins
Grapes in any form, such as ripe grapes, raisins, wine, etc., can be highly toxic to dogs and cats. In the list of fatal foods for dogs and cats, it might just be the first entry. It is still not clear precisely why are grapes a problem, but it has been found out that it can cause rapid kidney failure, leading to death. Even a small quantity of raisins can cause extreme reactions. One study reviewing 180 reports found that dogs passed away after eating just a handful of raisins.

5. Chocolate
The temptation of giving in to the crying and whining of your pet is high when they crave chocolate, but it should be avoided at all costs. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are difficult for dogs and cats to metabolize. Consuming the sweet treat can cause vomiting, stomach aches, dehydration, and even diarrhea. In some cases, the condition can turn much more critical, and lead to issues such as heart attacks, internal bleeding, seizures, and in extreme cases, death.

In case your dog or cat has accidentally had any of these items, rush them to the vet immediately so it can be pumped out.