When your pet is behaving well, it is always nice to give them a little extra treat for many people that may mean giving them some of the food right off your plate. However, while most people are aware that certain foods like chocolate can be dangerous for your dog or cat, other foods out there that most of us humans love can also be problematic for your pet to eat. Some of which are common fruits and vegetables. So to help you know which of these to avoid, this article will give you a list of fruits and vegetables that are harmful to your pet.
Cherries
There are numerous varieties of cherries, all of which are quite popular yummy snacks! However, while the fruit itself can be eaten by your pet, the plant and pit are harmful. They can induce respiratory failure and death in dogs. The reason cherry pits and the plants themselves are so toxic is that they include hydrogen cyanide, which is poisonous to most pets. So if you’re going to share the cherry pulp with your dog, be sure to keep them away from the pits.
Rhubarb
This tart and tangy vegetable is a favorite in pies and smoothies, but it’s actually quite harmful to pets. The leaves of the rhubarb plant contain oxalic acid, which can cause kidney failure and death in dogs and cats. If your pet happens to eat any part of the rhubarb plant, be sure to call your veterinarian right away. You should also be aware that the stalks of the rhubarb plant can also be harmful. So, it is best to keep your pet away from this vegetable altogether.
Tomatoes
This popular fruit is a member of the nightshade family, which also includes deadly plants like belladonna and tobacco. While the tomato fruit itself is not poisonous, the leaves, stems, and unripe fruit can be. These plant parts contain alkaloids and glycoalkaloids, which are toxic to dogs and cats. Suppose your pet happens to eat any of these parts of the tomato plant. In that case, they could experience vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, and even seizures.
Avocados
This creamy and delicious fruit is a favorite among many, but it’s not safe for your pet. The avocado pit contains a toxin called persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats. In addition, avocados also contain latex, which can cause an allergic reaction in some pets. So if your pet happens to eat an avocado, especially the pit, be sure to call your veterinarian and watch for any symptoms of poisoning.
Grapes
This sweet and juicy fruit is a popular snack, but it’s not safe for pets. Grapes contain a toxin that can cause kidney failure in dogs and cats. If your pet eats just one grape, they could experience vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. If your pet eats several grapes, they could experience more severe symptoms like seizures and coma. So if you’re going to give your pet a snack, be sure it’s not a grape!
