Is it safe for my pet?
A page for every food, plant and household substance, with what it does, the signs to watch for and what to do.
65 entries
Emergency12
- ChocolateTheobromine is toxic. Dark and baking chocolate are worst; milk less so; white has little theobromine but still lots of fat/sugar.
- Dark / pure chocolate / cocoa powderHighest theobromine. Even small amounts can be serious in small dogs.
- Grapes / raisinsCan cause acute kidney failure in dogs even in small amounts.
- Xylitol (gum, sugar-free sweets)Triggers insulin release → severe hypoglycaemia and possible liver failure in dogs.
- AlcoholCNS depressant. Small amounts can be serious, especially in small animals.
- Antifreeze (ethylene glycol)Extremely toxic and sweet-tasting. Causes irreversible kidney failure if not treated fast.
- Rat poison / rodenticidesAnticoagulants and other rodenticides can be lethal. Treatment depends on the product.
- Human medicines (ibuprofen, paracetamol…)Many human painkillers and drugs are highly toxic to pets. Never self-medicate.
- Macadamia nutsToxic to dogs. Can cause weakness, tremors and hyperthermia.
- Lilies (flowers)Extremely toxic to cats. Even pollen or vase water can cause acute kidney failure.
- Chewing gum (xylitol risk)Many sugar-free gums contain xylitol — treat as xylitol exposure.
- Chocolate (ferrets)Ferrets are also sensitive to theobromine.
Toxic12
- Onion / garlic / leekDamage red blood cells. Raw, cooked or powdered. Dose depends on size.
- Coffee / caffeineStimulant; can cause hyperactivity, tremors and heart issues.
- Raw yeast doughExpands in the stomach and produces alcohol.
- Salt / saline intoxicationExcess sodium can cause severe neurological signs.
- Toxic plants (general)Many house and garden plants are toxic (sago, oleander, etc.).
- Wild mushroomsSome species are highly toxic; hard to identify.
- NutmegIn larger amounts can cause neurological symptoms.
- Cinnamon oil / essential oilsEssential oils can be toxic, especially to cats.
- Detergents / cleaning productsIrritant to corrosive depending on product.
- Coffee capsules / groundsConcentrated caffeine source.
- Avocado (rabbits)Persin can be dangerous for rabbits.
- Onion family (rabbits)Allium plants are unsafe for rabbits.
Caution29
- AvocadoPersin can affect some species; the pit is a choking/obstruction risk.
- Cooked bonesSplinter and can perforate or obstruct.
- Cow's milkMany adult pets are lactose intolerant.
- Apple seedsContain cyanogenic compounds in quantity; flesh is fine.
- White chocolateVery little theobromine; high fat/sugar.
- OlivesOften high salt; pits are a choking risk.
- AlmondsHard to digest; choking/obstruction risk; salted worse.
- PeanutsHigh fat; salted/onion-flavoured dangerous.
- CheeseLactose and fat; some cheeses very salty.
- Raw eggSalmonella risk; avidin can affect biotin if chronic.
- Raw fishParasites / thiaminase in some species if frequent.
- Raw porkParasite risk (e.g. trichinella) region-dependent.
- Green tomato / plantSolanine in green parts.
- Raw / green potatoSolanine in green or sprouting potatoes.
- Cinnamon (spice)Culinary amounts usually low risk; oils are different.
- FigsCan cause digestive upset in some pets.
- CherriesPits: choking and cyanogenic risk; flesh limited.
- PeachPit: choking/obstruction and cyanogenic compounds.
- YogurtLactose; plain unsweetened better.
- TunaOccasional OK; frequent can mean mercury / thiamine issues.
- CornOften filler; cobs cause obstruction.
- BreadPlain bread low toxicity; dough is dangerous.
- HoneyNot for puppies (botulism risk); adults small amounts.
- CoconutFlesh high fat; water usually OK in small amounts.
- PistachiosHigh fat; salted problematic.
- Tea bags / teaCaffeine and possible string/bag ingestion.
- Avocado pitChoking and intestinal obstruction risk.
- Iceberg lettuce (rabbits)Low nutrients; can cause diarrhoea in rabbits.
- Avocado seed (general)Obstruction risk across species.
Usually safe12
- BananaSafe in moderation; high sugar.
- Apple (flesh)Safe without seeds/core.
- CarrotSafe; good low-calorie snack.
- PumpkinSafe plain flesh; good for mild digestive support.
- RicePlain cooked rice often used in bland diets.
- Cooked chickenSafe plain without bones/seasoning.
- WatermelonSafe flesh without seeds/rind in moderation.
- MelonSafe flesh in moderation.
- StrawberriesSafe in small amounts.
- AsparagusCooked plain generally fine; not very digestible raw.
- CucumberSafe low-calorie snack.
- LettuceMost types OK in small amounts.