Who doesn’t want to pamper pets with food and toys? Well, every pet owner loves to reward the pets with yummy treats. Sometimes you might go overboard by giving them a bite of the chocolate or a small scoop of the ice cream from your plate. But did you know that some human foods are toxic to animals? And they can be fatal too?

Listed below are a few harmful foods for dogs and cats that are best avoided.

1. Avocado
Although avocado is among the healthiest foods for humans, avocado can cause various health issues for birds, dogs, horses, rabbits, sheets, and goats. In some pets, this fruit can cause cardiovascular damage and even death. 

2. Onions
Some vegetables and herbs, such as garlic, onion, and chives, can cause gastrointestinal irritation, red blood cell damage, and anemia in some animals. These are among the harmful foods for dogs and cats, with felines being more prone to allergic reactions even when these items are consumed in small amounts.

3. Raw or undercooked eggs, meat, and fish
Avoid giving your pet raw or uncooked sources of animal protein such as fish, eggs, and meat, as these could contain salmonella and E. coli bacteria that can cause a range of health conditions. For example, raw eggs contain avidin, an enzyme that reduces the absorption of biotin, a type of vitamin B. This could result in issues with your pet’s skin or coat. Also, avoid giving your dog bones as it can cause choking. Bone splinters could also puncture the digestive tract of your pet. Hence, ensure that the foods for dogs and cats, especially proteins, are thoroughly and properly cooked.

4. Grapes
Grapes and raisins are among the foods for dogs and cats   that are best avoided as they could cause kidney failure. Although it is uncertain which substance in these items causes this health condition, it is best to avoid feeding your pet these fruits. Other fruits to avoid are citrus fruits that can cause many minor and major health issues depending on the amount consumed by your pet.

5. Milk and dairy products
As animals do not produce or possess the enzyme known as lactase in their body, digesting milk and dairy products can get difficult. Giving them these items could result in diarrhea and other digestive issues.

6. Chocolate and caffeine products
These foods contain a substance known as methylxanthines that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, and abnormal heart rhythm. Hence, even in small amounts, these items can be very toxic to animals. Also note, darker the chocolate, the higher is the amount of methylxanthines present in it.

Keep these toxic foods for dogs and cats in mind, especially if you prepare their meals and snacks at home.