Cats and dogs have adapted to be more domesticated in terms of their diet, which means that they can enjoy plant-based food including vegetables, nuts, grains and sweet and refreshing fruits! However, not all fruits are safe for both cats and dogs and unfortunately, certain fruits and amount can cause bad reactions when given incorrectly.
When you want to introduce a fruit to your pet, make sure to feed them small amount first to avoid stomach upset. Try one fruit at a time so that when they react badly, you can determine which causes it. Be sure to remove choking hazards like seeds, stems, pits, hard shells, and peels which can be difficult to digest and can be toxic.
If you’re really hesistant on a fruit, make sure to consult a veterinarian first. Keep in mind that pets with underlying medical condition can suffer to some fruits that are generally safe to others.
Here’s a list of fruits to avoid for your pets:
1. Apricot Pits
Apricots are very rich in potassium and betacarotene however its leaves, stems and seeds contain cyanide that toxic to your dogs. Cyanide poisoning signs are dilated pupils, panting, difficulty breathing, and going into shock. What makes it worse its just the right size to fit into your pet’s gut which can cause choking and blockage. While the flesh is safe to eat, be cautious and leave out the parts that are not safe for your pets.
2. Avocado
Avocados are concerning to most pet owners because of its toxic chemical called persin. High amount of persin can be found in avocado’s pit, leaves and skin. This toxin can lead to sickness, vomiting and diarrhea. On the other hand, the flesh contains a small amount of persin which is safe for humans and pets. If you have an avocado plant, allow supervision when your pet is ouside or when a fruit falls on your yard. Your pet can swallow the pit, which is hard and difficult to digest. It can lead to choking, and surgery might be needed to remove the blockage. Don’t lose hope ‘cause your pet can still enjoy their avocados. Prepare a few thin slices as a treat, remove the pit and keep it away from your pet’s reach.
3. Cherries
With the exception of its fleshy part, cherry pit, stems and leaves contains cyanide which is poisonous and lethal for pets if taken in large quantities. If your pet has eaten a cherry, don’t panic as it will not poison them. Be on the lookout for blockage, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, and relieving issues.
4. Citrus (oranges, lemons, limes, tangerines, grapefruits, clementines)
All dogs can safely eat all kinds of citrus fruits, however dogs with obesity and diabetes may not benefit from these high-sugar fruits. It can impact the blood pressure and can lead to excess calories when given in large amount. Citrus plants also contain citric acid in varying amounts in their stems, fruit, leaves, peel and seeds which may cause stomach issues and depression if taken in large amount. Meanwhile, if you have cats, don’t feed them any citrus fruits as most of these contain essential oils and psoralens that are toxic to our feline babies.
5. Coconut meat
When taken in small amount, coconut will not likely to cause harm in your pets. Coconut flesh and water is perfectly safe. However, it is very high in cholesterol that may harden the arteries and increase your pet’s weight. If your pet is on a diet or losing weight, coconut is one to avoid. Its flesh and milk also contains oil that may upset the stomach and may cause bloating, sloose stools or diarrhea. Be cautious and take moderation when feeding this to your lovely furbabies.
6. Corn on the Cob
The corn itself isn’t bad for pets. Its kernels are a great source of energy, protein and essential fatty acids. However, just a few inches of the cob can cause intestinal blockage. Although it may seem too hard enough to chew on, if you’re pet’s hungry or bored enough, they can whittle it down to pieces. If your pet has eaten corn on the cob, they may show signs of sickness, diarrhoea, tiredness, poor appetite and stomach issues anddifficulty in relieving
7. Date pits
Dates are safe to eat for your pets but keep in mind that only the flesh is edible. They are highly nutritious; they have fiber, natural sugars, vitamins and low-fat. Before feeding it to your pet, remove the pit and never give it as a whole. Consuming the pits can cause bowel obstruction. Dates are also high in sugar (16 grams per date) so keep the consumption in moderation. Too much sugar in your pet’s diet can cause diarrhea and upset stomach.
8. Figs
Figs, just like dates, are high in fiber and natural sugars. but they can lead to diarrhea. They also contain fucosin and ficin which can irritate some pets. Limit your pet’s intake no more than 1 or 2 in a week to avoid stomach problems. Be careful when introducing this fruit to your pet. Watch out for signs of heavy drooling, vomiting and diarrhea.
9. Grapes and Raisins
While it is unknown what the exact substance makes grapes (dried, peeled, seedless) and raisins bad for pets, it’s best for you to leave it out of their reach and never feed it to them even in small amounts. Some pets may suffer worse than the others. If ingested, your pet may show signs of loss of appetite, weakness, diarrhea, dehydration, urine issues and vomiting. It can also lead to aculte sudden kidney failure.
10. Macadamia Nuts
Just like grapes, macadamia nuts are toxic but for unknown reasons. They can cause your pet diarrhea, weakness, vomiting, depression and fever. There are safer nuts that you can feed your pet but make sure that it is unsalted and given in fairly small amount. Remember, all nuts are high in fat and it can lead to obesity and pancreatic issues in both cats and dogs.
Fruits are enriched with essential vitamins, natural sugars and fibers and it’s natural to feel excited when giving them to your pets. However, be cautious of any unfamiliar fruit because it may have an adverse effect on your pets. If your pet has ingested any of the mentioned fruit above and are showing symptoms of poisoning, don’t panic but act quickly. Call your veterinarian or rush them to the nearest pet clinic near you. Learn your lesson as a pet owner and do take extra caution and prevent poisoning in the future.
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