Pet Safety Warning: From Chocolates to Raisins, 6 Festive Foods and Treats to Leave Off Their Plates

During the festive seasonit’s tempting to share holiday treats with our petsbut many foods can be harmful to them. Ingredients such as chocolate, xylitol (a common sweetener), grapes, garlic and onions can be toxic and cause serious health problems. Being aware of these dangers will keep our pets safe and healthy so they can enjoy the festivities alongside us. (Read also: Pets experience stress from loud noises and toxic fumes during Diwali: 6 vet-approved tips to care for your fur baby )

Dr. Umesh Kallahali, Small Animal Advisor at Mars Petcare India, shared with HT Lifestyle the top foods to avoid for pets.

1. Chocolate

Chocolate is a festive favorite, but can be dangerous to pets, especially dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which pets cannot break down as quickly as humans. Even a small amount can cause restlessness, palpitations, vomiting, diarrhea and even seizures. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are particularly dangerous, so it’s safest to keep all chocolate away from pets.

2. Foods with xylitol

Xylitol, a common sugar substitute in sugar-free candy, gum and baked goods, is especially harmful to dogs. It can cause a rapid release of insulin, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels. Symptoms may include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Higher doses of xylitol can even cause irreversible liver damage, so it is important to keep xylitol-sweetened treats out of the reach of pets.

3. Grapes and raisins

Grapes and raisins are often used in holiday recipes, but they are highly toxic to pets, especially dogs. Ingesting even a small amount can lead to sudden kidney failure, with symptoms including vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy and abdominal pain. Because it is difficult to determine how much may be harmful to each pet, it is safest to keep all foods containing grapes or raisins out of reach.

4. Garlic and onions

Garlic and onions, which are common in holiday dishes, contain compounds that can harm pets, especially cats and dogs, by damaging their red blood cells. This can lead to anemia if consumed in large quantities or over time. Symptoms may include weakness, vomiting and pale gums. Because garlic and onions in any form (raw, cooked, or powdered) pose a risk, it is best not to let pets near spicy foods.

5. Macadamia and other nuts

Macadamia nuts are poisonous to dogs and can cause symptoms such as muscle tremors, weakness, vomiting and low-grade fever. Other nuts, especially salted or flavored nuts, can upset pets’ stomachs and cause dehydration. Nuts also pose a choking hazard to smaller pets, so it’s safest to keep nut-based treats out of reach.

6. Raw dough

Uncooked yeast dough is dangerous if eaten by pets. It can continue to rise in their stomach, causing gas and discomfort, while the fermentation process can create alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning. Signs of dough toxicity include vomiting, unsteadiness and bloating. Keeping raw dough covered and out of sight is the best way to avoid any risk.

Keeping these treats out of reach keeps pets safe, healthy, and ready to enjoy the festivities their way! Consider offering pet-safe treats as an alternative so they can celebrate with you.