Can they eat this?
18 foods from an Indian kitchen, and what each one does to a dog or a cat. The one most people get wrong is onion, and it is in almost everything.
Everything on the list, for a dog
- ToxicOnion (raw, cooked, powder, any form)
In any quantity. Cooking does not neutralise the toxin, and powder is more concentrated than fresh. Symptoms take 2 to 5 days to appear.
- ToxicGarlic (raw, cooked, powder, any form)
Roughly 5 times more toxic than onion by weight. One teaspoon of garlic powder is about eight fresh cloves.
- ToxicGrapes and raisins (kishmish)
Kidney failure risk in dogs. Hidden in mithai, sheer khurma and dry-fruit sweets.
- ToxicChocolate
Dark chocolate is the most dangerous.
- ToxicChai, coffee, tea
Caffeine toxicity.
- ToxicRaw or fermented dough
Yeast bloat and alcohol risk.
- ToxicXylitol (any sugar-free product)
Insulin crash, life-threatening. Hidden in sugar-free gum, mints, peanut butter and some medicines.
- ToxicBhang
Festive emergency. Sedation, loss of coordination, vomiting, risk of coma.
- SafePlain cooked rice
Good for upset stomachs.
- OccasionallyPlain cooked dal (no tadka, no salt)
Moong or masoor only. A tadka makes it onion and garlic, which is a different answer entirely.
- OccasionallyPlain roti (no ghee, no salt)
No nutritional value; not a meal.
- SafeBoiled chicken or egg
No spices or salt.
- RiskyMithai and Indian sweets
High sugar and dairy. Check every one for raisins, which are toxic rather than merely risky.
- RiskyNamkeen, papads, pickles
Excess salt.
- OccasionallyGhee (tiny amount only)
Not as a regular addition.
- OccasionallyFresh coconut (plain, unsweetened)
Safe in moderation, with no added sugar.
- OccasionallyTurmeric (pinch only)
Anti-inflammatory for dogs; can affect liver function in cats.
- RiskySpicy food and chili
GI irritation, not acutely toxic.
Keeping a record of what your pet eats, and what the vet said about it, is what The Fur Stories is for.