When you live with a dog or cat, it’s completely natural to want to share a bite of your meal or snack. After all, they’re part of the family! But what seems tasty or harmless to humans can be very different for our animals. Their digestive system, metabolism and even their enzymes don’t work like ours, which means some table foods can be beneficial… while others pose a real danger.

At Pitou Minou & Compagnons, we know that providing the best possible diet is part of your everyday care. We’re here to help guide you. In this comprehensive article, you’ll find everything you need to know about safe foods, foods to give sparingly, and the ingredients to absolutely avoid. Whether your goal is to support vision, skin, coat health, allergies or digestion — or simply offer a healthy treat — this guide has you covered.

Table Foods Beneficial for Cats

Cats are strict carnivores — their needs are more specific than dogs’ and more restrictive. Still, a few human foods can be safely added in very small amounts.

1. Animal proteins (cooked, unseasoned)

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Cooked eggs
• Cooked salmon
• Duck
• Small amounts of lean beef

Benefits:
Muscle support, energy, coat health.

2. Foods supporting eye and skin health

• Salmon (EPA/DHA)
• Sardines in water
• Eggs
• Small amounts of cooked pumpkin

3. Digestive aid foods

• Pumpkin (very small spoonful)
• Unsalted bone broth
• Small amount of lactose-free yogurt (rarely, if tolerated)

Important:
Cats are much more sensitive than dogs — always introduce new foods in tiny quantities.

Foods That Are Dangerous for Both Dogs and Cats

This is a crucial list. Some foods cause mild symptoms, while others can lead to severe, even fatal poisoning.

1. Extremely dangerous foods (absolutely avoid)

• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions, shallots, leeks, garlic
• Alcohol
• Coffee, tea, energy drinks
• Xylitol (sweetener found in gum and candy)
• Macadamia nuts
• Raw yeast dough
• All cooked bones
• Avocado (flesh tolerated in micro amounts; skin/pit toxic)
• High-lactose dairy products
• Mouldy foods (mycotoxins)

2. Foods that may cause digestive issues

• Milk and cream
• Green tomatoes
• Some mushrooms
• Fatty scraps (risk of pancreatitis)

3. Foods that may cause varying levels of toxicity

• Most nuts
• Fruit pits and peels (cyanide risk)
• Raw egg whites (avidin issue)
• Too much raw fish
• Salty, spicy or greasy leftovers

How to Recognize Food Poisoning in Your Pet

Symptoms vary depending on the animal, the amount eaten and the type of food.

1. Common symptoms

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive drooling
• Lethargy
• Tremors
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of balance or disorientation
• Dilated pupils (common with chocolate poisoning)

2. Symptoms associated with specific poisons

• Grapes: acute kidney failure
• Xylitol: sudden drop in blood sugar, seizures, coma
• Onions/garlic: hemolytic anemia
• Chocolate: agitation, high heart rate, arrhythmias

What to Do If Your Pet Eats Something Toxic

1. Stay calm.

2. Confirm exactly what was eaten and the quantity.

3. Call a veterinarian immediately or an emergency clinic.

4. Never induce vomiting unless a professional instructs you to.

5. Monitor symptoms and note the time of ingestion.

6. Bring the food packaging if available.

IMPORTANT:
In severe poisoning cases, every minute counts. It is far better to seek help for nothing than to miss a real emergency.

Human Foods That Support Coat, Skin, Eyes and Digestion

Here is a summary of the main human foods that can help your pet (in addition to its complete food):

1. For a shiny coat

• Cooked salmon
• Sardines
• Cooked eggs
• Ground flax seed
• Small portion of fish oil

2. For healthy skin

• Omega-3 rich fish
• Cooked squash
• Sweet potato
• Plain yogurt (dogs only)

3. For eye health

• Blueberries
• Carrots
• Sweet potato
• Eggs

4. For digestion

• Pumpkin
• Zucchini
• White rice
• Unsalted bone broth

The Importance of Moderation and Balance

Even safe foods can become problematic if given in excess.

Key reminders:

• Treats, including table food, should never exceed 10% of daily calories.
• Introduce only one new food at a time.
• Always offer foods cooked, plain, unseasoned, no salt.
• Avoid fatty foods (pancreatitis risk).
• Never offer leftovers containing garlic, onion, alcohol or sauce.

When Should You See a Veterinarian?

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• you suspect ingestion of a toxic food;
• your pet vomits more than twice;
• seems weak, confused or trembling;
• refuses to eat for more than 24 hours;
• shows blood in stool or vomit.

Your veterinarian is the best person to assess the situation, provide treatment and adjust the diet if needed.

Our In-Store Advisors: Your Best Resource

At Pitou Minou & Compagnons, our store advisors truly understand canine and feline nutrition. They are here to:

• Help you determine which human foods are safe for your animal’s age and health condition.
• Suggest safer alternatives to table food.
• Recommend healthy, natural treats free from harmful ingredients.
• Provide guidance for pets with allergies, digestive issues or dull coat.

Never hesitate to ask us — we’re here to help you make safe, simple and informed choices.