most dangerous food item?

[Mary]

What is the most dangerous holiday food item that gets animals in trouble?

[Eric Dunayer]

Mary,

There are several.

Chocolate can be a big problem depending on the type of chocolate; in general, the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. So white chocolate is practically non-toxic while baking chocolates and cocoa are the most dangerous.

Xylitol, found in some sugar-free mints and gums, can cause low blood glucose and liver damage.

Raw or undercooked turkey (as well as other foods) can cause Salmonella poisoning.

[Nancy]

You stated that raw turkey can cause Salmonella poisoning. I gather you are not a fan of feeding raw to dogs.
Just curious about this.
Nancy

[Chenin BAuer]

So if the turkey is cooked its on for them to eat? what about cranberry sauce

[Dana Farbman, CVT]

Fully cooked, lean turkey is not a problem- just don't feed too much, or your dog may get an upset stomach.

Cranberries are not known to be poisonous, but cranberry sauce is high in sugar, which could also produce an upset tummy.

[Tree Thunderchild]

The woman I got my horse from called him "Reeses" (a name he does NOT like btw so I dont use it) but,,, both chocolate and peanut butter can kill a horse! (gee good name huh!?)
I had canines, and often would have peanut butter with oatmeal (grain+ legume for protein) it took one of mine getting really sick, to find out "I" was the one causing it by being "nice" and giving them my leftovers!
Peanut butter, while I'm hopeful that someone with more knowledge can contribute to the subject of chocolate and peanut butter, there are a large number of animals that can suffer from these things and other foods!
Can kill them!
I think it best to not give animals OUR foods on holidays, but make something extra special for our animals with THEIR foods in mind!
For a treat for my horse (yeah well I spoil him BACK for spoiling me!) I make like a Christmas wreath out of timothy, put oats in the middle, sprinkle on some salt, a bit of molasses, and if lucky (meaning if I have them) cut up apple pieces, and carrot slices then stir in the middle.
I put this on a piece of plywood so when he eats he doesn't get dirt or other ground debris.
He sees me grab that plywood, and starts to NICKER!!! He knows whats comin :D

But this is a very important discussion to open here, and I hope those with more knowledge of how our "good intentions" can prove fatal to our loved ones, just because we didn't KNOW it could could kill them or make them sick, please others add to this excellent discussion! Knowing, can save a loved ones life.

[Bobbie]

Chocolate is definatley poison like arsenic to us so it is to dogs. Peanut butter however, is encouraged in Kongs, as well as a bakery item with mollassas for dogs. Grapes , and garlic R not dog friendly either. Ask the Vet on this site if U have concerns. Bobbie

[Tree Thunderchild]

PS on my post, I use like 3/4ths cup rolled (or preferably during winter still slightly warm cooked oats or rice even) and mix it in WITH the timothy.
1 large amounts of grains are like giving a horse coffee, so I also make sure I've already did his cares like cleaning and filing down his hooves etc, before I do this, then, have him run in circles after he is done, to burn it off somewhat to prevent "here have a gallon of coffee and then sit still" kind of thing.
2 Colic in horses is typically caused by sudden changes in diet. It is the #1 cause of death of horses. So use CAUTION with any new foods, do so in small amounts.
and wow, I did not know that about garlic and dogs Bobbie!
It would be really really cool if someone who is a vet could contribute to a list of toxic foods for our pets in this discussion area, or a link to same!!!!!!