During holiday seasonit’s tempting to share holiday treats with us petsbut many foods can be harmful to them. Ingredients like chocolate, xylitol (a common sweetener), grapes, garlic and onions can be toxic and cause serious health problems. Being aware of these dangers ensures that our pets stay safe and healthy, allowing them to enjoy the festivities with us. (Also read: Pets face stress from loud noises and toxic fumes during Diwali: 6 vet-approved tips to care for your fur baby )

Dr Umesh Kallahali, Small Animal Consultant at Mars Petcare India, shared with HT Lifestyle the top foods that should be avoided for pets.

1. Chocolate

Chocolate it’s a holiday favorite, but it can be dangerous for pets, especially dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which pets can’t break down as quickly as humans. Even a small amount can cause restlessness, a racing heart, vomiting, diarrhea, and even convulsions. Dark and baking chocolate are especially dangerous, so it’s safer 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 particularly harmful to dog. It can cause a rapid release of insulin, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar. Symptoms may include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Larger doses of xylitol can even cause irreversible liver damage, so it’s important to keep xylitol-sweetened food out of 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. Ingestion of even a small amount can lead to sudden kidney failure with symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy and abdominal pain. Because it’s hard to know how much might be harmful to each pet, it’s safest to keep all grape or raisin foods on hand.

4. Garlic and onion

Garlic and onions, often featured in holiday foods, contain compounds that can harm pets, especially cats and dogs, by damaging red blood cells. This can lead to anemia if consumed in large amounts or over time. Symptoms may include weakness, vomiting and pale gums. Because garlic and onions in any form—raw, cooked, or powdered—are a risk, it’s best to avoid letting pets near any spicy food.

5. Macadamia and other nuts

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

6. Raw dough

Uncooked yeast dough is dangerous if eaten by pets. It can continue to grow 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 on hand ensures pets stay safe, healthy and ready to enjoy the festivities their way! Consider offering pet-safe treats as an alternative to letting them celebrate with you.