Don’t share your dinner with pets: here’s how to keep your pets safe

Difficulty: Explorer (Level 1)

Pets love two things: their humans and food! Many times, we want to feed our cats and dogs small helpings from our meals. However, too much salt and sugar may not be good for them.

It is also important to remember that some human food is actually poisonous for pets. Here are a few items you should avoid feeding your pets.

Chocolate is quite toxic for both dogs and cats. Chocolate has caffeine as well as something called theobromine, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in animals. But in severe cases, they can get seizures and even heart problems.

Grapes are another thing you should avoid giving your pets! Grapes and raisins have a toxin that can cause liver damage and kidney failure, and it can make some dogs extremely sick.

Onions are delicious, and we love to add them to our foods. But be warned: onions are actually deadly for cats and dogs.

Even if your pet is begging you, think twice about giving them a piece of food from your plate.

Is it safe?

Based on the information in the introduction, explain why these foods are not safe to feed to your pets.

1. Fried rice (with eggs, carrots and green onions)

2. Chocolate candy bar

3. Coffee

4. Bread with raisins

Chocolate can be toxic for cats and dogs. Photo: Getty Images

Home-made dog treat

Materials

• 2 ripe bananas

• ½ cup of natural, unsalted peanut butter

• ¼ cup of plain, low-fat Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon of honey

• ½ cup of cooked rice

• large mixing bowl

• large spoon

• parchment paper

• baking sheet

• airtight container

Instructions

1. Peel the bananas and start smashing them in a large mixing bowl until they have a smooth consistency

2. Mix in peanut butter, yogurt and honey.

3. Gently stir in the cooked rice until it is a dough-like consistency.

4. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, scoop small, bite-sized portions of the mixture onto the sheet.

5. Put the baking sheet in the freezer for one to two hours.

6. Once frozen, transfer the treats to an airtight container and store them in the freezer. They can be served cold, providing a refreshing treat for your dog on a hot day!