Cats and dogs are two of the most loved pets. People who have these pets treat them like family and sometimes tend to feed them human food that can be dangerous. Here is a list of herbs and spices that are not safe in foods for dogs and cats.

1. Onion
Onions are one of the most commonly used vegetables. It is rare to find foods that are cooked without this tasty bulb. However, this is also one of the most dangerous foods for dogs and cats. Onion powder is also widely used in kitchens. This spice can damage the red blood cells (RBCs) in both dogs and cats and should be fully eliminated from their diet.

2. Garlic
Garlic is a similar bulb that is loved for its flavor and taste. Garlic also leads to RBC damage in both cats and dogs. Ingestion of garlic can cause anemia and internal bleeding and lead to death when consumed in large quantities. Some pet owners use garlic powder externally to ward off fleas. Make sure your pet does not lick the powder in case it manages to fall on its skin.

3. Salt
Salt is one of the essential spices needed for taste in food. All savory human food and snacks contain salt. Although small quantities of salt may not be dangerous, large quantities may lead to salt poisoning, and here are some of the side effects of that.

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Excessive thirst and urination
• Coma

4. Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a spice that is added in tiny quantities to give a distinctive flavor to food. Nutmeg in large amounts may cause increased blood pressure and heart rate and seizures in both cats and dogs. If you use nutmeg at home, make sure you keep the bottle safe and away from the pets.

5. Cocoa powder
This is one of the foods for dogs and cats that lead to unpleasant complications. Cocoa powder contains caffeine, and pets cannot handle caffeine like human beings. Even small quantities of caffeine are enough to cause overdose symptoms in them. Caffeine toxicity can lead to increased heart rate, hyperactivity, and even cardiac arrhythmias.

6. Lemongrass
Though not life-threateningly dangerous, excess consumption of lemongrass can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea in both cats and dogs.

7. Chamomile
Chamomile makes it to the list of toxic foods for dogs and cats. Ingestion can cause an upset stomach and gastric problems in cats and dogs. Extended ingestion for a long time can lead to excessive bleeding tendencies.

Ensure you make a note of all these   foods for dogs and cats that are dangerous, and make sure you don’t let your pets consume them even unintentionally. In case your pet ingests any of these, it would be wise to rush them to the vet.