05/29/2026
“Just a little bite won’t hurt…”
If we had a dollar for every time we heard that, we’d probably have enough treats for every patient in Simi Valley.
One of the most common things we see in veterinary medicine is pets getting sick from human food. Deli meats, sausages, bacon, chips, bread, cookies, leftovers from dinner — foods that seem harmless to us can put a huge strain on a dog’s or cat’s body. Human foods often contain high levels of salt, preservatives, seasonings, oils, artificial additives, garlic, onion powders, and other ingredients that pets are simply not designed to process. A few slices of deli meat for a person may be insignificant, but for a small cat or dog, that same amount can be a much larger burden on the liver, kidneys, digestive system, and pancreas. Some pets develop vomiting, diarrhea, allergic reactions, or even serious conditions such as pancreatitis and kidney complications.
Even foods that sound “healthy,” like plain chicken, are not meant to be the entire diet. Pets need carefully balanced amounts of protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients to support every organ system. Commercial pet foods are formulated to provide that balance, while a diet made up of table scraps or a single ingredient usually does not. We also see pets develop sensitivities and allergies over time—even to foods they’ve eaten for years. That’s why diet changes should always be made thoughtfully and, ideally, with your veterinarian’s guidance. When it comes to feeding your pet, love isn’t measured by what’s on your plate—it’s measured by giving them the nutrition their body was actually designed to thrive on.
