The Hidden Dangers of Feeding Human Food to Animals

It’s a familiar sight during Filipino fiestas—a family gathered around a long table of pancit, chicharon, lechon, and lumpia, while their dog sits eagerly nearby, eyes wide and tail wagging. A child sneaks a bite of adobo under the table, giggling as their furry friend happily gobbles it up.

While this scene may warm our hearts, the truth is: sharing our food with pets—especially common Filipino dishes—can be dangerous, even deadly. In many Filipino households, feeding table scraps is considered a sign of love. But what we don’t realize is that certain ingredients in our favorite ulam can poison our beloved cats and dogs.

🧄 Garlic & Onions

Found in: Adobo, sinigang, lugaw, menudo
Toxic effect: Both garlic and onions, whether raw, cooked, or powdered, contain compounds that destroy red blood cells in cats and dogs, leading to anemia. Even a small amount over time can cause fatigue, pale gums, and weakness.

🍖 Fatty Meats

Found in: Lechon, crispy pata, sisig, fried tilapia
Toxic effect: High-fat content in these dishes can overwhelm your pet’s pancreas, leading to pancreatitis—a painful and potentially fatal condition. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.

🍫 Chocolate & Coffee

Found in: Tsokolate, chocolate cake, mocha desserts
Toxic effect: Chocolate contains theobromine, and coffee contains caffeine—both of which are toxic to pets. They can cause hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, or even death in severe cases.

🍗 Bones

Found in: Leftover lechon manok, tinola, daing na bangus
Toxic effect: Cooked bones splinter easily and can puncture your pet’s throat or intestines. They are also a major choking hazard.

🔍 According to the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA), there has been a steady rise in pet poisoning cases, especially around the holidays and fiesta seasons. Many are linked to common Filipino dishes unknowingly fed to pets.

“Nasanay na ‘yan sa pagkain natin!”

While many believe their pets are used to human food, repeated exposure doesn’t mean safety. Toxic substances can build up in the system gradually and eventually cause organ failure.

“Okay lang ‘yan, kanin at isda lang naman!”

Even plain rice and fish can be risky—if they’re seasoned. Bagoong, soy sauce, MSG, and oil used in cooking can be harmful. Fried fish bones are just as dangerous.

✅ Affordable Pet Food Brands in the Philippines

• Special Dog

• SmartHeart

• Pedigree (budget packs available in sari-sari stores)

These brands offer balanced nutrition tailored for pets, without the toxins found in table scraps.

🍽️ Vet-Approved Local Treat Ideas

• Plain boiled chicken or pork (no seasoning)

• Unseasoned kalabasa (pumpkin) or carrots

• Cooked sweet potato (kamote)

🏠 Pet-Proof Your Kainan

• Secure trash bins to prevent scavenging

• Avoid giving leftovers from the dining table

• Teach kids the importance of pet-safe food

Veterinarians across the country frequently deal with cases of food poisoning, especially during weekends.

“Every Friday night, we get calls about dogs vomiting after eating adobo,” shares Dr. Maria Lim, a vet from Quezon City. “Adobo Fridays are sadly common in our clinic.”

Several organizations offer low-cost vet services, including:

• • PAWS (Philippine Animal Welfare Society)

  • VetMoves mobile clinics

  • Barangay-led pet vaccination and checkup days

In Cebu, a puspin (pusang Pinoy) named Tisay nearly died after eating a chocolate cake left on a kitchen counter. Rushed to a local vet, she spent three days on IV fluids. Fortunately, she survived—but only after her owner spent ₱12,000 in treatment. Tisay is now on a strictly pet-food diet.

Spaying and neutering isn’t just about controlling populations—it’s about preventing suffering, improving public health, and creating a more humane Philippines. Every fixed cat means fewer homeless kittens, healthier pets, and stronger communities.

Will you join the movement? Together, we can turn the tide on cat overpopulation—one surgery at a time.