Cinco De Mayo Food Toxins to Avoid

Cinco de Mayo Foods to Avoid for Pets: Keep the Celebration Safe!

Cinco de Mayo is a time for festive food, fun, and family—but while you're enjoying tacos, guacamole, and margaritas, don’t forget to keep an eye on your furry family members.

Many traditional foods served during this holiday can be harmful to pets. Here’s what to

watch out for to keep tails wagging and tummies happy!

🚫 1. Guacamole & Avocados

Avocados contain persin, which in large amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats. Plus, guacamole often includes garlic and onions—two major pet toxins (more on that below).

🚫 2. Onions, Garlic, and Chives

Common in salsas, taco seasonings, and marinades, these ingredients can damage your pet’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Even small amounts can be dangerous, especially for cats and small dogs.

🚫 3. Spicy Foods

Hot peppers, chili powder, and spicy meats may make your dog’s mouth burn or cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Pets’ digestive systems just aren’t built for heat!

🚫 4. Alcohol

No beer or margaritas for Fido! Even small amounts of alcohol can cause serious health issues in pets, including low blood sugar, difficulty breathing, and seizures.

🚫 5. Fatty or Fried Foods

Chips, queso, refried beans, and fried tortillas are delicious—but high-fat foods can lead to pancreatitis in pets, a painful and potentially serious condition.

🚫 6. Bones from Meat

Cooked bones (like from carnitas or chicken) can splinter, causing choking or internal injury. Always dispose of bones securely and never offer them as treats.

✅ Safe Treat Alternatives

If your pet wants to join in the fun, offer them some pet-safe treats like:

• Small bits of plain, cooked chicken

• Baby carrots or green beans

• Frozen fruit treats (like blueberries or bananas)

• A lick of plain, unsweetened yogurt (in moderation)

Celebrations are better when everyone is safe—including our pets! Keep party foods out of reach, secure trash bins, and make sure guests know not to feed table scraps. If you think your pet may have eaten something they shouldn’t, call Lifeline Veterinary Urgent Care or the Pet Poison Hotline.

From all of us at Lifeline Veterinary Urgent Care we wish you a fun, festive, and pet-safe Cinco de Mayo! 🎉🐾