Can dogs and cats eat Fatty foods and meat trimmings?
Very fatty foods can cause stomach upset and can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes serious inflammation of the pancreas, especially in dogs.
Why
High fat content (risk of pancreatitis)
Signs to watch for
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- painful belly (hunched posture)
- lethargy
- not eating
Good to know
Leftovers from holiday meals and barbecues are common triggers. Small dogs and some breeds (e.g. Miniature Schnauzers) are more prone.
If you think your pet has been poisoned
If you suspect your dog or cat has eaten or touched something poisonous, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately, even if your pet seems fine – some poisons take hours or days to show signs, and early treatment works best. Do not try to make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to, as this can cause more harm. Take the packaging, label or a piece of the plant with you, and note what was eaten, roughly how much, and when.
Sources
Sources
- ASPCA – People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
- AKC – Which human foods can dogs eat?
- Blue Cross – Poisonous foods for dogs
Checked against these sources in October 2026.