Your Guide to Safe Ingredients for Pets

IngredientReasonHarmful to
Aconite (Monkshood)Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiac toxicity.All pets
Aloe Vera (in large quantities)Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.All pets
Ammonium Lauryl SulfateStrips oils from skin and coat, and can be contaminated with carcinogenic substances.All pets
Artificial Colors (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5)Linked to organ damage, cancer, birth defects, and allergic reactions.All pets
Artificial Dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, etc.)May cause allergic reactions and hyperactivity.All pets
Artificial Fragrances and ColorsCan cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and respiratory issues.All pets
AzaleaCan cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.Dogs, Cats
Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila)Can cause respiratory distress and gastrointestinal upset.Dogs, Cats
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)Can cause digestive upset and electrolyte imbalances if ingested in large quantities.All pets
BelladonnaCan cause severe poisoning, dilated pupils, and tachycardia.All pets
BenzophenoneCan cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.All pets
Benzyl AlcoholCan cause skin irritation and toxicity if ingested.All pets
Black WalnutCan cause gastrointestinal upset and toxicity.All pets
BluebellCan cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.Dogs, Cats
ButtercupCan cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation.Dogs, Cats
ButylparabenCan cause skin irritation and hormone disruption.All pets
CaladiumCan cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.All pets
CamphorCan cause seizures, vomiting, and skin irritation.Dogs, Cats
Caprylyl GlycolCan cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.All pets
Castor BeanCan cause severe toxicity and death if ingested.All pets
ChrysanthemumCan cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal upset.Dogs, Cats
CinerariaCan cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.All pets
Citrus (Lemon, Lime, Orange)Can cause gastrointestinal upset and toxicity.Dogs, Cats
ClematisCan cause gastrointestinal upset and respiratory issues.Dogs, Cats
Clove OilCan cause liver toxicity and gastrointestinal issues.Dogs, Cats
Cocamide DEA (Diethanolamide)Can cause skin irritation and is potentially carcinogenic.
Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
All pets
Cocamide MEA (Monoethanolamide)Toxic when inhaled, causes skin irritation.All pets
Cocamidopropyl BetaineCan cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.All pets
Copper sulfateCan cause toxicity if ingested.All pets
Cucumis (Cucumber) OilCan cause gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, and diarrhea.Dogs, Cats
CyclamenCan cause vomiting, diarrhea, and organ failure.Dogs, Cats
DaffodilCan cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.Dogs, Cats
Deadly Nightshade (Belladonna)Can cause severe poisoning and death.All pets
Diatomaceous Earth (Non-Food Grade)Can cause respiratory issues if inhaled.All pets
Ethanolamines (DEA, MEA, TEA)Can cause skin and eye irritations, harmful if ingested.All pets
EthylhexylglycerinCan cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.All pets
Essential OilsEssential oils can cause skin irritation, toxicity if ingested, respiratory issues, and can affect the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, especially in high concentrations or without proper dilution All pets
Eugenol (clove oil)Can cause liver damage and irritation to mucous membranes.Dogs, Cats
FormaldehydeCan cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and cancer.All pets
Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing AgentsCan cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and are known carcinogens.All pets
FoxgloveCan cause arrhythmias, vomiting, and death.All pets
Fragrance (synthetic)Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.All pets
HelleboreCan cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and toxicity.All pets
HemlockCan cause respiratory paralysis and death.All pets
HenbaneCan cause nausea, vomiting, and delirium.All pets
HexachloropheneCan cause toxicity, especially in small pets.Dogs, Cats
HollyCan cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.All pets
HyacinthCan cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.Dogs, Cats
Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA)Can cause digestive upset and liver damage.All pets
Isopropyl Alcohol (SD Alcohol 40)Can dry out skin and cause irritation, especially in sensitive pets.
Can cause toxicity and central nervous system depression.
All pets
IvyCan cause vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation.Dogs, Cats
Jimson WeedCan cause nausea, vomiting, and respiratory distress.All pets
KalanchoeCan cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart arrhythmias.Dogs, Cats
LanolinCan cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.All pets
LarkspurCan cause vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory failure.Dogs, Cats
Laurel (Yew)Can cause severe toxicity, organ failure, and death.All pets
Lavender OilCan cause gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, and skin irritation.Dogs, Cats
Lemon OilCan cause gastrointestinal upset and toxic reactions.Dogs, Cats
Lily (Lilies, Easter Lilies)Can cause kidney failure and death.Cats
Melaleuca Oil (Tea Tree Oil)Can cause toxicity and central nervous system depression.Dogs, Cats
MethylisothiazolinoneCan cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and respiratory issues.All pets
MethylparabenCan cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.All pets
Nail Polish Remover (Acetone)Can cause toxicity, burns, and central nervous system depression.All pets
OleanderCan cause severe poisoning, arrhythmias, and death.All pets
Oregano OilCan cause digestive issues and kidney damage.Dogs, Cats
PEG Compounds (e.g., PEG-40, PEG-8)Potential contamination with carcinogenic substances like ethylene oxide.All pets
Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben)Can disrupt hormone function and cause reproductive issues.All pets
Parabens (Propylparaben, Methylparaben, etc.)Can cause skin irritation and hormone disruption.All pets
PennyroyalCan cause liver damage and central nervous system depression.All pets
PhenoxyethanolUsed as a preservative, can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and central nervous system depression.
Can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and central nervous system depression.
All pets
PhilodendronCan cause gastrointestinal upset and oral irritation.All pets
PhthalatesEndocrine disruptors that affect hormone function and reproductive health.All pets
PoinsettiaCan cause mild vomiting and diarrhea.All pets
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.All pets
PolysorbatesCan cause contamination with carcinogenic ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.All pets
Propylene GlycolCan cause central nervous system depression and liver toxicity.Dogs, Cats
PropylparabenUsed as a preservative, can cause skin irritation and hormone disruption.All pets
RhododendronCan cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.All pets
Rhubarb (leaves)Can cause kidney failure and poisoning.All pets
Sago PalmCan cause liver failure, vomiting, and death.Dogs, Cats
Silicone Compounds (e.g., Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane)Can build up on the coat, leading to dullness and may cause skin irritation.All pets
Sodium Chloride (Salt)Can cause skin irritation and if ingested in large amounts, may lead to sodium ion poisoning.All pets
Sodium Coco-SulfateCan cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.All pets
Sodium Lauryl SulfateCan cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.All pets
Sulfates (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate)Can strip natural oils from skin and coat, causing dryness and irritation.All pets
Synthetic Polymers (e.g., Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-10)Can cause skin irritation and are non-biodegradable, contributing to environmental pollution.All pets
TalcCan cause respiratory issues if inhaled and may contain asbestos.All pets
Tea Tree OilCan cause toxicity, liver damage, and skin reactions.Dogs, Cats
Theobromine (in chocolate)Can cause toxicity, seizures, and death.Dogs
TobaccoCan cause severe poisoning, respiratory failure, and death.All pets
TolueneCan cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and central nervous system issues.All pets
WisteriaCan cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.All pets
XylitolCan cause insulin release, hypoglycemia, liver failure, and death.Dogs
Yew (Japanese)Can cause cardiac failure and death.All pets
Zinc OxideCan cause vomiting, diarrhea, and central nervous system depression.All pets