Stay away from nightshade vegetables as some say they can cause skin problems and small sores in and around the mouth area.

Nightshade vegetables have been known to aggravate gastrointestinal problems, increase intestinal gas (like we need more of this), and cause indigestion.

Nightshade vegetables may also be a factor in arthritis, stiff legs and in calcium problems.

Vegetables our pets should avoid, including some of the members of the nightshade family, include:

• beets
• collard
• eggplants
• green peppers
• parsley
• potatoes
• onions (toxic to dogs and cats)
• chives (toxic to dogs and cats)
• garlic (toxic to dogs and cats)
• tomatoes
• spinach
• Swiss chard

Oxalic Acid:

• Beets, collard, parsley, spinach and Swiss chard are high in oxalic acid. Oxalic acid can lead to kidney stones and a depletion of calcium in the body
• Pets who suffer from or are at risk for kidney stones, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and those whose stomach is easily irritated should definitely avoid foods high in oxalic acid.
• Oxalic acid combines with calcium to create an indigestible compound and since we are adding a lot of calcium to the food we are feeding, we want to avoid foods that do contain oxalic acid.