St. Johns Magazine November 2022

Photo by Ozzy Trevino Photography

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The Coastal Home Group

Created to Connect...and Better Together!

Nikki-Lyn

Holm has always been a wine and food enthusiast, so she couldn't be more excited to share some of her team's favorite local Saint Johns County hot spots with our readers.

A fun fact about Nikki-Lyn, is although she has been in real estate for almost a decade now, she did dabble in culinary school for a short period of time. Her brother is actually an owner of a restaurant in Daytona Beach, and they may be bringing one up here some day. In the meantime, here are a few of The Coastal Home Groups FAVES and why:

1928 Cuban Bistro: They love the tropi cal vibes, friendly staff, fresh salads, and of course the cafe con leche.

Vito's Italian Restaurant: This hot spot in Fruit Cove has been one of Nikki and her family's go-to restaurants for authentic Sicilian food, and family gatherings. The owner, Chef Guilio is so warm and friendly, and always checking on his pa trons. We especially love that they have live music in their bar area most weekend nights. Nikki’s favorite meal is Vito's Salad and the Chicken Ala Rosa.

Ember and Iron: We love our E & I. We have hosted brunch events on the patio, and wine gatherings at the Chef's Table. Their scratch kitchen food is heavenly. Nikki’s favorite choice is their filet...all day.

Clean Juice: From the time they opened, Nikki became addicted. She loves their Coffee One, Avocado Protein Toast, Cold-Pressed Juices, and patio vibes. From becoming such a regular raving fan, the owner invited Nikki to be a Juice Booster, and she has loved sharing the healthy offerings with clients, team members, and friends.

The Coastal Wine Market & Tasting Room: Another great spot that offers everything these ladies love: atmosphere, loca tion, great happy hour selections, wine, and oh let's talk abou their Ahi Tuna Tartare or their Angus Slid ers. Such a wonderful place to celebrate with friends, have a client meeting, or simply catch up one-on-one.

The Coastal Home Group is a proud second year sponsor of the PEC Thanksgiving Turkey Trot in Nocatee. Registration is open and the proceeds will benefit St. Johns Cares!

The Coastal Home Group will be hosting their annual Holiday Market and Photos With Santa on December 3rd at Clean Juice in Nocatee from 11am-2pm. This event is open to the community, and will have live music and a few fun vendors to shop with. (Follow them on social media for more information on their events)

Realtor® Founder & Listing Specialist

Coastal Wine Market & Tasting Room

If The Coastal Wine Market were like a bottle of wine, it would be a Belle Glos Pinot Noir: It has a rich and opulent vibe , dark and moody, with cool brick stone accents, a magnificent, show stopping chandelier, delicious foods, and an attentive staff.

- Nikki-Lyn

The team collaborating at Coastal Wine Market & Tasting Room in Nocatee

Nikki-Lyn Holm

Photos by Ozzy Trevino Photography

Want to know more about this dynamic team of foodie fems?

The Coastal Home Group believes teamwork, au thentic relationship building, and being invested in the community are the truest keys to their success.

Nikki has been here for 15 years, and absolutely loves everything about Saint Johns County. She loves what she does, who she gets to work with, and utilizes her gifts of making and sharing connections with friends, family, and clients. Whether they are connecting with clients, show ing homes, or negotiating a deal, Nikki leads with her heart, great enthusiasm, and is an inspiration to those around her. Through the years she has surrounded herself with loyal, caring women

who also happen to be mothers who share her vision. The five women who make up this team at the Coastal Home group have a true love of their families and for helping people in general.

The Director of Operations Jennifer Bolognese provides internal support for Nikki and fellow agents, Jenna Barley, Tara Masters, and Sherri Fay, ensuring every client enjoys the ultimate customer service experience.

What truly sets them apart is their market knowl edge, genuine warmth, and ability to treat their clients as they would want to be treated. “Navi gating clients from a Platinum Rule mindset is

the biggest difference,” says Nikki. The Coastal Home Group strives to really get to know their client’s tastes and preferences and cus tomizes their home search or selling experience to reflect this. The entire team is thankful to live, work, and raise their families in St. Johns Florida with its amazing weather, top rated-schools, and high quality of life.

The ladies of TCHG love hosting client and com munity events, and they often meet at local coffee shops and restaurants where they collaborate on how to best serve their clients. The team thought it would be fun to share their favorites with St. Johns Magazine readers.

The Coastal Home Group Fun Facts & Favorites

Jenna Barley Realtor & Buyer’s Specialist

Jennifer was born and raised in Rhode Island, and moved to Florida 7 years ago. She says it was the best decision they have ever made. She has been in the real estate industry for 8 years. She started out as a licensed agent but her passion lies behind the scenes in the operations. She also runs her own transaction coordination business. She has an Associates in Computer Information Systems and a Bachelors in Psychol ogy. She and her husband have six children, and just had her first grandchild in September!

Ember & Iron

We love the atmosphere! Wonderful place for a date night, girls night out, or even a small event. My favorite dishes are the cornbread appetizer (melts in your mouth and full of flavor), and the Salmon is spectacular. My go-to drink is the Real Housewife of SJC. If you don’t care for gin, swap it out with Tito’s...delicious!

-Jen

Jenna was born in Connecticut and raised in Pennsylvania. Her family moved down here four years ago, and she says she loves Florida life! She and her husband are college sweethearts and have been together for sixteen years. They have two amazing sons. She says family is everything! She loves coffee, carbs, and sweets.

1928 Cuban Bistro

“I love that the service is excellent and the food is quick and delicious! My favorite grab and go menu items are the chicken empanadas and the tostones. To top it off I love to order la nani, an iced espresso with milk and caramel. Delish!”

-Jenna

Tara is originally from Daytona Beach where she was a State Champion Cheerleader and star softball pitcher. She has five children (2 girls, 3 boys) with her first grandbaby on the way. She and her husband own Masters Finishing (a painting and trim carpentry business In their spare time they love being on the water in their boat.

Clean Juice, Nocatee

“I love that you get food you can feel good about! My favorite menu item is the Yummus Bowl with hummus on a bed on mixed greens with dates, walnuts, and avocado ranch. Yum!”

-Tara

Sherri is a mom of 5, with two in college and three in high school. She has been a realtor for 6.5 years and it brings her great joy serving people, providing expertise in the business, getting to know them on a personal level and mostly making lifelong con nections. It’s something special to be there for families and help them navigate the biggest invest ment they’ll make.

Vitos

Everyone in my family is a huge Italian food junky. My absolute favorite would have to be the Chicken Marsala. The scallops are also amazing. Everything on the menu is so fresh and delicious! Hope your family loves it as much as mine does.

-Sherri

Sherri Fay Realtor® & New Construction Specialist

Jennifer Bolognese

Director of Operations

Tara Masters Realtor® & Relocation Specialist

My Wandering Fork AROUND THE WORLD FOOD TOUR

by Local Foodie Lori Allen

Aseveryone knows or at least those people that love food as much as I do, November is Food and Wine month! So the challenge is to check out all the different food nationalities in our Northern St. Johns area and see what's out there. Of course there are many more than are listed below but here's a great sampling of places that I think you would enjoy. Happy Food and Wine Month!

Noura - MidEastern/Lebanese

Who doesnt like a daily special? This cute little grab and go has these amazing hot meal daily specials filled with all kinds of Mideastern specialities. Grape leaves, Kibbeh, hummus, tabbouleh along with stuffed squash and other delicacies. Sandwiches, salads and even homemade pies are ready anytime for pickup or dine in. For the sweet tooth there is baklava as well as vegetarian and gluten free options. www. nouracafe.com

1928 Cuban Bistro

The best cafe con leche around! Be adventurous and try a Cuban Sloppy Joe - Cuban seasoned ground beef, cheese, maduros on a soft bun. You won't be disappointed. Croquetas de Jamón, Papas Rellenas (Cuban MeatBalls) and Pastelitos (Guava and Cream Cheese Pastries) made daily. Get'em before they are gone! www.1928bistro. com

Bon Chon St Johns Durbin

Korean Fried Chicken - Need I say more?

Double fried for extra crispiness tossed in a soy garlic sauce giving them a tangy sticky crunchy wonderfulness! (Also available in hot and sweet chilli) or try a Bibi Bap cooked in a real clay pot! Comes out piping hot filled with rice, quinoa, kimchi, veggies, choice of protein all smothered in Bonchon Bibimbap sauce. Delectable! www. Bonchon.com

Trattoria di Bernardone

Unique Italian dishes, try the Herb-Crusted

Calamari Steak- breaded and sauteed to perfection. I love the Gemelli Aglio e Olio con Salsiccia e Funghi - garlic/olive oil, sausage and shrooms. Delish! Don't forget their homemade Gnocchi smothered in a gorgonzola sauce so creamy and rich! www.trattoriadibernardone.com

Serafina s Pizzeria

If you like NY style pizzas this is your place. I personally love getting the slices, crispy on the bottom and tons of choices for toppings from speciality to create your own. Daily specials even on the weekends! Need a slice stop on by! www.serafinaspizzeria.com

I Noodle Ramen and Dumpling

I mean I can eat Ramen anytime but with the weather changing now is a great time to check this place out if you haven't already! The made from scratch broth is so satisfying, deep with complexity and flavor. Soft and tender handmade dumplings is a great way to start and I would highly suggest trying their Braised beef Ramen - Taiwanese style soy sauce base with beef bone broth topped with slow cooked angus beef shank, pickle daikon, pickle bok choy, soy boiled egg, corn and scallion. Delish! www.inoodleramenanddumpling.com

Green Papaya

Let's start with their Angry Dragon roll - shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, avocado, spicy crabmeat, topped with sweet chili and eel sauce. Pink in color for fun and a meal in itself. But then just imagine digging your fork all the way to the bottom of their amazing duck dish. Duck with Curry-coconut milk, asparagus, carrots, mushroom,pepper, onion, broccoli topped with the most tender crispy rich duck. Such a marvel of flavors and textures. www.gpasianfl.com

Tikka Bowls and Tacos

Take a step out of the norm and try this fun

fusion. Tastes of India with Mexican style bowls and tacos. All the traditional indian sauces without the heat. Rice bowls filled with chicken, beef, etc, topped with lettuce, cheese, pico de galla, mango salsa, red cabbage, jalapenos, beans and this amazing cilantro chutney (I want to smother everything with this) making it so light and stuffed with flavor! They also have the tikka tomato curry, tikka smoked curry, brown gravy and chloe chana if you prefer one of those. Anyway you choose to build your bowl or taco adding the indian flavors really creates such a flavorsome unique taste. www. tikkabowlsandtacos.com

Taste of India 210

Tangy spicy Samosa Chaat! - popular Indian street food deep fried and served with masala, chutney and spices is a great way to start any meal here. The Chicken Biryani has a wonderful strong savoury taste. This comes from frying onions and other indian spices before the rice is added. Along with either plain Naan or garlic Naan you will have enough deliciousness to feed a family! And if you like lamb which is one of my favs give theirs a try with its little Indian flare. So good! www.tasteofindiaflorida.com

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill

If you want something light but filled with flavor you must try their Tzatziki. One of the best around made with greek yogurt, labne, cucumber, garlic and dill. Enjoy it alone, in one of their combo dips, salads or gyro. Speaking of Gyro who wouldn't love their Great Greek Gyro - stuffed with lamb, beef or chicken topped off with creamy Tzatziki and feta! Love that combination! And if you want it all, have the Mezze plate filled with all things greek. Yum! www.thegreatgreekgrill.com.

There are so many more places I could go on and on! So get on out there and start exploring! Enjoy! Enjoy!

6 wines to bring to Thanksgiving under $15

If there’s one thing we’re thankful for this Thanksgiving, it’s wine. That’s why we asked ABC Fine Wine & Spirits (the wine people) what bottles we should have on our Turkey Day table this year. It’s no easy task finding wines that can stand up to all the season’s flavors, but ABC’s wine experts have shared their picks for the most delicious wines to serve your guests this Thanksgiving. The best part? They’re all under $15.

Bella Notte Prosecco

ABC’s first pick is Bella Notte Prosecco from Italy. This crisp, dry sparkling wine is a wonderful choice to welcome your guests. Serve it as an aperitif before dinner or pair it effortlessly with any Thanksgiving dish. Bella Notte’s ripe wild apple flavor is delightful and well-balanced with a dry effervescence. This wine is a smart option for fussy drinkers or a table featuring a diverse spread of flavors!

Bleu de Mer Rosé

Bleu de Mer is a great pour for Thanksgiving appetizers, as a palate cleanser between courses or to simply enjoy while waiting for dinner to be ready. This French rosé is made from a blend of grenache and cinsault grapes and expresses as a light and fruity wine with notes of red berries, citrus, watermelon and tart cherry.

Shannon Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon

Shannon Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red with notes of black currant and plum that delivers a smooth finish. This one will please even those guests at your table who don't usually enjoy red wines. Its lushness also makes it a wonderful match for your rich gravy and buttery turkey.

Pound Cake Chardonnay

Pound Cake Chardonnay is rich, creamy and delicious and will bring out the best of roasted turkey while not overpowering the delicate meat. This buttery white wine is aged in oak barrels, which gives it a rich texture that dances with turkey beautifully.

Suvali Pinot Noir

An approachable, table-friendly red is a must on your kitchen counter for the holidays. Both the price point and the flavor make this wine an attractive choice. Suvali’s mouthwatering cherry and coriander notes will sip nicely with cranberry sauce and other seasonal delights.

Giorgi Costarosa Bianco

Of course, the best is saved for last: wine and dessert! This Costarosa Bianco will be the perfect end to your celebrations. This wine is a frizzante which is semi-sparkling and lightly sweet. It’s not heavy, so you can fill your final plate with all the pies and puddings you’ve been waiting for all year for while raising a final Thanksgiving toast.

You can find all these picks and more at abcfws.com or your nearest ABC Fine Wine & Spirits location. Cheers!

by the experts at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits

CURBSIDE

FINDING STRENGTH

The First Coast YMCA Class Empowering Those Fighting the Fiercest Fight

By: Nicole Payne, Senior Program and Membership Director, Brooks Family YMCA

Up until this year, October had always been a hard month for me. It had nothing to do with Halloween or the fall season, but instead, about a phone call. I answered it seven years ago in October — Breast Cancer Awareness Month — and I found out I had stage 3 breast cancer.

Immediately, it was cut-burn-poison: the all-too-familiar treatment trio of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. A year later, the cancer had gone into remission. But what seemed like the end of one journey was really the building blocks for an incredibly powerful one.

Several years later, Melissa Yuchasz with the First Coast YMCA learned about my story and encouraged me to lead the first cohort of LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA. I had been a group exercise instructor with the Y so, despite my initial reservations, I accepted the role, not knowing the incredible impact it would have.

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is a special program for those who have battled or are

battling cancer. I admire that the program participants aren’t just in one age group or have dealt with one type of cancer; it’s open to anyone fighting that fight.

Breast cancer is obviously close to my heart. I’ve seen several groups of women that have been very vulnerable. Their relationships with their spouses are different and they’re dealing with all of the side effects. You see their vulnerability turn to strength through this program. The big, drapey shirts are changed out for normal shirts. You see their lives turn to what they were before cancer. That’s special to watch.

Equally as moving are the relationships built in the class. You get an insight from different kinds of people that speak the same “language.” It’s instant camaraderie and it’s really nice to talk to people who get it. Just because you have cancer doesn’t mean you want to stop being healthy.

The instructors are the really the ones that help you get there. They are specially trained to facilitate this program and many of them have had experience with cancer, either themselves or in their family. Also, it’s not a quick 30-day program-the instructors are making an investment in the participants’ lives throughout the 12-week class. They’re changing your life for the long term.

I can truly say if this class had been around when I was battling breast cancer, I would’ve done it in a heartbeat. I know what it’s like to tell people you have cancer and they look at you like you’re in the grave. And honestly, a part of me hates that a program like this has to exist because of all the people fighting these terrible diseases. But at the same time, I love that the YMCA can meet them and join in that fight. Jacksonville has a number of resources in terms of cancer care and I’m glad we’re able to contribute to the community in that way- it says something about the legacy of the Y.

October isn’t as hard of a month for me anymore because I know there is support out there to help people in their cancer journey, resources like the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA class. If you’re interested in joining the program, or just want to learn more, please reach out to your local branch and let us help you take the next step in your healthy living journey.

Also, The Buddy Bus will be at the Brooks Family YMCA in Jacksonville on November 15th. The bus is a mobile mammography unit to help women detect breast cancer. For more information about it, visit baptistjax. com/buddy.

Created by Chef James Wargo coastalwinemarket.com

Coastal Wine Market & Tasting Room

Artisan Chicken Pesto Flatbread

Step 1: Flatbread Crust

Ingredients: 2 c. of flour

1/8 tsp dry yeast 1½ tsp of sugar ½ tsp salt ¾ lukewarm water

Preparation:

1. Blend all ingredients together to make a cohesive ball. It does not need to be a perfectly round ball, shaggy is ok.

2. Let rise for 12 to 18 hours.

Step 2: Flatbread Toppings Ingredients & Preparation:

Garlic-Ricotta Spread: 2 c. ricotta cheese 4 cloves garlic, minced ¼ c. grated parmesan Salt and pepper, to taste Add ingredients together and refrigerate.

Three-Cheese Mix: 2 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded 2 c. provolone cheese, shredded ¼ c. parmesan cheese, grated Add ingredients together and refrigerate.

Housemade Pesto: 1 c. herbed Marcona almonds or pine nuts 3 cloves of roasted garlic 1 c. of fresh basil ¼ c. grated parmesan cheese ½ c. olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste

*Add ingredients to food processor and while pulsing, slowly add a stream of olive oil.

Seasoned Chicken:

(2) 4-ounce chicken breast, seasoned with salt and pepper. Sautee in a pan on the stovetop or grill. Let cool and then dice into .5” pieces.

Step 3: Flatbread Assembly

1. Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees.

2. Take the Flatbread Crust out of the bowl and then divide into to equal halves. Roll both into balls and place into two lightly oiled bowls. After 45 minutes or so, remove and place on clean counter. Flour the surface and start to flatten out from the center to the edge with your hands, or use a rolling pin.

3. Spread Garlic-Ricotta on flatbread crust.

4. Sprinkle with Three-Cheese Mix.

5. Drizzle Housemade Pesto over the cheese.

6. Place the diced Seasoned Chicken evenly over flatbread.

7. Add a little more cheese.

8. Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are crispy. Ideally use a pizza steel or a pizza stone

9. Garnish with fresh basil and parmesan cheese.

Slice, serve and enjoy with your favorite wine offering from Coastal Wine!

We hope you enjoy making this popular Coastal Wine menu item as much as we enjoy making it for our guests!

Wine Tips from the Sommeliér

by Steve Terrell, Sommeliér Uncorked Events

a personal thing that it’s almost impossible to give a blanket recommendation of a wine to taste. But, in my experience there are a few things that I look for when I’m choosing a glass of wine. First off, I look for a wine that is unique in some way, something a little different about this one that I’ve not had before. It might have a different or unique aroma and flavor profile. Some Rieslings are examples of this with their petrol aromas and flavors, or Beaujolais with bubblegum and banana

Personally, I also love a big, rich red wine with layers of flavor and aromas, and a long finish. California Cabernets are some of my favorites, and I know this about myself so I have to make sure that I don’t let my preferences get in the way of exploring other types of wine and appreciating them. It’s good to know what you like, but also good to taste all types of wine and learn to appreciate them!

Finally, I always recommend that you purposely try different wines and styles of wine that you’re not yet in love with, and really pay close attention to what it’s like, because you may discover a new favorite wine you never knew you loved!

STEVE'S TOP 3 CALIFORNIA CABS:

Any year of these 3 is fantastic!

• Barnett Vineyards Rattlesnake, Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley

• Stags Leap Wine Cellars, Cellarius Series, Napa Valley

• Darioush Darius II, Napa Valley

Steve Terrell, EdD, is the owner and founder of Uncorked Events. He earned his Level 3 designation in Wine from the Napa Valley Wine Academy (NVWA), and the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET). He also holds the Napa Valley Wine Expert credential from NVWA and has completed in-depth study of wines of the Cotes du Rhone region. Steve enjoys a wide variety of global wine styles and loves sharing his passion for wine with others.

3 TMD Tips to Survive the Holiday Season

By Dr Jason D Lewis Bartram Dental Center

November

is TMJ Awareness Month… and for good reason!

The stress of the holiday season can make those that suffer from TMJ Disorder even more un comfortable, irritable, and down right ‘Grinchy’. No one wants to feel that way, so here are some tips on how to make the next few weeks fuller of the holiday spirit, and less full of Ibuprofen.

But first, let’s discuss what TMJ is. TMJ is an acronym for the temporomandibular joint. Everyone has one. It is probably one of the most important joints in the body. It is the sliding hinge on either side of the skull that allows for any action that requires opening and closing of the lower jaw (speech, eating, etc). When someone has chronic inflammation in this joint, we classify them as having TMD, or TMJ Disorder. Stress is one of the leading causes of TMD, and this time of the year is full of it. So how can you manage all the stress without having constant headaches and jaw pain?

Tip 1: Be Mindful of Your Posture

While searching for those deals on Amazon, pay attention to your neck posture. Sit up straight. Slouching and hunching over a phone or computer to find the best holiday deal can put additional stress on the muscles in the neck that help support the jaw. Prefer to shop in person? While fighting the crowd in Target, use earbuds to talk to your spouse about the bargain you just found. Resting your phone between your face and shoulder forces your jaw into unnatural positions, and again, creating added stress on those muscles.

Tip 2: Schedule Time to Unwind

During these next few weeks, our focus is on others. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Schedule time to relax to reduce your stress levels. Whether it’s exercise, meditation, and deep breathing, or just some alone time with a glass of wine and a cheesy Netflix holiday movie… take care of yourself this season too. Not just those around you.

Tip 3: Don’t Ignore your Body

When you feel pain, it’s your body’s way of sending an alarm to you. It’s trying to tell you it’s not happy. So, listen to it. While over-the-counter medications and heat/ice packs can tempo rarily reduce the pain, it isn’t addressing the root cause of the problem. The root cause of TMD can come from clenching and grinding, misaligned teeth, arthritis, injury, etc. There are so many reasons why people have jaw pain. Schedule an appoint ment with your dentist to help determine your unique cause. And while some feel that surgery is the only solution, your solution might be something as simple as wearing an appliance while you sleep. Or perhaps, orthodontics to address your tooth alignment might be the solution. Just like other medical condi tions, the earlier it is treated, the less invasive and less costly the solution will be.

So go enjoy this holiday season! Strand up straight. Take time for yourself. Listen to your body. And of course… Smile!

Bartram

are NOT a

by Dr. Deckard, DVM, Pets R Family

Toxic Foods for our Four-legged Friends

the spirit of the theme of this November Food & Wine issue, I decided to cover the foods that we enjoy that are potentially toxic to our four-legged friends. I hope this helps as a guide to safety and great health in your beautiful pets.

In

Chocolate

Chocolate toxicity is one of the most common causes of pet poisoning during the holidays. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are both classified as methylxanthines. These compounds can cause hyperactivity, increased heart rate, tremors, and potentially death. The more bitter the chocolate, the more toxic it is. Bakers and dark chocolate are the most toxic.

Raisins and Grapes

For us, these are a great accompaniment to a good bottle of wine and cheese, but these sweet fruits can be toxic to your pet. It isn’t clear to scientists just what makes raisins and grapes toxic to both cats and dogs, but even a relatively small amount can damage the kidneys.

Onions and Garlic

Many pet owners are surprised to discover that onions and garlic contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia in cats and dogs. Onion and garlic powders are found in many prepared foods – even baby food – so make sure to read labels before serving any item to your pet.

Xylitol

Dog poisoning cases involving this artificial sweetener, often found in sugar-free baked

goods and candy as well as sugarless gum & peanut butter, are on the rise. Eating it can result in a sudden drop in blood sugar levels, resulting in depression, loss of coordination, and seizures. The amount of xylitol in five pieces of gum has the potential to kill a 65-pound dog. Even gum that has been chewed can still contain levels of xylitol that can harm your pet.

Fatty Foods

When it comes to fatty cuts of meat and other fatty items including chicken or turkey skin, it’s better to throw them out than to feed them to pets as a treat. They can cause acute pancreatitis, a life-threatening illness with severe complications.

Avocado

Potentially poisonous to dogs, cats and other animals, avocado pits contain a fungicidal toxin called persin. Avocado pits, if eaten, may trigger fluid accumulation in the lungs and chest, leading to difficulty breathing and death from oxygen deprivation. The avocado leaf is even more toxic than the seed. The seed can also potentially cause an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract as well as the meat of the avocado due to its high fat content can cause pancreatitis.

Moldy or Spoiled Foods These can contain multiple toxins that can cause vomiting and diarrhea and may affect other organs.

Alcohol

Because cats and dogs are smaller than humans, alcohol can have a much more deadly effect on them. Dogs are often attracted by the sweet taste of alcoholic

drinks, especially eggnog. Even small amounts of alcohol can lead to heart arrhythmias, seizures, coma, and even death. Macadamia Nuts

Though the exact reason is something of a mystery, these famous Hawaiian exports are considered toxic to dogs because they tend to cause gastrointestinal upsets, lethargy, vomiting and muscle tremors or stiffness. As few as six nuts can cause severe poisoning. These nuts, like many other human delicacies, can cause pancreatitis due to their high fat content.

Coffee Grounds

Accidentally ingesting coffee grounds, or consuming any drink that is high in caffeine, can cause your dog’s heart to race. This can result in seizures, tremors, arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty in breathing.

Many times, ingestion of these toxic foods can be accidental due to pets getting into foods not meant for them to consume. Other times, it is intentional since we all like to give our pets treats to share our love for food and treat them to something special.

Unfortunately feeding foods that have either unknown ingredients or ingredients that are unknowingly harmful, can be devastating. While you enjoy your food and wine, keep to giving your pet the pet approved treats that are designed and safe for your pets. If you ever question a food your pet has consumed, consult your Veterinarian immediately for answers.