While giving your furry friend human food is tempting, it’s important to be cautious about what you’re feeding them. Some human foods, like cooked meat, vegetables, and fruits, can be a healthy and safe addition to your dog’s diet when given in moderation. But what food do we need to avoid completely?

Food like chocolate, caffeine, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and alcohol, can be toxic and even deadly to dogs. Additionally, many human foods are high in calories, sugar, and fat, which can lead to obesity and other health problems in dogs. If you need clarification on whether a particular food is safe for your dog to eat, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult with your veterinarian.

What Food Should You Avoid Giving Your Dog?

Some safe human foods for dogs include cooked meats, vegetables, and fruits in moderation. However, many human foods are high in calories and can lead to weight gain and obesity in dogs. Here is a list of food or ingredients you should completely avoid: 

Xylitol

Xylitol sweetens candy, gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some diet foods. It can cause a drop in your dog’s blood sugar and liver failure. Early symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and difficulties with coordination. Your dog may eventually have seizures. Liver failure can occur within a few days.

Avocado

Is a table treat safe for your dog? That depends on the situation. Avocados, for example, have something called persin. It is safe for those who are not allergic to it. However, too much may cause vomiting or diarrhea in dogs. Keep your dog away from avocado plants if you grow them at home. Persin can be found in the leaves, seed, bark, and fruit. Furthermore, the avocado seed can become lodged in the intestines or stomach, which can be fatal.

Alcohol

Alcohol has the same effect on the liver and brain of a dog as it does on humans. However, it takes a lot less to harm your dog. Even a small amount of beer, liquor, wine, or alcoholic food can be harmful. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coordination issues, breathing difficulties, coma, and even death. And the worse it can be, the smaller your dog.

Garlic and Onions

Keep onions and garlic away from your dog, whether powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated. They can destroy red blood cells, resulting in anemia. Even some baby food contains onion powder. Poisoning can result from eating a large amount of food all at once. Look for symptoms such as fatigue, vomiting, and breathing difficulties.

Coffee, Tea, and Other Caffeinated Beverages

If you want your dog to be happy, give them toys. Caffeine has the potential to be fatal. Watch for coffee and tea, including the beans and grounds. Keep cocoa, chocolate, colas, and energy drinks away from your dog. Caffeine is also found in some cold and pain reliever medications. Do you believe your dog consumed caffeine? Take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Raisins and Grapes

There are better dog treats available. Grapes and raisins have been linked to kidney failure in dogs. Even a tiny amount can make a dog ill. Vomiting repeatedly is a warning sign. Your dog will become sluggish and depressed within a day.

Dairy Products

Sharing your ice cream with your dog on a hot day may be tempting. Instead, could you provide them with some cold water? Milk and milk-based products can give your dog diarrhea and other digestive issues. They can also set off food allergies, causing them to itch.