As humans, we have the ability to choose what we want to eat. Pets have similar options, however, as proud pet owners we do our best to protect our beloved dogs by feeding them foods that promote dental health, joint and bone support, features energizing proteins, and helps keep their coat smooth and shiny. However, as a responsible pet owner, it’s also important to be aware of the foods that could put our pet’s health in jeopardy.

If you feed your pets human foods, many can be toxic and dangerous to their health. Please avoid feeding dogs the following dangerous human foods:

1. Chocolate and caffeine

Where chocolate and caffeine are concerned, there is a specific chemical found within the cacao seed that renders it toxic for pets. It can cause your dog to experience vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death. The most prominent sign is hyperactivity. Chocolate also contains caffeine, which can increase your pet’s heart rate and cause increased thirst, shortness of breath, and seizures. The darker the chocolate; the more toxic it is to pets, but excessive amounts of either dark or milk chocolate, especially in smaller dogs, can create toxicity either way.

2. Grapes and raisins

The toxic chemical in grapes and raisins is specifically known to cause liver and/or kidney failure. It is best to keep both raisins and grapes far away from your dogs and cats. There has yet to be in depth research about the specifics of the ingredients, but injestoin of even a small amount of grapes or raisins can lead to kidney damage or even life-threatening kidney failure in both dogs and cats.

3. Onions and garlic

Whether fresh or dried, onion and garlic pose a major threat to the red blood count within your pet’s body. Ultimately, the consumption could cause anemia and other blood related diseases. Ingestion of onions and garlic combinations is one of the most toxic for dogs, even in small amounts. In fact, all parts of the onion or garlic bulb (including the leaves, flesh, juice, and processed powder), both raw or cooked, are toxic for dogs. Both parts of the allium family (garlic, shallots, onions, leeks, and chives) are all toxic to canines.

4. Raw eggs

While cooked (unseasoned) eggs may be good for dogs, raw eggs are not. They come with the possibility of bacteria transfer; and, that could create toxicity within your pet. Ultimately, the quality of the egg relies heavily on the chicken from which the egg was produced, and raw or undercooked eggs can be a dangerous source of salmonella, leading to symptoms of increased salivation, diarrhea that contains blood or mucus, severe upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting.

5. Raw meat and bones

Cooked or raw bones are dangerous for dogs because they have the ability to crack and splinter your pet’s mouth and body. They could also cause constipation or an intestinal blockage within your pet. Eating raw meat can also pose a threat of bacteria, particularly Salmonella, E. coli, and Yersinia, which can lead to severe food poisoning and symptoms of high fever, abscesses, diarrhea, loss of appetite, cough, nasal and eye discharge, and vomiting.

Unfortunately, the foods you enjoy eating may not be good for your furry loved friend. Instead, talk to your veterinarian for a healthy and suitable dog food that will keep your pet healthy and happy.