It’s not only chocolate: These 9 common foods can seriously harm your dog

Watching your pooch wag their tail and stare you out while you’re at the dinner table, it’s tempting to hand them some goodies off your plate to see them smile. However, there are a number of foods that dogs simply must avoid, as they contain toxins that can make them ill, or worse.

According to Parade Pets, these are nine common foods that you should avoid giving to your dog at all costs.

Chocolate is one of the most well-known no-nos for dogs. It contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are stimulants that dogs cannot metabolise. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, death—especially with darker varieties.

Grapes and raisins may seem like harmless snacks, but they’re extremely toxic to dogs: just a few can lead to deadly kidney failure. The specific toxic agent inside grapes is, curiously, still unknown, and some dogs are more sensitive than others, making them especially dangerous.

Onions and garlic, whether raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated, can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia. These ingredients are common in many human foods, so it’s important to check labels before sharing with pets.

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum, baked goods, and even some peanut butters. It can cause a rapid release of insulin in dogs, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, and even death.

Macadamia nuts are highly toxic to dogs. Even small quantities can cause symptoms like vomiting, weakness, tremors, and overheating. While, as with grapes, the exact cause of toxicity is unknown, the effects are serious and can last up to 48 hours.

Alcohol and unbaked yeast dough also pose significant risks. Alcohol affects dogs much more severely than humans, leading to central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, and even comas. Yeast dough can expand in the stomach and ferment, producing alcohol internally and risking bloat or alcohol poisoning.

Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some sodas, is dangerous for dogs. Like chocolate, it stimulates the nervous system and heart, which can result in hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, or seizures.

Avocado contains persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. In large amounts, it may lead to more severe symptoms, and the pit is a choking hazard or can cause intestinal blockage if swallowed.

Finally, cooked bones, unlike raw bones, can easily splinter and cause serious internal injuries. These splinters can puncture the digestive tract, lead to obstructions, or break teeth. While dogs love to chew, cooked bones should always be avoided.

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