We all love our dogs and treat them like a cherished member of our family. Who doesn’t want to share everything they own with their loved ones, even if it’s just a simple bite? I know, I know no one can resist those cute puppy dogs, and what’s one little cookie or chocolate going to do? But it will.

We must remember that our dogs are a different specie than us, and their bodily needs vary. No matter how tempted you get, it is our duty to take care of them. Let us talk about five important and commonly consumed human foods that are hazardous to our dog’s health.

Chocolate

This tops the list of the most harmful foods, and you probably would have heard it as well. Chocolates are the most loved delight among humans, but it’s completely toxic for dogs. Caffeine and a component called theobromine are responsible for the significant symptoms ranging from vomiting, diarrhoea, irregular heart rhythms, nervous system variations like tremors and seizures, increased thirst, lethargy, fever, and even death.

Whatever you do, don’t feed your dog any chocolate - the darker and more natural the chocolate, the higher is its fatality - with cocoa powder topping the list. Avoid chocolate at all costs, keep them at arm’s length whenever you are enjoying a treat and immediately take them to the vet if your dog ingests even a piece.

Anything that contains caffeine, whether chocolate, fizzy drinks, tea, coffee, chocolatey blessings, all are a big-time no. Save the dessert for the people in your house only. A dog may be a man’s best friend, but chocolate for sure isn’t a healthy treat for them.

Fatty Meat and Bacon

bad food for dogs

You heard this right; dogs can’t eat bacon at all. In fact, all kinds of fatty meats, like ham, bacon, bacon fat, are too heavy on your little pup’s stomach and can lead to heartburn, obesity, and even pancreatitis.

Bacon is high in sodium and fat. What this can do is cause your dog to drink tons of water, which can bloat him up, and that is a red zone for your little champ. Lean cut meats and properly cooked chicken can be your go-to choice instead.

Brunching on a Sunday morning with your beloved puppy may seem like the best offer there is, but just remember to exclude all kinds of fatty goodness and bacon from it, just consider him as diet conscious.

Dairy goodness of milk, cheese, butter, and cream

Ah, what? Sadly yes. Pups are what you call as lactose intolerant. Milk contains a sugar referred to as lactose, which needs an enzyme called lactase for its proper digestion and absorption. Dogs mostly lack this enzyme, and so are very heavily intolerant to dairy.

Some of us humans have this intolerance too, and for those of you, you and your dog are highly relatable. But most of us who enjoy a good old grilled cheese with some freshly made cheesecake need to be pretty cautious around our dog, one little bite may not do you any harm, but for your little puppy, it is absolutely horrendous.

Again the lack of lactase causes the dog to become highly bloated as it causes water retention, which in turn is highly problematic. It can result in symptoms like flatulence, diarrhoea, vomiting, and extremely painful gastrointestinal complications in dogs. So, when it comes to ice-cream, just eat for two.

fruit and veg for dogs

Onions and Garlic

This is a deadly combination, not just for the vampires but also for our dogs too. Dry, wet, paste, solid, boiled or raw, small or large - no amount is permissible for your pup at all.

Onions contain a key element called the sulphur. It is present in the form of sulfoxides and disulfides, which are absolutely deadly for your dog’s health. They are straight down poisonous to your pet’s health. It damages the red blood cells, resulting in anaemia, which can cause internal haemorrhage, and organ damage that can be fatal.

Allium is the plant species that encompasses onions, garlic, chives, and other roots injurious to your pet. The dog species completely abhors the allium species. The following symptoms are seen and require prompt treatment for a good prognosis.

  • Weakness
  • Lethargy
  • Garlic and onion-like breath
  • Pale membranes and gums
  • Breathlessness
  • Loss of muscle contraction
  • Brown colored urine

If your dog is experiencing such symptoms, take him to the vet right away. Save the garlic for the twilight gang!

Avocados

You must be thinking this is some kind of joke, right? Who doesn’t love avocados? We eat them in breakfast as a snack and in dinner as a dessert, but can we feed it to our dear dogs? The answer is a big no!

The key component involved is called persin, and it is present in its seed, fruit, leaves, skin, and pit. It can result in diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and vomiting, and, ultimately heart pain. The fatal part of an avocado is the pit, as the persin is richest there, and it can cause choking.

Usually, eating a whole avocado is problematic, and if it happens, get the vet as soon as possible. However, the fruit in a small amount, maybe okay.

dangerous dog foods

Other Harmful Foods

  • Alcohol can also cause intoxication.
  • Xylitol products like toothpaste, candy, and gums cause liver failure, grapes, and raisins lead to kidney failure.
  • Too much sugar is bad for their teeth too.
  • Also, avoid feeding your dog cooked bones as it can make him choke.
  • Save the cat food for the cat as it’s not good for the dog.

Don’t let your dog come near these products, and you will see a problem-free life for your precious pet. If you are still concerned about your dog’s health and diet, it is best if you consult a veterinarian first and have a thorough discussion about what foods are permissible or not. Just remember that the above ones are totally not – so, keep your dog as far away from them as you can. As a general rule of thumb, keep human foods for yourself!