Today, we look at nine foods that you should avoid giving your furry friend and outline a few examples of nutritious snacks that are safe. Are apples fine? (Yes). Are avocados? (No). Get the scoop in the article to follow.  

Chocolate is incredibly dangerous

This is one that most people know, but it bears repeating. The theobromine in chocolate is the harmful agent at work, and it’s present in all varieties, including white chocolate. To dogs, theobromine is poisonous and can lead to death, especially if dark or baking chocolate is consumed.

Caffeine is not safe

Americans love coffee and we’re one of the biggest consumers of the drink in the world. That being said, keep your dog away from the beans – ground or otherwise – and the brew itself. Caffeine is also in certain types of medication, colas and tea. All of these are potentially dangerous. 

Watch out for Xylitol

Xylitol is a sweetening agent added to certain foods, including candy and dessert, toothpaste and chewing gum. While it’s harmless to humans, it causes a drop in a dog’s blood sugar level and may lead to liver failure in a matter of days.

Avoid letting your dog get near alcohol

Another source of liver failure comes via alcohol. Even a small amount of beer or wine can cause problems, and the smaller your dog is, the bigger the danger.

Avocados are a no-no

Avocado might be a nutritious snack for humans, but for dogs, it’s actually harmful. That’s because of persin, a fungicidal toxin present in the fruit that causes vomiting and diarrhea in our furry friends. In fact, it’s not only the avocado that’s dangerous, but the tree itself, which contains persin in its leaves, seed and even its bark.

Fruits like apples, oranges, bananas and watermelon are perfectly safe for a dog, though do take out any seeds or pips before serving. (Seeds/pips can get stuck in your dog’s intestines; also, peach and plum pips have cyanide in them, which is incredibly dangerous for dogs to eat).

Onions and garlic are poisonous to dogs

We’ve covered sweeteners, alcohol and fruit, but vegetables are on the banned list as well – namely, onions and garlic. Keep your pets away from these strong-smelling veggies, as they’re poisonous to dogs whether dehydrated, cooked or raw.

Want to give them some healthy veggies? Carrot sticks, green beans and zucchini slices are all great alternatives.

Milk and dairy can cause an allergic reaction

Avoid giving your dog foods with milk in them. Be it ice cream, butter or dairy products like cheese, these can all trigger an allergic reaction in your animal.

Macadamia nuts induce vomiting

Nuts are known to trigger allergies in people, but for dogs, the macadamia nut is one to watch out for. Just a handful of these tasty treats can cause your dog to vomit. They might also get shaky legs, and struggle to stand properly.

Grapes are to be avoided

Grapes are delicious, but unfortunately, they can cause kidney problems in dogs. If your dog has eaten a few grapes and begun to vomit, take him to the vet.