Certain foods that are safe and healthy for humans can be severely toxic for dogs. Understanding what these foods are can not only help one manage what they feed their dog better but also create a more dog-friendly home. Here’s a list of eight foods that one should keep away from a dog.

Avocado
The leaves and fruits of the avocado plant are harmful to dogs. This is because avocados contain persin, a chemical that is completely safe for humans but very toxic for dogs.

If eaten, even a small quantity can cause difficulty in breathing and fluid accumulation in their organs, which can lead to death.

Chocolate
All types of chocolates are harmful to dogs, but dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate are the worst of the lot. They contain an element called theobromine which can cause severe problems like diarrhea, seizures, and even death in dogs. Always keep chocolates out of a dog’s reach to prevent this from happening.

Cooked fat and bones
Although it may seem perfectly normal to give a dog a bone, don’t do it. Dogs find it difficult to digest cooked bones. Moreover, it may also splinter or act as a choking hazard to them. Additionally, trimmed fat from both cooked and raw meat is dangerous for dogs and may cause pancreatitis.

Xylitol-based foods
Processed goods like gums, bakery products, and candies contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol. When consumed, xylitol can lower blood sugar levels, liver failure, and even death in dogs. The common symptoms of xylitol ingestion include lethargy, vomiting, and seizures. Certain peanut butters may also contain this chemical. Therefore, one must always check the ingredient list before buying it for a dog.

Caffeine
Coffee, tea, and energy drinks containing caffeine can be very dangerous to dogs. Even a few sips can cause severe problems for them. After only a couple of hours of caffeine consumption, they may experience symptoms like lethargy, hyperactivity, and panting. It may also get worse, causing seizures and tremors.

Garlic and onions
Vegetables that belong to the onion family, mainly shallots, garlic, and chives, are all toxic for dogs in any form. They destroy the red blood cells in a dog’s body, causing anemia and other complications. The first symptoms of garlic or onion consumption are weakness and vomiting.

Grapes and raisins
Raisins are present in various everyday foods like biscuits and cereals. Therefore, it is important to be extra cautious about these when around dogs. Even a handful of grapes and raisins can cause serious consequences like kidney failure, liver damage, or even death. We do not know what element in grapes causes this, but ingestion of even a very small quantity must be addressed seriously.

Sugar and salt
Salt and sugar are two of the most common elements that are present in almost all foods prepared by humans. That is all the more reason to be extra cautious about what one feeds their dog. Too much salt can cause poisoning in dogs, which further leads to seizures and even death. On the other hand, sugar can cause long-term problems like diabetes and obesity.

Dairy products
Although it may be tempting, sharing dairy products like ice cream, milk, and cheese with your dog may not be ideal. This is because consumption of dairy can lead to digestive problems like vomiting and diarrhea for dogs. You can always feed dog-friendly ice creams to your pooch.

Macadamia nuts
An unknown element in macadamia nuts can cause various problems including weakness, vomiting, and tremors in dogs. Moreover, it is high in fats and can increase the dog’s risk of developing pancreatitis.

It is important to keep your dog away from toxic ingredients. One way to do this is by feeding them dog foods made specifically for them. Fortunately, many pet food brands, such as Just Right, NUTRO™, Natural Balance, and Pedigree® adult dog food make high-quality foods for dogs across all age groups. You can find a wide variety of both dry and wet dog foods from these brands. From grain-free formulas to high-protein recipes to limited-ingredients formulas, and a lot more, these brands have everything you need to keep your dog healthy.

Pedigree® adult complete nutrition is one of the more popular recipes for most adult dog breeds. The roasted chicken, rice, and vegetable flavor recipe features a unique mix of whole grains and special fibers to promote healthy digestion. Other ingredients boast essential antioxidants, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and essential vitamins. Moreover, the recipe does not contain any corn, artificial flavors, or sugars.