The responsibilities of a pet owner extend beyond giving them food, shelter, and affection. Knowing one’s dog’s nutrition requirements and avoiding potential food hazards is vital. Even an innocent piece of snack from one’s plate that is given to a pet pooch can have dire consequences. Thus, one must be educated on what foods are dangerous for dogs to find the right balance between pet nutrition, responsible care, and indulgence.

1. Avocados
While avocados have become a staple in several breakfast meal plans, they are unsuitable for dogs. Avocados contain a toxin, persin, which is toxic for dogs. Persin is present in all parts of an avocado plant, so one must keep the all parts of the plant, including its leaves and bark, away from their pet dog. Consumption of persin by dogs can lead to severe indigestion and, at times, can lead to fluid accumulation. Dogs often vomit after consuming persin, and the large seed of the avocado fruit is also a potential choking hazard.

2. Baked goods and sweetened candy
One must keep sweetened goods in the house outside one’s dog’s reach. Some of them contain xylitol, which is a natural sugar alcohol that is often used as a sugar substitute. Consumption of sweetened foods containing xylitol by dogs leads to insulin release in their bodies and low blood sugar. In severe cases, this can cause seizures and liver failure and can be fatal. The initial symptoms will start showing up within thirty minutes of consumption and include vomiting, slow movements, and result in coma. If one suspects their dog has had any artificially sweetened foods, they should take them to the vet immediately.

3. Chocolates
Chocolates contain theobromine and caffeine, which are dangerous for dogs. Avoid giving them baked goods, chocolate milk, and any other food containing chocolates. While the human digestive system can easily metabolize chocolate, it is more difficult for dogs to metabolize the sweet treat, leading to a buildup of toxicity in their bodies. The darker and less sweet the chocolate, the more severe the symptoms. Theobromine acts as a stimulant to the nervous system and can lead to restlessness caused by an increased heart rate. Severe toxicity can occur when dogs consume 40-50 mg/kg, and severity can vary based on the size and breed of the dog.

4. Foods containing onion and garlic
Onions and garlic are staples in savory cooking. Dogs find the flavor of onions and garlic quite alluring, and there are high chances that one’s dog is standing in the kitchen when food is being cooked, waiting to pounce on it. However, these foods have the potential to damage the dog’s red blood cells. They contain sulfur compounds, which can be dangerous to the red blood cells. Consuming onion and garlic can have a cumulative effect, wherein even if consumed in small quantities over some time, it can lead to long-term consequences.

5. Grapes and raisins
If one habitually feeds a grape to one’s dog while eating it, one needs to stop now. Though the toxin in grapes is yet to be isolated, even one grape can affect a dog. Regularly feeding dogs grapes, raisins, or currants can result in kidney and liver failure, leading to fatal consequences.

Essentially, certain foods considered healthy for humans are not always suitable for dogs and can be dangerous to their health. Once pet owners know what to avoid, they can ensure that their furry friends have all the vital nutrients in their food, along with the occasional bite from their plate, without worrying about their health.