Do you know what you are feeding your pet dog? There are certain types of food that you should avoid giving to your dog, as it can pose dangerous risks to its health. Keep in mind that dogs can eat just about anything and that they have a very strong olfactory sense, so it is important to keep these food items away from their sight and smell. Here are some examples of foods that you should never feed your dog.

Bones. Bones from fish, poultry and other meat sources can lead to choking, obstruction and laceration of the digestive tract.

Chocolates. While chocolates have been proven to be good for human consumption, its effects on dogs may, however, be bad and even fatal. There are some dogs that may be indifferent to chocolate, but chocolate contains theophylline, theobromine and caffeine that can affect your dog’s cardio and nervous systems, which can lead to serious complications such as increased heart rate, comas, seizures and even death, even when taken in small amounts.

Coffee. Similar to chocolate, coffee contains caffeine that can cause coma, diarrhea, increased heart rate and seizures. Dogs may have different reaction to coffee products, though.

Grapes. Grapes contain a toxin that can cause kidney damage and may even lead to death when taken in large amounts. Grape seed extract does not have serious effects on dogs, however.

Hops. These contain a compound that can lead to increased heart rate, high temperature, panting, seizures and even death.

Human medications. Keep your dog from human vitamin supplements and medications such as iron supplements, painkillers, diet pills, cold formulas and anti-depressants, as these can cause complications in the digestive system.

Mushrooms. There are some mushrooms, especially the wild variety that can lead to abdominal pain, anemia, kidney and liver damage. 

Nuts. Examples of nuts that you should not give your dog are macadamia and walnuts. Macadamia nuts contain an unknown substance that can affect the muscles as well as the digestive and nervous system while walnuts can also cause stomach trouble and seizures.

Raw food. Giving your dog raw eggs, meat or fish can cause skin and coat problems as well as salmonella and clostridium poisoning. Although there are dogs that feed on a raw diet, they can still this condition especially if raw food is no longer fresh or improperly handled.

Spices. Keep your dog away from spices such as garlic and onion as these can contain disulfides and sulfoxides that can affect the red blood cells and lead to anemia. Moreover, garlic and onion, whether cooked, raw or powder can cause diarrhea, liver damage and vomiting. These may also be found in baby food and cat food so you might as well need to avoid feeding your dog these types of food.

In addition, salt can also lead to electrolyte imbalance when taken in large amounts.

Tobacco. Tobacco products contain nicotine that can cause complications in your dog’s digestive and nervous systems. This can lead to increased heart rate, coma, seizures and death.

Uncooked yeast dough. This can swell and create gas in your dog’s digestive system, which can cause blockage, stomach pain, or rupture in the intestines.

If your dog has taken any of these food items, don’t panic. Observe your dog and check for possible symptoms. Then you can call your veterinarian for necessary treatment. Also, when feeding your dog, make sure that you are feeding it on clean bowls to prevent contamination or other possible risk hazards.

Feeding your dog properly and with the right kinds of food can ensure your dog to live a long and healthy life.