You know that feeling when you are having a meal and suddenly you spot a headline which makes you wanna puke? Happens to me all the time. However this time I am talking about a specific topic, related to sharing the food with your dog. So in this case vomiting would actually be the only right thing to do. If you can teach your dog to do that.

My dog Sky thinks everything I eat is gold. She keeps on staring at me with those deep brown “feed-me-mommy” eyes so I can hardly resist giving her a small piece of my meal in the end. She eats everything – from healthy bites like apples, carrots, yogurts and protein bars to “main stuff” like risotto, fish, macaroni and potatoes, as long as it comes from my plate. The only thing she doesn’t want is dog food. Actually I bet if I ate those stinky kibbles she would change her mind about them as well.

I am not a very organized and strict owner, however when it comes to feeding my dog I try to stick with three things:

1. She gets her breakfast in the morning and dinner in the evening, always at approximately the same time. (Which is actually when I wake up and when I have dinner. I mean, I am not a robot, right?)
2. If she gets snacks during the day, I cut down her meals proportionally. (She is a Chihuahua and she’s a lady so she has to look good and keep fit.)
3. She always gets food after I finish eating. Just so she knows who is the master. (I am just playing tough. The truth is that it hurts like hell when she sits beside the table looking up like the most starving creature in the world).

But those are just educational measures. There are far more important things you should consider when feeding your dog. Like all those DON’T-s which should be crossed out of your dog’s menu for good. Like avocado, which I almost choked on yesterday when I saw the headline.

So I did a quick research on the internet and some of the information came as a big surprise to me. Especially since I thought I was doing my dog a healthy favor! So I am really thankful I did a little digging for my little treasure before it could be too late.

I found these key DON’T-s that you guys should delete from your pet’s diet. They are in a random order, and I underlined the ones which sound most dangerous:

• Avocado

This one knocked me over. I eat avocado almost every day and Sky loves it. It is supposed to be rich in all kinds of nutrients. For humans, at least. But the fact is that avocado contains persin which can be toxic to dogs when eaten in large amounts. Persin is in the leaves, seed, and bark and the fruit itself. It can cause upset stomach, breathing difficulties and fluid buildup in the chest.

• Mushrooms

Not all the mushrooms are health hazard, but are you really an expert to tell them apart? Some are only dangerous when mixed with other ingredient. On top of that the signs of mushroom poisoning can take a few days to show up. So it’s complicated. Rather avoid them all.

• Raw eggs

We all know there is a chance of food poisoning from Salmonella or E. coli if we eat raw eggs. The same goes for dogs. And there are also potential skin / coat problems because raw eggs contain enzyme which interferes with the absorption of some B vitamins.

• Raw meat and fish

Raw meat and fish can contain bacteria, that causes food poisoning. Some fish species (like salmon or trout) can contain a parasite that causes “fish disease” also known as salmon poisoning disease. The disease can be fatal within 2 weeks if not treated immediatelly. The first signs of illness are vomiting, fever and big lymph nodes. That doesn’t mean you should deny your dog a fish – just cook it thoroughly.

• Persimmons, peaches and plums

The seeds from persimmons as well as the pit from a peach or plum can cause inflammation of the small intestine in dogs or intestinal obstruction. I was surprised to learn that peach and plum pits contain cyanide, which is poisonous to humans and dogs. So even though it looks cute, don’t even think about letting your dog play with them.

• Chocolate

I know dogs are crazy about chocolate. I mean who isn’t? Unfortunately chocolate contains theobromine. Sometimes even licking it can cause a dog to vomit and have diarrhea. It can also cause abnormal heart rhythm, seizures and lead to death. And remember: the darker the chocolate, the more toxic for your dog!

• Grapes and raisins

From unknown reason grapes and raisins can cause rapid kidney failure.  Even a very small amount can make a dog ill. Usually the signs are repeated vomiting and diarrhea, followed by dehydration and lack of appetite. Death from kidney failure may occur within three to four days!

• Macadamia nuts

Did you know that only six macadamias are enough to make your dog ill? The nuts contain some toxic things (not yet established) which lead to muscle tremors, weakness or paralysis, vomiting, elevated body temperature, and rapid heart rate.

• Onion and garlic

Onions and garlic can destroy dogs’ red blood cells, causing them to become weaker and move around less. Dog will get tired and reluctant to move. His urine will become orange to dark red. In severe cases he will need a blood transfusion.

• Salt

Eating too much salty food can lead to sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and seizures. It may even cause death.

• Xylitol

This popular sweetener which contributes to maintaining healthy teeth with humans is unfortunately not good for your pet. It can cause dog’s blood sugar to drop and can also cause liver failure, just in a few days. So be careful where you leave your chewing gum, candies or even some diet foods which are sweetened with xylitol.

• Coffee/caffeine

Caffeine can be fatal in large quantities. And not only coffee, caffeine can also be found in cocoa, chocolate (which is already a don’t), colas and energy drinks. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations and even death. And there unfortunately is no antidote 🙁

• Milk and Cheese

Milk, cheese, ice cream and other dairy products contain sugars and fatty components that dogs don’t have the enzymes to break down. So if your dog eats too much of this stuff, he might suffer from gas, diarrhea and vomiting. And we all know the feeling when your dog farts, right? 🙂

• Bacon and fat trimming

Yep, you heard me. Her majesty, the Bacon. And all the fat you cut from meat that you don’t want to eat. Well, if it’s not good for you it shouldn’t be good for your dog as well. Foods which contain a lot of fat can lead to pancreatitis which leads to problems with digestion and nutrient absorption.

• Kitchen shelves

Not literally, but your dog can easily get poisoned from what is on them. Baking powder, baking soda, spices … and also raw yeast dough (the one which is waiting to be baked) can become toxic while fermenting in a dog’s stomach.

At last but not the least, use your common sense and follow this very simple rule: Don’t feed your dog with anything that is bad for you. You know, like raw potato, fish and chicken bones which can get stuck in the throat… And do I need to say anything about alcohol? No, because if you are reading this article, you are a responsible pet owner. And I like you for that 🙂