One of the hardest things for dog owners is probably having to ignore your dog’s longing eyes staring up at you when you’re eating something delicious. We’re all guilty of slipping unwanted foods under the table to the family pooch when we were kids, but sometimes, even foods that are healthy for us can be toxic for dogs; there are just some human foods your dog cannot eat.

Obviously, the safest bet is to avoid giving your dog any human food, but if you really can’t resist those puppy eyes, it’s important to know the toxic—possibly fatal—foods you definitely cannot feed your dog. We’ve given you the lowdown on human foods you can share with your dog. Here are six human foods that Fido needs to avoid completely.

Keep these foods out of your dog’s reach!

1. Chocolate

Chocolate might be the most well-known food that is toxic to dogs. There’s a good reason for it. Chocolate contains caffeine-like stimulants called methylxanthines, which can cause irregular bowel movements, vomiting, unstable heartbeat, seizure, and in extreme cases, even death. This also means that anything caffeinated should not be given to your dog–although why you would want to caffeinate your dog in the first place is another question.

2. Cinnamon

Ever heard of the cinnamon challenge? It’s when you take a spoonful of cinnamon powder and try to swallow it down. Most end up choking as it’s impossible to slow down the dry powder. Which means this autumnal spice must be out of your dog’s reach. If somehow it does end up in Fido’s belly, it can make them ill with diarrhoea, vomiting, decreased heart rate, and even liver disease.

3. Garlic and Onions

Despite being some of the best natural antibiotics out there for humans, onions and garlic aren’t as friendly to a dog’s body. They are both toxic and need to be avoided. Onion, leeks, and chives can all damage a dog’s red blood cells. And garlic is actually five times worse than all of them, with the possibility of making your dog collapse.

4. Nuts

Don’t be fooled about the peanut butter’s health benefits for dogs. Most nuts, like pecans, macadamia nuts, pistachio, and walnuts, are toxic and very bad for Fido. Different nuts can have different effects, and these nuts can lead to pancreatitis, seizures, neurological problems, and gastrointestinal problems. Keep these nuts out of their reach!

5. Grapes and Raisins

Although the exact substance that causes dogs to react poorly to grapes and raisins are not exactly known, its toxic reactions have been well documented. Dogs that ingest grapes and raisins can often experience a loss of appetite, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, lethargy, kidney failure, and even death. There are fruits, like apples and pears, that you may like to feed your best friend, but grapes and raisins need to be avoided.

6. Avocados

Avocado contains a substance called persin, and is particularly toxic to horses, cattle, goats, and birds. Dogs and cats do not exhibit extreme toxic reactions from avocados, but mild stomach reactions have occurred. So it’s probably still best to avoid giving your dog avocados just to be safe! And besides, that pit, like most fruit pits, is definitely toxic.

If your pet ingests any of these foods, contact a veterinarian immediately. We can’t lose Fido over a stupid walnut, seriously. 

Are you surprised by any of these human foods your dog cannot eat? Share with us some of your favourite dog-friendly human foods! Your pooch will looove you for it!