It’s natural to wish to share the foods we enjoy with our dogs. But a lot of popular human foods can be harmful to our pets. They can lead to severe health conditions and even be fatal in some cases, which is why it is imperative to know which foods can be fed to our dogs and which cannot. This article discusses a few human foods that can be harmful and unsafe for your dog.

Chocolate and other caffeinated foods and beverages
Chocolates are an absolute no-no when it comes to dogs and other animals. This is because chocolate contains methylxanthines found in the cacao seed. When cacao seeds or their resulting methylxanthines are consumed by dogs, they can experience a wide range of harmful side effects. Most side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, constant and excessive thirst, urination, and increased and abnormal heart rhythm. In worse cases, dogs may also experience tremors, seizures, or death. White chocolate contains the least amount of methylxanthines, but it is best to keep this harmful food away from your pet. Other foods that contain caffeine, including coffee, tea, energy drinks, should also be avoided. Instead of these, you can opt for chocolate that is free of toxins and is made especially for dogs. Dog food and treats that contain chocolate made for dogs are made from the carob tree.

Avocado
Avocados make for a great breakfast meal or a healthy snack for us. But, as much as we humans enjoy avocados, they should not be fed to dogs. This is because avocados contain a fungicidal toxin known as persin. When consumed by dogs, persin can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and a whole lot of other health problems. In worse cases, persin can also cause death. Note that it’s not just the fruit that contains persin; the leaves, pits, and pretty much the entire plant contains persin. So, if you have any avocado plants at your place, it is best to keep them out of your dog’s reach.

Onions and garlic
Onion and garlic are other popular human foods that are unsafe for dogs. These vegetables contain N-propyl disulfide which causes the breakdown of red blood cells in the dog’s blood. This can cause anemia in dogs. N-propyl disulfide is also known to cause oxidative damage to the red blood cells in the body. This toxic substance is found in all the vegetables that belong to the allium family, including shallots, leeks, and chives, which are best avoided in homecooked dog food. Note that the vegetable itself, its stems, and also the leaves can be harmful to your dog.

When it comes to keeping your dog healthy, it is important to pick good-quality foods. Nutro is one among several such popular dog food brands. It manufactures nutritional and protein-rich products ideal for feeding your dog daily.

Nutro
Nutro was founded in 1926 and is headquartered in Tennessee. The company adheres to strict standards for the production of fresh dog food. Most products are free from artificial flavors, preservatives, and unnecessary fillers. It uses real animal protein, such as lamb, chicken, venison, and salmon, perfect for keeping your dog healthy. Nutro has several dog product lines according to breed, age, and size. One of their most popular products is Greenies, which has become synonymous with dog treats.