Though most of us with a sweet tooth love chocolate, chocolate is one of the worst foods we can give our dogs.  Chocolate is made with cocoa beans.  Cocoa beans contain methylxanthine alkaloids which are toxic to dogs. Some Chocolates and other candies are sweetened with xylitol, a sugar alcohol substitute found in the fiber of many fruits and vegetables, which is also toxic to dogs.

Be careful with the bones you give your dog.  Though there are many differences of opinion when it comes to feeding bones to dogs, we should never give them soft or splintered chicken or pork bones.  Marrow bones, bones that are mostly cartilage, shoulder bones, and knuckle bones are a good chew for dogs.

For years there has been an ongoing debate regarding the feeding of raw foods to our dogs. Many argue that raw foods deliver higher nutrient levels than those of cooked food and contain no preservatives.  However, feeding raw meats can be risky due to bacteria and parasites. Certain raw fruits and vegetables can cause digestive upsets in dogs.

It is also worth mentioning that spicy foods or foods that contain the following ingredients can be harmful to your dog as well.  Nutmeg can cause seizures.  Onions and garlic both contain the toxic ingredient Thiosulphate which can cause anemia. Below is a list of other foods to avoid.

• Liquor – Beer, Wine or alcohol of any kind

• Coffee, coffee grounds or Tea

• Potato Peelings, green Potatoes and green parts of Tomatoes

• Broccoli in large amounts

• Avocado

• Grapes, Raisins

• Mushrooms

• Persimmons

• Rhubarb leaves

• Macadamia Nuts

• Baking Soda, Baking Powder

• Yeast Dough

The practice of feeding our dogs table food has been going on since man and dog first became friends.  Many of us use left overs from our table food to include in our dog food recipes.  It is a way of bonding and of showing our love for them.  There may be other foods that your dog should not eat.  It is worthwhile to consult your veterinarian if you are not sure.