Who among us hasn’t thrown Fido a scrap or two when we’re eating? Those big watery eyes are hard to say no to, but sometimes it’s best to say no. Some foods just aren’t good for dogs and can even harm them. Knowing which treats and morsels to withhold from your canine buddy can help ensure he stays healthy. Here, a veterinarian lists five types of foods you should never feed your dog.

Salty, Sugary, Fatty, and High-Protein Foods

As much as Fido may yearn for a few french fries, a piece of steak, or some of your dessert, these foods can cause him real problems. Salty treats throw off your dog’s electrolytes, which help keep him hydrated and regulate his muscle function. Your dog’s digestive system doesn’t process fatty and high-protein foods that well, which may cause digestive problems and even lead to pancreatitis and liver dysfunction. Sweets are just plain bad for your canine companion and feeding him chocolate can actually kill him.

Nuts

Nuts may seem like a healthy treat for your dog but they actually have a high-fat content. Besides that, the compact size of nuts makes them a real choking hazard for your dog. Macadamia nuts, especially, are highly poisonous to dogs so never feed them to Fido.

Dairy Products

Dairy products have an abundance of calcium-boosting properties, but your dog’s digestive system doesn’t process them well at all. Eating dairy may place him at risk of developing lactose intolerance, not to mention the bouts of diarrheea, abdominal pain, and gas.

Alcohol

Alcohol has the same harmful effects on dogs as on humans. Something else to keep in mind too is, even in small quantities, alcohol causes serious health problems because a dog’s body is so much smaller than a human’s. This is especially true for smaller dogs. Breathing problems, diarrhea, coma, vomiting, and even death can result if your dog has just a small swallow of alcohol.

Raw Eggs

Cooked eggs are OK for Fido to eat. Raw eggs don’t. This is because raw eggs contain an enzyme that interferes with your dog’s ability to digest a B vitamin called biotin. This can lead to digestive problems, skin problems, and an unhealthy coat. If you have more questions about foods you shouldn’t feed to your dog or you suspect he’s eaten something harmful, please don’t hesitate to call us.