5 Worst Things To Feed Your Dog

Dogs have a reputation for being somewhat of a garbage disposal, animals that will eat just about anything that you feed them. And while this may be more or less true, there are in reality a lot of foods that you should never feed your dog, for a variety of reasons. Here are the five worst offenders:

Chocolate

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, two compounds that are poisonous to dogs. If dogs eat chocolate, they may experience anything from vomiting and abdominal discomfort to seizures and death.

Onions

Onions (and all the other vegetables in the allium family, like garlic, shallots, and leeks) can cause serious damage to dogs' red blood cells if consumed in large quantities. A few days after consumption they may seem weak or lethargic, with dark-tinted urine.

Dairy

Dogs are actually lactose intolerant, so if they ingest dairy products they could face serious digestive issues.

Avocados

Avocados contain a compound called persin, which can cause serious stomach discomfort for dogs when eaten. It won't kill them, but because different avocados contain different levels of persin, it's better to keep them far away from dogs.

Bones

Give a dog a bone and... it may die? Yes, veterinarians actually suggest that you avoid giving dogs bones. They can present a range of issues for dogs, including chipped teeth and choking. 

This story was originally published on December 5, 2014.