10 Foods NOT to Feed Your Dog

Even though we know we aren't supposed to, we sometimes give into those big, sad, brown eyes that are begging for us to share our food at the dinner table.

"Scruffy has been a good boy today, he deserves a little chocolate", we think.

What you didn't realize is that the chocolate you just fed your beloved Scruffy is poisonous to his system and now has the capability to slowly kill him from the inside. You see, a humans digestive system is very different from a dogs. The food we eat can cause serious damage to your dogs nervous system and organs. Keep your dog safe and don't take the risk; never feed them the foods listed below:

1. Alcohol- I've met people who, for whatever reason, think it's just hilarious to get their dogs drunk. Not only is it inhumane and irresponsible, it is also considered animal cruelty under the law. It doesn't take much alcohol to start working on a dog. Alcohol in a dogs system can cause difficulty breathing, coma, damage to the central nervous system, and damage to the brain and liver. It has nearly the same effect as it does on humans, but with much greater force.
2. Chocolate- The toxin that chocolate contains is theobromine. This toxin is in all kinds of chocolate, dark, white, unsweetened, milk chocolate. It can give your dog an abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures.
3. Grapes and Raisins- These seemingly harmless fruits can cause kidney failure in dogs. It is unknown why this occurs though, as some dogs are unaffected by it. You should still play it safe though, don't take a chance at harming your pup.
4. Coffee- Coffee can increase your dogs heart rate, cause seizures, coma, diarrhea, and death.
5. Mushrooms- Can cause liver and kidney damage.
6. Garlic/Chives- Garlic can cause vomiting, liver damage, anemia, and diarrhea.
7. Macadamia Nuts- Contain an unknown toxin that causes tremors, swelling, and weakness.
8. Avocado- Avocados contain Persin, which causes vomiting, diarrhea and heart congestion.
9. Corn on the cob- Dogs do not see the difference between the corn and the cob, and usually end up swallowing the cob whole. When the dog swallows it, it does not digest and gets stuck in the small intestine. Without a surgical removal your dog will probably die.
10. Salmon- Fish commonly have a parasite in them that will do no harm to humans. They will most certainly harm your dog though.

It may seem like we're being kind by feeding our dogs table scraps, but it can cause more harm than good. Our pets just can't handle the types of foods we eat, that's why there is specially formulated dog food.

No matter how much he begs, remember that Scruffy will be much happier later on with his health than with that bit of chocolate or that extra few grapes in your bowl.