Although dogs often beg for the food off their owner’s plates, it’s important to remember that a dog’s biology doesn’t necessarily allow them to safely consume the same foods as humans. In fact, feeding pets human food can lead to complications including pet obesity, allergies, arthritis, canine diabetes, and even pet toxicity. Before feeding your dog any table scraps, be sure to know which human foods are safe in moderation and which are potentially dangerous to your dog’s health.

The following human foods may be harmful to dogs:

1. Onions and garlic
Allium plants, including onions and garlic, contain compounds like N-propyl disulfide, which are very poisonous to dogs. Garlic is known to be up to five times deadlier than other plants in the Allium family. Garlic and onions can cause anemia in dogs, resulting in pale gums, elevated heart rate, weakness, and eventually causes dogs to collapse. Keep in mind that poisoning from garlic and onions are known to have delayed symptoms, so quick action is necessary if you suspect your dog has ingested any. It’s important to keep in mind that every aspect of an onion plant is toxic to dogs, including onion leaves, onion juice, and onion powder.

2. Raw eggs
While fully cooked, eggs are not harmful to dogs, however, raw or undercooked eggs can lead to biotin deficiency. Biotin deficiency symptoms include hair loss and rashes. Raw eggs can also contain bacteria such as salmonella.

3. Raw meat and bones
Pets should not eat raw meat and bones for many of the same reasons as humans shouldn’t. Uncooked meat and chicken can carry bacterial infections like salmonella. Bones can be a choking hazard for dogs and also pose the threat if they puncture the digestive tract.

4. Chocolate and caffeine
Chocolate contains methylxanthines, a substance that can stop a dog’s metabolic process. Methylxanthines have the highest density in dark chocolate, but any chocolate can be deadly. A dog that ingests chocolate will suffer from seizures and irregular heart function. Caffeine, such as that found in tea and coffee, is also toxic. Caffeine consumption can cause hyperactivity, elevated heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. A dog who ingested caffeine can also experience lung failure and abnormal heart rhythm, which can ultimately result in death.

5. Grapes and raisins
Even a small amount of grapes or raisins can cause severe health issues in dogs. Grapes and raisins have unknown toxic compounds that have the potential to lead to rapid kidney failure and even death.

Despite our best efforts, pets sometimes are able to get into things they’re not supposed to. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms of pet toxicity, which indicate your canine friend is in trouble and needs veterinary attention immediately:

• Diarrhea
• Dooling
• Vomiting
• Excessive panting
• Shaking or seizures
• Excessive thirst and urination
• Accelerated heartbeat or palpitations
• Restlessness
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Blindness

If you notice your dog experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.