9 Foods Your Dog Should Never Eat (and What to Do If They Do)

Most dogs believe everything on your plate is theirs. Most of it is harmless. A few common foods are not, and they are the ones worth memorizing. This list follows the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's guidance.

1. Chocolate, coffee and caffeine

They contain substances dogs cannot process well. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous.

Watch out for: vomiting, restlessness, fast breathing, shaking.

2. Grapes and raisins

These can cause kidney failure in dogs, and there is no known safe amount.

Watch out for: trail mix, cereal, baked goods and the grape that rolled under the table.

3. Xylitol

A sugar substitute in sugar-free gum, candy, some peanut butters and toothpaste. It can drop a dog's blood sugar fast and damage the liver.

Do this: read the label on peanut butter before you fill the chew toy.

4. Onions, garlic and chives

They can damage red blood cells and cause anemia, cooked or raw.

5. Macadamia nuts

Even small amounts can cause weakness, vomiting and tremors.

6. Alcohol

Dogs are far more sensitive to it than people. That includes unbaked yeast dough, which also expands in the stomach.

7. Cooked bones

They splinter and can injure the mouth and gut.

8. Fatty table scraps

A sudden rich meal can upset the stomach and may trigger pancreatitis.

9. Salty snacks in quantity

Too much salt causes heavy thirst and, in large amounts, serious illness.

If your dog eats something on this list

• Stay calm and work out what was eaten, how much and when.

• Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may apply.

• Do not make your dog vomit unless a professional tells you to.

Where to check all of this, free

• Your veterinarian.

• The ASPCA's "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets" page at aspca.org.

This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Your veterinarian knows your dog best.