Whether you have a new puppy or a dog that loves to eat human food scraps, you need to know that there are specific foods that are bad for dogs. Not just bad for dogs – as in dogs will break their diet and get love handles – but highly toxic and poisonous. Take a look at these people foods that you might not realize are actually really harmful for your dog.

Onions

Whether raw, cooked, or dried, onions can be highly poisonous to dogs. Onions cause a form of hemolytic anemia called Heinz body anemia in dogs; a condition that causes destruction of red blood cells. The quantity of onions that leads to poisoning isn’t clear, so to be safe, do not feed a dog any table scraps containing onions. And while you play Emeril in the kitchen, be mindful that no onions are accessible to your dog.

Grapes and Raisins

Though they seem like a nice bite-size treat for you, grapes can cause irreversible kidney damage to your dog, that could possibly result in death. As few as 4 or 5 grapes can be poisonous to a 20lb dog, however, the exact toxic dose is not defined.

Chocolate

Dogs can sniff out chocolate like an owl finds prey, but be aware that chocolate can poison dogs. The chemical called theobromide, found in chocolate and cocoa powder, can damage your dog’s heart, lungs, kidneys, and central nervous system. Pure baking chocolate is the most toxic, although, milk chocolate (and other popular candy varieties) can be harmful if consumed in high doses. On your next late night chocolate binge, take it easy and don’t leave any choco-chunks lying around.

Caffeinated Products

Turning to caffeine is a brainless activity to some when that pep-in-your-step is suddenly gone; but for dogs, caffeine can be very harmful. Caffeine contains similar dog-toxic chemicals to those found in chocolate. Caffeine pills, coffee beans, coffee grounds, as well as large amounts of tea and chocolate, can easily poison dogs.

Alcohol and Yeast Breads

You might not think of these items going hand in hand, but when it comes to dogs, they are both equally harmful. Alcohol and yeast breads both contain the toxic chemical compound ethanol, which can cause central nervous system and respiratory problems in dogs. It is rapidly absorbed into the system, and even ingesting small amounts can lead to medical attention. So, when enjoying an alcoholic beverage, don’t give in to those adorable puppy eyes staring up at you.

Xylitol

Chewing gum is a great way for humans to curb appetites or freshen breath, but just a few pieces of gum – containing xylitol – can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in dogs. Ingesting a pack of gum could lead to serious liver damage. Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener, mostly found in gum and candy; so check your ingredients and be careful what you leave lying around at paw’s reach.

Rotten and Moldy Foods

This should go without saying, but your dog is, in fact, not a garbage disposal. Rotten and moldy foods contain many different toxins – such as ethanol and possibly botulism – that are harmful to your dog, and can cause serious issues. Be mindful when cleaning out your refrigerator – filling the trash with past-its-prime foods – and make sure your dog cannot gain access to your garbage can.

Fruit Pits and Seeds

Humans don’t bother eating apple seeds or cherry, peach and plum pits, and for good reason. They all contain the toxin cyanide, which can poison your dog enough that medical attention is required. Be careful when throwing pits away and keep an eye out for what your dog can find at a park or public area.

Macadamia Nuts

Though not generally considered fatal, macadamia nuts can cause adverse effects in your dog that require treatment. The actual toxin is not known, but ingesting a handful of nuts can cause your dog to get sick and act funny.

For more information on symptoms and medical care associated with these harmful foods to dogs, check out the helpful article from About.com. Also, find out more human foods that are not healthy for dogs.