Worst Things for Dogs to Eat

Chocolate

• Perhaps the most common "people food" that will harm a dog is chocolate. Different types of chocolate affect dogs differently, with the worst being unsweetened baking chocolate. Milk chocolate may not be as deadly, but it will make your dog sick, especially in large quantities. The first symptom of chocolate ingestion is vomiting. If you dog continues to vomit, cannot hold water down or vomits dark bile, take the dog to a veterinarian immediately. Chocolate can also cause seizures and kidney failure in dogs.

Onions

• Onions can cause blood toxicity and anemia in dogs. In general, a minute amount will not harm a dog if only ingested once, but a single large serving of onion or onion powder or consistent ingestion of even small amounts will lead to sickness. Many common products like baby food, potato chips and soup contain onion powder. Symptoms of anemia include weakness, vomiting, lack of interest in food, lethargy and shortness of breath.

Macadamia Nuts

• Macadamia nuts can be fatal for dogs. As few as six raw or roasted nuts can poison a dog, leading to muscle tremors, paralysis, seizures, vomiting and rapid heart rate. A handful of macadamia nuts or a couple of macadamia nut cookies can kill a dog. If you suspect your dog has eaten macadamia nuts, visit a veterinarian immediately.

Grapes and Raisins

• One grape probably won't affect your dog, but a handful can be deadly. Even one raisin may lead to kidney failure. In general, you should avoid feeding either to your dog. Signs of grape or raisin poisoning include vomiting, bloody urine, irregular heartbeat and restlessness. Untreated, your dog can die from eating grapes or raisins.

Plants

• Common household plants can be fatal for a pet dog. Lilies, sago palms, rhododendron, and tulips are just a few of the worst plants a dog can eat. All dogs react differently to poisonous plants, but in large quantities, all of these can be deadly. Signs of plant poisoning in dogs include excessive drooling, vomiting, seizures and paralysis. Some toxic plants may cause death.

Pesticide

• Most dog owners understand that rat poison will kill a dog and avoid putting it around the house, but common pesticides can also poison and kill a pet. Weed killer and ant spray may be overlooked as poisonous to dogs, but can lead to tremors, bloody stool and urine, seizures, vomiting and death. Plants sprayed with these toxins are also deadly, so you should avoid using any chemical pesticides in your yard or home.