Good Question: What Foods Should Dogs Not Eat?

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- We all know dogs can sometimes be naughty when it comes to food. Some of us have learned that the hard way after a late-night trip to the vet.

So, what foods are good for humans, but bad for dogs? Good Question.

A dog's metabolism is different from a human's. The canines lack some of the enzymes people have, so they sometimes can't break down certain foods, like chocolate. (The caffeine in chocolate can also cause an increase in a dog's heartrate.)

"There's a number of foods that are toxic to dogs," says Cassie Panning, a veterinary technician in the Nutrition Service at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center. "It's something that's dose-dependent."

Grapes/Raisins/Currants
Panning says that toxicologists don't understand why they are toxic to dogs, can these fruits can cause kidney failure in for some. Although some dogs are unaffected by grapes, raisins and currants, even a small amount can seriously hurt others.

Sugarfree Candy & Gum
Any ingredient that contains xylitol should not be given to dogs. It can cause a drop in their blood glucose level.

Garlic/Chives/Onions
These can create a change in a dog's red blood cell appearance and lead to anemia. Dried or powdered products are more harmful that the raw foods.

Salty Foods
These foods can lead to an electrolyte imbalance in dogs. Panning says many dogs will eat too much salt without knowing it when they ingest things like homemade Play-doh or homemade Christmas ornaments.

Fatty & Fried Foods
Some dogs will tolerate it fine, but it can lead to pancreatitis in others.

Raw Meat
The problem with raw meat is the potential for bacteria, like E. Coli or salmonella. Panning says the bacteria might not affect a dog, but that dog can shed the bacteria for up to two weeks and make people sick.

Owners should also try to keep macadamia nuts and moldy foods away from their dogs.