Dogs are so cute when they look at you with those begging eyes as you take a bite of your scalloped potato or apple pie. At first, it seems like giving your pup one taste of food off your plate won’t harm them, but that is an incorrect assumption. While it might be tempting to feed dogs human food, avoid doing so in most circumstances. Human food is not appropriate for dog consumption because it does not contain the essential nutrients that dogs need in their diet.

Certain foods can lead to a variety of health problems for dogs if consumed even once. Some dogs may be allergic to foods that could lead to skin and breathing problems. Human foods have the wrong amount of salt and fat for your dog’s diet and can lead to obesity-related issues. Here is a list of foods you should never feed your dog:

1. Raw eggs
Do not feed dogs uncooked eggs because they can lead to biotin deficiency, which is essential to healthy skin, digestion, and metabolism. Consuming raw eggs heightens your dog’s risk of contracting Salmonella. However, fully cooked, unseasoned eggs are a healthy snack to feed your dog.

2. Onions and garlic
Allium plants such as garlic, onions, leeks, scallions, chives, and shallots are toxic to dogs. Allium plants cause low blood cell count in severe cases, and can lead to anemia or death. Keep in mind that since garlic is more concentrated than an onion, it takes an even smaller amount to lead to serious illness.

3. Grapes and raisins
Grapes and raisins are very toxic to dogs. Dogs should not consume even small amounts of grapes. It is unclear what part of the grape affects dogs. However, eating them can lead to kidney problems or death in dogs.

4. Raw meat and bones
Raw food can lead to a vitamin deficiency in dogs due to it not being easy to digest. Feeding a diet consisting primarily of uncooked meat will not provide the balanced nutrition that your dog requires. Contracting E.Coli, Listeria, and Salmonella are more likely if you eat raw meat, and it poses a risk to your dog and yourself.

5. Chocolate and caffeine
Caffeine and the chemical found in chocolate, theobromine, are stimulants that have similar dogs’ reactions as in humans. It can cause a high heart rate but, in severe cases, can cause seizures, hypertension, and vomiting. Symptoms will depend on the size of your dog and the amount of caffeine or chocolate consumed.

Some foods that are safe for you can be toxic or even deadly for your pet. For a prolonged, happy life for your family pet, stick to dog food and the most healthy dog treats.