Many dog owners are guilty of sharing scraps from the table after a meal - but it's important to know that not all human food is safe for dogs.

There are a number of seemingly harmless foods which can be damaging to our pets, if not fatal.

Human food can cause health problems ranging from diarrhoea and vomiting to heart disease, liver failure and even death, depending on the contents.

Onions, garlic and even grapes are among the items that should never be fed to dogs,  according to experts.

A spokesperson for said: “Many pet owners like to give their dog leftovers, a chance to lick their plate, or a bit of human food as a treat every so often.

“But many of our favourite snacks can have dangerous consequences for our four-legged friends, due to some of the chemicals and ingredients they contain.

“To help dog lovers avoid causing harm to pups and canines, we’ve revealed eleven things they shouldn’t be allowed to eat and why.”

1. Chocolate

Most people are aware that chocolate is bad for dogs.

It’s because chocolate contains methylxanthines and theobromine which could mess up a canine’s insides by causing vomiting, diarrhoea and excessive urination, panting and thirst, an abnormal heartbeat, seizures or even death.

It's important to note that dark chocolate is even worse than milk chocolate, especially in large quantities.

2. Alcohol

Booze can cause similar effects to chocolate.

Consuming it can result in your dog having abnormal blood acidity, central nervous system depression, decreased coordination or even coma.

You should contact your vet urgently if you think they may have ingested some.

3. Grapes and raisins

Grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs.

Scientists have been unable to identify the toxic substance contained in grapes and raisins, but it’s known they can cause kidney failure and shouldn’t be fed to dogs.

4. Cheese

In small quantities, cheese is unlikely to cause major problems for your dog.

However, the high fat, high calorie food can be bad for pets if eaten excessively.

Significant amounts of cheese will result in weight gain, which can lead to lots of other health problems.

Most cheeses are also very salty, meaning eating too much could eventually bring on heart disease or stroke in your dog.

Video Loading

5. Onion

Chemicals in onions can cause dogs’ red blood cells to rupture or reduce how effectively they can carry oxygen around their body, whether the vegetable is cooked or raw.

Because of this, it's best to avoid onions altogether.

6. Ready meals

Excessive salt can harm dogs just like humans and ready meals are often packed with sodium.

Salt can cause increased thirst, high blood pressure, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets.

Because of this, it’s best not to let them lick your plate after you’ve had a ready meal or other high salt foods like crisps and processed snacks.

7. Nuts

Almonds, cashews, pecans, pistachios and other nuts are packed full of fats and oils.

While they're good for humans, in dogs it can lead to diarrhoea, vomiting and pancreatitis.

Macadamias, in particular, can be especially damaging, causing weakness, tremors, depression and even hyperthermia.

It's important to check that any human treats given to your pooch do not contain the sweetener xylitol.

8. Xylitol

Xylitol is used as a sweetener in a range of products including chewing gum, toothpaste and baked desserts, but most people have never even heard of it.

Even in small doses, xylitol can cause insulin release in dogs and potentially lead to liver failure.

If you brush your dog’s teeth, always make sure you purchase dog-friendly toothpaste.

9. Tea and Coffee

While some humans rely on their cuppa each morning, you shouldn't do any sharing with your dog.

Drinking tea and coffee could be life-threatening for dogs so it’s best to keep your pet away from hot beverages.

Caffeine can be very harmful to your dog as it’s a methylxanthine, like the chemicals found in chocolate.

10. Garlic

Like onions, garlic contains chemicals that can damage red blood cells.

Whether raw or cooked, they have the ability to negatively affect a dog's overall health.

11. Olive oil

Like most oils, olive oil is high in both fat and calories, which means it could cause harmful weight gain in dogs.

It may also cause digestive problems and lead to vomiting or diarrhoea if consumed in excess.

Want more news?


Find our Bath Facebook page  here  or Somerset's can be found  here

Alternatively, follow us on Twitter -  @BathLive  and  @SomersetLive