The following foods are dangerous to your dog:

Alcoholic beverages
Avocados
Candy (particularly chocolate—which is toxic to dogs, cats, and ferrets—and any candy containing the toxic sweetener Xylitol)
Coffee (grounds, beans, and chocolate-covered espresso beans)
Garlic
Grapes
Gum (can cause blockages and sugar free gums may contain the toxic sweetener Xylitol)
Macadamia nuts
Onions and onion powder
Raisins
Walnuts
Xylitol (artificial sweetener that is toxic to pets)

Feeding your dog “people food,” or scraps from your meal table can also lead to dog behavior problems.

While it may seem ‘cute’ or even thrifty to offer your dog leftovers from your plate, your dog will view this as an invitation to join you at the table for dinner. Breaking them of this will be confusing for your dog. Secondly, if you are a conscientious dog owner you are monitoring his diet and helping him remain trim and fit. Feeding table scraps will add calories. This may seem like a minor thing today, but some breeds are prone to being overweight which will lead to health problems as they get older.

Here are a couple of guidelines that may help you:

  1. Dog food and dog treats are for dogs. People food is people food. Keep them separate. There are food additives that you may want to include in your dogs food to improve its diet such as vegetables, rice or oatmeal. Be sure to check with your vet for your dogs specific dietary requirements. Always put them in his dog dish. Don’t feed from your plate or from your hand while you are eating.
  2. Don’t allow your dog to beg for food at the table. You can put him outside, in a nearby crate or in another room if necessary. After you have finished your meal is the time to feed the dog. This will teach that the only food it should take should be from its dish and it also reinforces the pack leadership and dominance pecking order.
  3. Don’t worry that his meals aren’t tasty or exciting. Dog meals are for sustenance. There are other ways to provide food treats such as rewards for good behavior while obedience training.