What are dogs not allowed to eat? These foods do not belong in their bowl

Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that dogs can only break down very slowly. Dark chocolate is particularly dangerous – even small amounts can cause vomiting, restlessness, tremors or, in the worst case, cardiac arrhythmia.

Even though nuts appear to be healthy, many varieties are unsuitable for dogs – some are even highly toxic. Macadamia nuts in particular belong on the no-go list: even small amounts can lead to muscle weakness, vomiting, tremors or fever. Walnuts and pecans, on the other hand, are often contaminated with mould, which in the worst case can cause cramps or nerve damage. Bitter almonds are even potentially lethal to dogs due to their hydrocyanic acid content. Nutmeg also contains a substance called myristicin, which is highly toxic to dogs.

Some nuts, such as hazelnuts, cashews and peanuts, are not fundamentally toxic, but they do pose other risks: their high fat content can upset sensitive stomachs and, in the long term, contribute to obesity or pancreatitis. Peanuts can also trigger allergic reactions.

Our recommendation: Nuts are generally not suitable food for dogs. If at all, then only in exceptional cases – in very small quantities, unsalted, unseasoned and without shells. This will protect your four-legged friend from unnecessary risks.

They are considered particularly dangerous: even small amounts can lead to acute kidney failure in some dogs. The reason for this is not yet fully understood scientifically – the only thing that is certain is that grapes and raisins have absolutely no place in dog food.

Whether raw, cooked or dried, onions and garlic contain sulphur compounds that can damage red blood cells. The result: anaemia, weakness, shortness of breath. Even relatively small amounts spread over several days are enough to cause damage.

Raw eggs can contain germs such as salmonella. In addition, the egg white enzyme avidin inhibits the absorption of biotin, an important B vitamin for fur and skin. Cooked eggs are safe in moderation, but raw eggs are not.

But can dogs eat cooked eggs? Yes, dogs can eat cooked eggs – in moderation and as a supplement, not as a staple food. Cooked eggs provide high-quality protein, B vitamins and minerals such as selenium and iron. They can be a useful addition to your dog's diet.

Sounds tempting on hot days – but it's problematic. Ready-made ice cream often contains sugar, dairy products and additives that dogs cannot tolerate well. The cold shock can also lead to stomach problems. Better: special dog ice cream recipes without sugar and lactose.

These vegetables belong to the nightshade family and contain the natural bitter substance solanine when raw and unripe. Solanine can be toxic to dogs in large quantities and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea or weakness. Green tomatoes, raw potatoes and unripe aubergines contain particularly high levels of solanine.

Cooking, baking or steaming partially breaks down solanine, making these vegetables more digestible for dogs. This is especially true for peeled, cooked potatoes or ripe, cooked tomatoes. However, these foods should not be fed to dogs raw or semi-ripe. Our tip: If you do feed them, only give your dog ripe, cooked vegetables in small quantities – as an occasional supplement, not as the main component of their meal.

Even though it is considered a superfood here, avocado is problematic for dogs. Depending on the variety, it may contain persin, a natural defence mechanism of the plant that can be toxic to dogs in large quantities. Symptoms of poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhoea or breathing difficulties. The high fat content of avocados also puts strain on the digestive system and can lead to gastrointestinal problems or, in the long term, obesity, especially in sensitive animals. Particularly dangerous is the avocado pit. If swallowed, it can lead to life-threatening intestinal obstruction.

Raw meat sounds natural to many people at first – but it is not automatically safe. It can be contaminated with germs such as salmonella or listeria, which can cause gastrointestinal problems or infections in dogs. Parasites such as toxoplasma or tapeworms are also a risk – especially if the meat sources are not adequately controlled.

Particularly critical: raw pork. It can be contaminated with the Aujeszky virus (pseudorabies), which is fatal to dogs. Although this pathogen is rare in Europe, it has not been completely eradicated – therefore, raw pork should never be fed to dogs.

Anyone who decides to feed their dog a raw diet (biologically appropriate raw feeding) should be well informed and consistently ensure hygienic preparation and high-quality, frozen and tested meat products. This is the only way to minimise the risk to dogs and humans.

Our tip: Cooked or steam-cooked meat is the safer choice for most dogs – especially if they have sensitive digestion or if there are small children and immunocompromised people in the household.

Crisps, biscuits, sausages and other ready-made products from the human kitchen do not belong in a dog's bowl. They often contain too much salt, fat, spices or artificial additives, which a dog's body cannot process well. Sugar substitutes such as xylitol (also known as birch sugar) are particularly dangerous and can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, vomiting, seizures or even liver damage in dogs.

The amount of the listed foods that is dangerous depends greatly on the substance, the breed of dog, the age and the weight of the animal. For some foods (e.g. raisins, macadamia nuts), even small amounts are enough. Basic rule: It is better to check with your vet or a poison control centre once too often – safety first. BEST FRIENDS. DESERVE THE BEST.