Dishing the dirt on risky food items

I heard that foods such as onions and chocolate can make dogs sick. Is this true?

Some foods that are edible for humans can pose hazards for dogs because of the difference in metabolism. Some may cause only mild digestive upsets, whereas others can cause severe illness and even death. The following common food items should not be fed to dogs. This list is incomplete, but does cover many common food items found in homes.

Onions and garlic contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate, although onions are more dangerous. Both can trigger a form of anemia where the body's red blood cells burst. This results in poor oxygen supply to vital organs and tissues. Serious and potentially deadly nutritional deficiencies may result if consumed regularly. Chocolate contains compounds known as methylxanthines, which dogs are sensitive to, causing hyperactivity, increased heart rate, tremors. It is potentially fatal. The amount of toxin in chocolate depends on the type, but the general rule is the more bitter, the more toxic.