The following is a quick rundown on things in your pantry that you should never, ever feed your dog. Some of these listed foods may shock you. At least there were more than a few surprises for us. Our sponsor, Dr. Marty, brings this tip to you. For a limited time, save 54% on your first order and get a free bag of Dr. Marty’s bestselling dog treats. Tap or click here to visit DrMartyPets.com/Kim or text KIM to 511511.

1. Chocolate

This is probably one of the most well-known items on this list. The theobromine and caffeine that chocolate contains are potent enough to completely shut down your dog’s nervous system, even in tiny doses.

2. Alliums like onions, chives and garlic

Garlic is one of the most dangerous foods for dogs. The compounds this family of pungent plants contains can cause anemia in dogs, preventing their hearts from delivering vital oxygen to every body part.

3. Cinnamon

Cinnamon contains volatile oils that may irritate the inside of your dog’s mouth and digestive tract. It’s also a natural way to lower one’s blood sugar. The effect is often beneficial to humans, but the sudden drop can be very dangerous for a dog of any size.

4. Macadamia nuts

Believe it or not, macadamia nuts are extremely dangerous for our canine friends. After consumption, they may cause vomiting, poor coordination, muscle weakness and other neurocognitive side effects, including death.

5. Grapes and raisins

Eating even a single grape or raisin is enough to jeopardize your dog’s life. These sweet treats for humans are linked with severe kidney dysfunction, although the exact chemical responsible for this effect is, at this point, not entirely understood.

6. Excess salt

Salty food should always be kept out of reach of your pup. Some breeds of dogs may be especially susceptible to issues like water retention and complications that tend to follow, such as organ failure and cardiovascular disease.

7. Small choking hazards

Dog owners sometimes overlook this one. Just like the parent of a small child, you should avoid giving your dog access to small, hard bites they may choke on. These include things like nuts and even tiny bones. 

How to dog-proof your kitchen

A scoop of peanut butter here and there is harmless enough. However, double-check anything else you put in your dog’s bowl. As long as you steer clear of these seven notorious offenders, your kitchen should be a reasonably safe place for your dog to hang out and explore. We recommend keeping your pantry closed, preventing any curious canines from digging into something they shouldn’t. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Bonus: The pet food Kim feeds her dog, Abby

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