Without the right quality and quantity of food, our vital organs and bodily functions will not perform optimally. On the other hand, certain foods and beverages can trigger quite an adverse reaction. If you happen to care for a pet, extra precaution must be taken with human foods that you should not feed your dog or cat. Here are the top four foods to absolutely avoid, especially for dogs.

Chocolate
Chocolate can be quite toxic for dogs as it is rich in stimulants that negatively affect their metabolism. Moreover, large quantities can trigger a seizure, cause irregular heart function, and may prove to be fatal for smaller breeds if not treated in time. You must ensure the pet comes nowhere near even a single piece of chocolate. It will instantly induce diarrhea and they might start vomiting soon after eating. You must immediately rush to the vet once the symptoms start flaring up.

Avocado
While you may enjoy the delicious combination of some crunchy nachos with a generous scoop of guacamole made with fresh avocados, keep both away from your dog. In fact, there are also people who are allergic to avocados, owing to a rich soluble oil compound called persin. Persin is highly toxic and should not be ingested by your pets. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and increase the risk of congestion in the heart. Be vary of the avocado pit as it is also a choking hazard for small dogs.

Caffeine
Most of us cannot do without a cup of Joe! But caffeine is one of the most toxic beverages your dog can accidentally ingest. So, be alert about coffee spills and have it cleaned properly and immediately. Don’t let your dog sample a few licks off the floor as that is more than enough to trigger vomiting, bouts of seizures, tremors, and an elevated heartbeat. This also goes for your favorite flavored sodas, energy drinks, and colas. If your dog did manage to lick some of it, take them to the vet immediately.

Dairy Products
Your pets may be lactose intolerant. Some people are also lactose intolerant and cannot process cheese, milk, and other common dairy products. It’s important to refrain from giving them anything that is made with milk and cheese. Dogs can develop food allergies upon eating such foods, which may lead to diarrhea. You must consult a vet before you even give them ice-cream made for dogs. Flatulence is a common problem associated with lactose intolerance. It is among the first few digestive discomforts both humans and dogs experience, especially with the intolerance.

Among other human foods to not feed your dog, you should keep them away macadamia nuts, almonds, cashews, apple seeds, raisins, grapes, citrus fruits, and peppers to name a few.