Several common foods are harmful and should be strictly avoided when it comes to feeding your beloved Teddy Bear dog. These include chocolate, onions, bones, milk, raw meat, grapes, and highly seasoned or spicy foods.

1. Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, and in severe cases, can even be fatal.

2. Onions and Garlic

Onions contain thiosulphate, which can damage a dog's red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia. Even a small amount can cause severe hematuria (blood in urine). Avoid giving your dog foods containing onions or garlic, such as burgers, curries, and soups.

3. Bones

Bones are generally not recommended for dogs. Large bones can cause injuries by scratching the esophagus and stomach, leading to gastrointestinal bleeding. While some bones can be safe if thoroughly cooked in a pressure cooker until very soft, bone marrow is an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, and copper. Chewing on large bones can also help clean a dog's teeth.

4. Raw Eggs and Raw Meat

Raw egg whites contain avidin, a protein that depletes biotin in a dog’s system. Raw eggs can also cause coat discoloration. Additionally, raw eggs and meat may contain parasites and bacteria that can lead to diarrhea in dogs.

5. Milk

Cow's milk is different in composition from a dog's milk. Puppies can easily develop diarrhea from drinking it. For healthy adult dogs who enjoy milk and tolerate it well, it can be given in moderation.

6. Grapes and Raisins

Grapes are toxic to dogs and can cause poisoning. They are high in glucose and fructose (grapes contain about 20%, raisins about 40%). Dogs are highly sensitive to sugars, which can lead to allergic reactions, toxicity, and even kidney failure.

7. Spicy and Seasoned Foods

Foods like peppers, onions, ginger, and garlic can easily cause allergic reactions in dogs. Seafood should also be avoided, as it has high histamine levels and often leads to allergies.

8. Animal Liver

Overconsumption of animal liver can lead to Vitamin A toxicity and calcium deficiencies. Eating the equivalent of about 3 chicken livers per week can cause bone problems in dogs.

9. Foods High in Salt and Sugar

The amount of salt that humans normally use is already too much for dogs. Excess salt puts a strain on their kidneys, affecting their health, disrupting fluid balance, and causing various skin diseases. Too much sugar can lead to obesity and diabetes in dogs.

10. Mushrooms

While commercially sold mushrooms such as shiitake and button mushrooms are generally not toxic to dogs, it is best to avoid feeding them to prevent your dog from developing a habit of eating them and potentially ingesting poisonous wild mushrooms.

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