Summer means spending time outdoors with friends and family, often at barbecues. However, if you have a dog, it is important to consider which foods are safe for pets. Here are some menu items to avoid and treats you can feel confident sharing with your furry family member at your next barbecue. As always, be sure to share these in small amounts and in moderation, and consult with your vet before adding them to your pup’s diet.
AVOID: GARLIC & ONIONS
Whether you’re adding powdered seasoning that contains garlic and onions to the meat you’re grilling or using their whole form, garlic and onions are toxic to dogs because they’re part of the Allium family of food, which contains the compound N-propyl disulfide that can lead to health concerns.
When dogs ingest garlic and onions, common symptoms mainly affect the gastrointestinal area (e.g., diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, etc.). However, your dog could also experience drooling, lethargy, and more. In severe cases, the membranes of their red blood cells can be damaged, which can lead to their organs not receiving enough oxygen.
Similar foods that fall under the Allium family that your dog should avoid include:
- Chives
- Leeks
- Shallots
- Scallions
SHARE: PARSLEY, BASIL & CILANTRO
Dogs can enjoy herbs like parsley, basil, and cilantro if you like to share flavor-packed food with your pup. Parsley is a natural breath freshener that contains vitamins A, C & K, antioxidants, and folic acids. Basil aids in digestion, boosts the immune system, and is high in antioxidants. Cilantro can calm an upset stomach and help ease digestion issues.
AVOID: MEAT WITH BONES
Meat that contains bones, such as certain cuts of chicken (e.g., thigh, wing, etc.), should not be on your dog’s barbecue menu. If bone fragments are ingested, they could cause blockages in the small intestine or colon and choking if they lodge in the dog’s airway. Bones from fatty meat can also cause too much saturated fat, which can lead to health issues like pancreatitis.
SHARE: BEEF, CHICKEN & HOT DOGS
If you’re grilling up hamburgers, chicken, or hot dogs for the human guests at your barbecue, you can also let your pup enjoy them! Keep in mind that this meat must be plain and unseasoned (i.e., no salt, pepper, and other spices) before serving it to your dog. You could make a separate, clean section of your grill just for your pup, or your guests can season/add sauces after cooking.
AVOID: GUACAMOLE
If you have some dips at your barbeque, such as guacamole, avoid giving any to your dog. While pups can eat tiny portions of the flesh of the avocado, larger amounts can lead to stomach upset (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) because of the persin content, which is toxic for dogs. Guacamole often contains other ingredients like onion and other seasonings that are harmful to dogs.
SHARE: UNSEASONED VEGETABLES
If you already have some grilled veggies on the go at your barbecue, many can be shared with your furry friend. Dog-safe vegetables that are great on the grill include:
- Sweet potatoes
- Green beans
- Asparagus
- Carrots
- Zucchini
- Eggplant
AVOID: CORN ON THE COB
Corn on the cob is a barbecue staple for many. However, giving your dog corn while it is still on the cob can be a major choking hazard. Raw and cooked corn can be a tasty treat for pups to enjoy, but be sure to shave the corn off the cob before serving.
SHARE: FRESH FRUIT
There are many types of fruit that your furry friend can enjoy, so if you’re planning on having a fruit platter at your barbecue, you can share with them:
- Blueberries
- Watermelon
- Mango
- Apples
- Pineapple
- Bananas
- Cantaloupe
However, if you’re serving grapes, keep them out of your dog’s reach. Grapes can cause kidney damage or failure if ingested by dogs.
NEED A DOG-FREE HOME DURING YOUR NEXT BBQ?
Bring your dog to your local Dogtopia for a day of daycare! As much as you may want your pup around you all the time, crowded parties and barbecues may not always be an ideal setting for your dog. This can be especially true if you can’t give them your full attention. Booking a half or full day of daycare can be an excellent solution for your pup to play with their BFFFs (Best Furry Friends Forever), learn, exercise, and socialize while receiving high-quality care from our highly trained Canine Coaches. Find a location near you to get started!
(Photo courtesy of instagram.com/dogtopia.oro.valley/)
