Here are our dog-safe BBQ tips! Barbecues are great summer social events, but they can also be dangerous for dogs. Learn what your dog can and cannot eat at a barbecue.
Preparation Setup For Your BBQ
- Secure the area: Make sure the BBQ area is secure, with no open gates or gaps in fences where dogs could escape.
- Keep dangerous items out of reach: Set up a designated area for dogs away from the grill, hot surfaces, and sharp utensils.
- Create a safe space: Provide a shady, comfortable area with water and toys where dogs can relax away from the main cooking and eating areas.
- Monitor food waste throughout the BBQ. Ensure that trash is secured and food scraps aren’t accessible to dogs. Bones, corn cobs, and fatty foods can be harmful to dogs.
Toxic BBQ Foods Dogs Should Avoid
Keep these out of reach and inform guests not to feed these to the dogs. Tip: keep your dog’s favorite treats or high-value dog food, like UnKibble, on hand to reward their best behavior.
- Onions
- Garlic
- Chocolate
- Grapes
- Marinades and meat seasonings
- Corn cobs
- Alcohol
- Kabob skewers
- Chips and salty snacks
- Guacamole
Dog-safe BBQ Foods
Have dog-friendly treats available for your dogs too! Everything in moderation–make sure your dog has limited access to these BBQ foods. Treats should make up 10% or less of your dog’s calories for the day. As a tip, have some high-value food, like UnKibble or Spot & Tango Snacks, on-hand to reward good behavior! Essentially, your dog is positively reinforced for good behavior. For example, give your dog a piece of UnKibble when they lay down quietly or if they don’t steal food from the table.
- Cooked meats (chicken, beef) without oils and seasoning
- Zucchini: Grill it and serve it up to your dog. Remember to avoid oils and seasoning. Zucchini is an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, folate, and vitamin K.
- Green beans: Green beans are full of protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins B6, A, C, and K.
- Fresh berries: Feed your dog strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries as a healthy treat. They contain antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and K.
- Watermelon (fresh or frozen): The fleshy pink fruit of a watermelon is loaded with healthy nutrients. Watermelon is rich in potassium and vitamin C, and it’s also a great source of vitamins A and B6.
- UnKibble: 100% fresh, whole ingredients! Keep your dog’s high-value food close by to reward good behavior.
- Sweet potato: Rich in dietary fiber, vitamins (like A, B6, and C), and minerals like iron, calcium, and selenium. They also provide beta-carotene, which is beneficial for your dog’s vision, growth, and muscle strength.
- Apples: Low in fat and are a good source of fiber. But always remove the core and the seeds.
- Carrots: Carrots are packed with important vitamins, along with potassium, which is good for a dog’s muscles, nerves, and kidneys. Their fiber can also help dogs stay regular.
Backyard Safety for a Dog-safe BBQ
It only takes one BBQ attendee to leave a door or back gate open for your dog to get loose. Having proper backyard safety protocols in place is key. Ensure your visitors know you have a dog, and if people are coming and going frequently, consider putting your dog on a lead or in a bedroom or crate.
For any dog, remember to set up a private space in case they get overwhelmed. Be proactive and give your dog intentional breaks — put your dog’s bed or their crate in a quiet area of the home separate from the gathering.
Conclusion
Follow our safety tips for your BBQs this summer and you’ll be ready to go! Remember to have the contact information and location of the nearest emergency vet clinic on hand just in case.
