What BBQ Foods Can Dogs Have?
BBQ season is here, Canada! Who doesn’t love firing up the grill with some pals and enjoying the sunshine? With so many delicious BBQ foods, it can be hard to know which human food is safe for dogs. So whether your dog has sneakily stolen a hot dog, or you’ve snuck them a bite of your pasta salad, let’s chat about BBQ foods dogs can and can’t eat!
Human BBQ Food "Safe" for Dogs
Hamburger
Yes – under certain conditions.
Unseasoned, cooked hamburger meat is safe for dogs to eat! If you are adding things to the meat like garlic, salt, or onion to your burgers though, avoid giving it to your dog. Garlic and onion are toxic for dogs! The same rule goes for condiments and toppings on your hamburger.
Salad/veggies
It depends!
Some fruits and vegetables to avoid feeding your dog are:
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Onions
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Garlic
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Rhubarb
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Avocados
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Unripe Tomatoes
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Cherries
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Blackberries
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Grapes
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Bananas
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Broccoli
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Citrus Fruit
Cheese
Yes, in moderation!
Cheese is a great, tasty treat for dogs! But remember, moderation is key! It is best as an occasional high-value treat rather than a regular part of their every day diet. Cheese is high in fat, so if you’re trying to watch your dog’s weight, cheese should be avoided.
Also, just like humans, dogs can be lactose intolerant! If you notice your dog is having tummy troubles after eating cheese, speak to your vet!
If you’re looking for a good cheese alternative for your dog, check out our Himalayan Yak Snak Chews!
Pork
Yes – under certain conditions.
Just like hamburger, if you are going to feed your dog pork, make sure it is cooked properly using no seasoning or condiments. Avoid giving your dog pork bones – especially cooked bones – or pieces with lots of pork fat. And again, moderation is key. Always balance high protein meals with fibre.
If you’re looking for pork dog treats, check out our pork selection!
Human BBQ Food NOT Safe for Dogs
Hot dogs
No.
Hot dogs are a human food not safe for dogs. Not only are they fatty and contain seasoning, they are FULL of salt! The average hot dog has over 500mg of sodium – that’s more than twice the recommended daily limit for dogs weighing 33lbs! If your dog does manage to steal a wiener from the picnic table though, don’t panic. Feed them lots of water, and keep an eye on them for any tummy troubles. Call your vet if your pet is vomiting or has diarrhea persistently, as this could lead to dehydration and further sickness.
Potato salad
Generally, no.
While it’s usually okay to feed your dog plain, cooked potatoes, it’s all the extras in a potato salad that could be harmful to your dog. Things like garlic and onion are toxic for dogs, and mayonnaise is very high in fat and could cause tummy troubles. Plus, there’s usually a good amount of salt in potato salads too.
Pasta salad
Generally, no.
It definitely depends on what you’re putting in your pasta salad! Plain cooked pasta is fine for dogs, but we wouldn’t recommend feeding it to them often. And again, you need to avoid ingredients like onion, garlic, mayonnaise, cheese, or fatty meats. Canned or tinned tomatoes should also be avoided as they often contain high sodium levels, garlic, or onion.
Potato chips
No.
Although they are made from potatoes, chips often have lots of extra salt, seasoning, and artificial ingredients.
Ketchup
No.
The seasoning and salt are not good for dogs.
Mustard
DEFINITELY NO.
Mustard is toxic to dogs! It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or more serious health concerns if eaten often or in high amounts.
Relish
No.
The seasoning and salt are not good for dogs.
