BBQ Safety: Dog-Approved Foods for Summer Fun

A dog is outline laying down on the grass with two other people at a picnic

With BBQ season around the corner, now is a perfect time to start prepping a menu that you, and your dog, can enjoy this summer so they can take part in the delicious festivities, too!

While some common BBQ foods can be harmful or even toxic for pups to consume, there are still plenty of dog-safe options that can let them share in the fun without the risk.

Before we get into the food options, it’s important to remember the following dog-safety basics:

Prior to introducing your dog to new foods, consult with your veterinarian to get the green light and determine appropriate serving sizes
Start with small portions and serve in moderation to gauge how your pup responds
Steer clear of serving any food with seasonings, including garlic and onions (including raw, cooked, or in powder form)
Consider adjusting your dog’s meal quantity if they’ve indulged in an extra BBQ treat to help maintain a balanced diet

Curious about a particular food? Click on any item below to jump straight to it!

Now, let’s power up the grill with dog-approved options that will have your pup’s tail wagging!

BURGER PATTIES

If you’re serving up burgers for your guests, set aside a patty for your pup. It’s a protein-rich snack that they can enjoy (and it will keep them occupied while you and your family or guests prep yours).

Considerations to keep in mind:

Serve the burger patty without a bun, seasoning, or condiments
Drain any excess fat to make it leaner if that is a dietary concern
Since burger patties can vary in size, it’s best to cut them into smaller pieces to make eating them easier and to help prevent choking

Nutritional benefits include (but are not limited to):

Protein
B vitamins
Minerals like iron, zinc, and phosphorus
Fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6

Looking to jazz up their patty with some burger toppings? A crisp piece of lettuce and/or a small slice of cheese can be dog-safe options.

GRILLED CHICKEN

Grilled chicken can be a healthy dinner option during BBQ season, but is it safe for your dog to consume? In most cases, yes! Chicken can be a great, nutritionally beneficial food for dogs.

Considerations to keep in mind:

Skip the seasonings and sauces
Remove the skin and bones
Cook thoroughly

Nutritional benefits include (but are not limited to):

Vitamins B6 & B3
Zinc
Protein
Iron

GRILLED VEGGIES

Vegetables can be a delicious main or side, especially in the summer when you can add them to the grill. Some veggies are more commonly grilled than others, such as bell peppers, corn, zucchini, and eggplant, all of which are safe for dogs to eat!

Considerations to keep in mind:

If grilling corn on the cob, only serve the kernels since the cob can be a choking hazard
If grilling bell peppers, remove the seeds and stem
Skip any extra oil, salt, or marinades
Vegetables can be hot off the grill—be sure to let veggies cool and slice them into small pieces before serving to your dog

Nutritional benefits include (but are not limited to):

Vitamins A, C, E, and B6
Antioxidants
Fiber

GRILLED FISH

Returning from a summer fishing trip and ready to grill up your fresh catch? Most fish can be safely shared with your pup.

Considerations to keep in mind:

Cook without seasonings, additional oils, sauces, and lemon juice (which can cause an upset stomach due to high acidity levels)
Remove all bones
Avoid serving dogs fish high in mercury, such as mackerel, tuna, and swordfish
Cook thoroughly, including the skin

Nutritional benefits include (but are not limited to):

Iron
Vitamin D
Protein
Omega-3 fatty acids
Minerals like magnesium, potassium, zinc, iodine, etc.

FRUIT SALAD

Seasonal fruit can be a delicious addition to a summer BBQ. Here are some dog-safe fruit options you can add to their bowl:

Watermelon
Blueberries
Apples
Strawberries
Mango
Pineapple
Cantaloupe
Oranges
Bananas
Peaches

Considerations to keep in mind:

Always cut fruit into small pieces and remove the rind, core, and seeds
Fruit can be high in sugar, so consider it an occasional treat

Nutritional benefits include (but are not limited to):

Several types of fruit are rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C
Fiber
Antioxidants
Minerals

TIP: Try freezing their favorite fruit for a refreshing treat on hot summer days. Click here for more frozen dog treat ideas for the summer.

POTATOES

Adding potatoes to the grill? White and sweet potatoes are both safe, tasty options to serve your dog. Although a side of potato salad with mayo and other ingredients is off-limits, a plain potato can be shared with your dog. Sweet potatoes are a healthier, nutrient-rich option.

Considerations to keep in mind:

Avoid adding butter, oils, and seasonings
Remove potato skins before serving, as they can be difficult to digest
Ensure they are fully cooked, since raw potatoes contain a compound called solanine that can be toxic to dogs

Nutritional benefits include (but are not limited to):

Fiber
Iron
Vitamins, including B6, and C
Sweet potatoes are full of beta-carotene

PLATTER OF RAW VEGGIES

A veggie platter is always a go-to at a gathering and is usually a safe food option at your next BBQ. Here are the dog-safe vegetables dogs can eat raw that you might find on a platter:

Broccoli
Celery
Carrots
Cucumber
Snap peas
Cauliflower

Considerations to keep in mind:

Cut unseasoned veggies into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking
Never serve your dog a dip, which often comes with platters you purchase from the store

Nutritional benefits include (but are not limited to):

A source of vitamins, including A, B, C, and E
Fiber
Antioxidants

READ MORE: Dog-Friendly Fruits and Vegetables

DOG SAFETY TIPS BEFORE YOUR NEXT BBQ

When planning your next barbecue, it’s important to make sure your pup is safe and happy in their environment, in addition to making safe food choices. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Create shaded areas where they can go when they need to cool down
Provide water, and maintain a fresh bowl to avoid the water heating up under the sun
Supervise them closely if they are near the grill
Check for signs of overheating, which can start with panting and drooling
Make a request for your guests to avoid feeding your pup scraps from their meal, which can include potentially harmful ingredients
Secure all garbage bins and clean up plates promptly to avoid tempting your dog with easy-to-reach leftovers

READ MORE: Summer Heat Safety for Dogs

Planning your next summer get-together and prefer to have a dog-free space? Contact your local Dogtopia! Dog daycare can be a safe, fun-filled option to avoid having your pup near unsafe food and large groups of people. Plus, our indoor playrooms are temperature-controlled, so playtime is always comfortable no matter the weather outside. If you think your event might go late, consider overnight boarding options to give your dog a staycation they’ll love with their furry friends.

This blog was reviewed/edited by Dogtopia’s Director of Health & Safety Lorraine Rhoads, an experienced animal biologist and environmental scientist.

Tags: BBQ, dog-safe food, nutrition