Harmful BBQ Foods You Shouldn’t Feed to Your Pet

Gatherings around the grill are a staple of the summer season, and it’s natural to want to include your furry family member in the festivities. But some people foods are a recipe for disaster when it comes to our pets. In this blog, our team at Bowman Veterinary Hospital offers helpful guidance on foods that should never be fed to pets, and how to prevent potential outdoor hazards.

BBQ Foods That Are No-Nos for Pets

The smoky aroma from a backyard BBQ is hard for people—and pets—to resist, but summer pet safety is priority number one when pets beg for table treats. Here are some typical BBQ offerings that pose a health risk to pets:

Chocolate

Highly toxic, particularly to dogs, chocolate contains theobromine, which can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, and in severe cases, tremors, seizures, and even death. Keep all chocolate desserts away from pets.

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic contain compounds that can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage in pets. This can lead to anemia, which is potentially life-threatening.

Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages and foods containing alcohol should never be given to pets. Even small amounts can cause intoxication, which could lead to lethargy, poor coordination, vomiting, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs, and can cause rapid kidney failure.

Avocados

Avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin considered safe for humans, but that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other adverse effects in sensitive pets.

Meat with Bones

Cooked meat bones can splinter easily and pose a choking hazard or cause serious damage to your pet’s digestive tract.

Fatty Foods

High-fat foods like sausages, hot dogs, and greasy burgers can lead to pancreatitis in pets.

Corn on the Cob

While corn itself isn’t harmful, the cob can cause intestinal blockage. Ensure that corn cob remnants are thrown away securely.

Macadamia Nuts

These nuts are extremely harmful to dogs and can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia.

Practical Steps to Prevent Hazards

• Supervise: Keep an eye on your pet during the event to make sure they don’t sneak a bite of something they shouldn’t.
• Secure Trash: Make sure garbage is inaccessible to curious paws that might rummage for scraps.
• Prepare Pet-Safe Treats: Have a stash of pet-appropriate snacks to satisfy their begging without risking their health.
• Educate Guests: Let your visitors know what foods are off-limits to your pets.

Your Partner in Pet Safety

As we look forward to enjoying BBQs and quality time with loved ones, let’s not forget the safety of our furry family members. By being mindful of BBQ food hazards, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for everyone, including our pets. Please get in touch with us if you’d like more tips on summer pet safety and foods that are harmful for pets.