Dog Furiendly
With the weather heating up, it’s prime time for BBQs, and let’s face it – our furry friends often end up being the cutest beggars around the grill. While it might be tempting to slip them a treat from the table, not all BBQ foods are safe or healthy for dogs. Can dogs eat burgers? To help you navigate the do’s and don’ts of dog friendly BBQing, we’ve teamed up with Burns Pet Nutrition to provide a comprehensive guide on what foods your dog can enjoy and which ones to steer clear of.
Safe BBQ Foods for Dogs
Lean Meats & Fish
Chicken: Plain, grilled chicken is an excellent source of protein for dogs. Make sure it’s fully cooked and free of bones and harmful seasonings.
Turkey: Like chicken, plain, grilled turkey can be a healthy treat. Avoid giving your dog the skin, which can be fatty and hard to digest.
Beef: Lean cuts of beef, such as steak or mince meat (without seasoning), are also good choices. Ensure the meat is fully cooked and not fatty.
Salmon: Grilled salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your dog’s coat and skin. Make sure it’s cooked thoroughly and free of bones.
Ensure you cook all meats and fish without harmful seasonings which can be toxic to dogs.
Vegetables
Sweet Potatoes: Grilled or boiled sweet potatoes are a nutritious option. They’re high in fibre and vitamins, but should be served plain.
Cucumbers: These contain lots of water and are great for hydration on a hot day.
Carrots: Raw or lightly grilled carrots are great for dogs. They’re low in calories and high in fibre and vitamins.
Zucchini: This low-calorie veggie is safe for dogs and can be grilled or served raw.
Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, and green bell peppers are safe and packed with vitamins. Avoid giving them spicy peppers like jalapenos.
Green Beans: These can be served raw or cooked, just make sure they’re plain.
Fruits
Watermelon: Seedless watermelon is a refreshing treat for dogs. It’s hydrating and low in calories.
Blueberries: These can be given raw and are rich in antioxidants.
Apples: Remove the seeds and core before giving your dog apple slices.
Strawberries: Rich in fibre and vitamin C, strawberries are a sweet treat for dogs, but should be given in moderation due to their sugar content.
Foods to Avoid at a BBQ
Cooked Bones: Never give your dog cooked bones from the BBQ. They can splinter and cause internal injuries.
Hot Dogs and Sausages: These are often high in fat, salt, and preservatives, which are not suitable for dogs.
Burgers with Seasonings: While plain beef can be safe, burgers with onions, and other toxic seasonings can be harmful.
Bacon and Fat Trimmings: High in fat and can lead to pancreatitis in dogs.
Onions: This common BBQ toppings are toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage. Make sure to avoid feeding your dog any food seasoned with onions or related spices – especially sides such as coleslaw and potato salad
Corn on the Cob: While corn itself is not harmful, the cob can pose a significant choking hazard and cause intestinal blockages. It’s best to avoid giving your dog corn on the cob altogether.
Salty Snacks (Crisps and Pretzels): These popular BBQ snacks are high in sodium and fats, which are not healthy for dogs. Excessive salt intake can lead to sodium ion poisoning in dogs, symptoms of which include vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst or urination, lethargy, and abnormal fluid accumulation within the body. Always keep salty snacks well out of reach of pets to avoid these risks.
Grapes and Raisins: These seemingly harmless fruits are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. Ensure that any fruit salads or snacks containing grapes or raisins are kept well away from your dog.
Chocolate and Sweets: Chocolate is toxic to dogs and can cause severe health issues, including vomiting, diarrhoea, and even seizures. Similarly, sweets and candies often contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that is extremely toxic to dogs.
Making Dog Food Fun At The BBQ
While it’s fine to give your dog some of the safe foods mentioned above in moderation, nothing beats a balanced, nutritious meal tailored to their specific dietary needs. Burns Pet Nutrition believes in the power of natural, wholesome ingredients to promote the overall health and wellbeing of pets. They develop their products with a focus on simplicity, quality, and holistic pet care, ensuring that each meal supports your dog’s health from the inside out.
Whether your dog currently enjoys Burns food or another brand, here are some playful ideas to make your dog’s food fun and engaging during a BBQ:
Frozen Treats: Mix some wet food with water and freeze it in an ice cube tray. These make refreshing and tasty treats that your dog can enjoy on a hot day.
Stuffed Toys: Use a Kong or another stuffable toy and fill it with wet food. This will keep your dog entertained and satisfied while you enjoy your BBQ.
Interactive Feeding: Scatter some dry food around the garden and let your dog use their nose to find it. This not only makes meal time fun but also provides mental stimulation.
Food Toppers: Use some of the safe BBQ foods like grilled sweet potatoes or carrots as toppers for their meal. It adds variety and a hint of BBQ without compromising their nutrition.
Special Offer from Burns Pet Nutrition
To help your dog stay healthy and happy this BBQ season, Burns Pet Nutrition is offering a 20% discount on their range of products with the code DF20. This is a great opportunity to enhance your dog’s diet with high-quality, natural ingredients that prioritise health and wellbeing.
By being mindful of what foods you share with your dog during BBQs and ensuring they receive nutritious meals, whether from Burns Pet Nutrition or another high-quality brand, you can enjoy the summer festivities knowing your furry friend is safe and healthy.
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