Summer is here, and with it comes the irresistible aroma of sizzling sausages, juicy burgers, and fresh salads drifting from gardens and patios across the UK. While barbecues are a highlight of the season, they can also pose hidden dangers for our four-legged friends. Many classic BBQ foods are toxic to dogs, and even a small taste can cause serious health issues.
In this guide, we’ll explore which foods you should never share with your dog during a summer BBQ, how to keep them safe while you enjoy your feast, and how our digestion supplement can help keep their tummy in top shape.
Common toxic BBQ foods for dogs
Onions and garlic: whether grilled, caramelised, or mixed into marinades, onions and garlic (including powders) are toxic to dogs. They can damage red blood cells and lead to anaemia, with symptoms such as lethargy, weakness, and vomiting.
Corn on the cob: while corn itself isn’t harmful, the cob can be a choking hazard and cause dangerous intestinal blockages if swallowed.
Bones from cooked meat: cooked bones, especially chicken or pork, can splinter easily, causing choking, blockages, or internal injuries. Always dispose of bones where your dog can’t reach them.
Grapes and raisins: these can be lurking in fruit salads, desserts, or even skewers. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts.
Chocolate desserts: brownies, chocolate-dipped fruit, and other cocoa-based treats contain theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even seizures.
Alcohol and caffeinated drinks: beer, wine, cocktails, iced coffee, or tea may seem harmless to a curious dog, but both alcohol and caffeine are toxic and can lead to vomiting, rapid heart rate, tremors, or worse.
Other BBQ hazards for dogs
It’s not just the food that’s risky - BBQs bring other dangers for pets:
Skewers: wooden or metal skewers can cause severe injuries if chewed or swallowed.
Hot coals: curious noses and paws can get burnt if pets wander too close.
Greasy leftovers: high-fat foods like burgers, sausages, or skin-on chicken can trigger pancreatitis, which is painful and potentially life-threatening.
How to keep your dog safe at a summer BBQ
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Create a safe space – give your dog a quiet, shady area away from the cooking zone.
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Brief your guests – let friends and family know not to feed your dog scraps.
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Keep bin bags secure – dogs can sniff out leftovers in seconds.
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Provide dog-friendly treats – keep healthy snacks on hand, such as carrot sticks, apple slices (without seeds), or specially formulated dog biscuits.
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Stay hydrated – make sure your dog has plenty of fresh, cool water available.
Support your dog’s digestion this summer
Even with the best precautions, dogs can sometimes sneak a bite of something they shouldn’t. Our Advanced Support for Digestion is specially formulated to help maintain a healthy digestive system in dogs. It contains a blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes to support gut health, nutrient absorption, and overall wellbeing - perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those prone to dietary upsets.
By adding this tasty powder topper to your dog’s daily meals, you can help them enjoy summer in comfort and good health.
Summer BBQs should be fun for the whole family - including your pets. By knowing which foods to avoid, keeping hazards out of reach, and supporting your dog’s digestion, you can make sure your furry friend enjoys the season safely.
