Memorial Day BBQ Foods That Are Dangerous For Dogs

As you plan your outdoor gatherings with family and friends for the Memorial Day holiday, don't forget to incorporate safe food practices for your pup. While you and your fellow humans can likely eat most items at a cookout, some Memorial Day foods are dangerous for dogs.

Amid the festivities, it's important to supervise your pup and ensure they don't eat the following foods:

• Fatty meats, like burgers, ribs, and sausage
• Bones (especially cooked)
• Onions, garlic, and seasonings
• Corn on the cob
• Alcohol
• Grapes and raisins
• Chocolate desserts
• Xylitol (in many sugar-free foods and gum)

Why BBQ foods can be dangerous for dogs

Heading out to a holiday cookout? Maybe you're asking yourself, "Can dogs eat burgers or hot dogs? Can my dog gnaw on corn on the cob?" The truth is that while many of these foods might seem perfectly fine to feed to your pup, they—and others—can be toxic to canines. So, what foods are toxic to dogs at a barbecue?

• Burgers, ribs, and sausage pose a risk of pancreatitis because of the fat and seasonings included.
• Garlic and onions, and other foods in the allium family, have what are called disulfides and thiosulfinates, which may lead to red blood cell damage in your pup.
• Seasonings should be avoided because many have high levels of salt or contain ingredients that may be toxic to your pup (like black pepper, mustard, garlic, onion, etc.).
• Alcohol, including alcohol found in hand sanitizer, can lead to alcohol poisoning in your dog.
• Grapes and raisins in fruit salads and desserts could lead to kidney failure due to the inclusion of certain compounds that are considered toxic to dogs.
• Chocolate contains caffeine and a stimulant called theobromine (and oftentimes sugar and milk fat) that are toxic to your pup.
• Xylitol is toxic to dogs because it makes them enter a hypoglycemic state, which is dangerous to their health.

Here are some examples of other BBQ foods dogs can't eat and why:

• Raw and cooked bones can lead to choking or internal organ damage if they splinter after ingestion.
• Corn on the cob and small, hard food items pose a risk of intestinal blockage.

Safe BBQ foods your dog can enjoy instead

So, what can your dog eat at the family BBQ? The safest option is to feed your pup their vet-approved dog food at home, bring dog-safe treats with you if needed, and avoid slipping them any scraps at the holiday get-together. However, sometimes that's easier said than done, especially on a festive day and when multiple people might be around your dog.

There are some generally dog-safe foods that your pup can enjoy instead (albeit in small quantities):

• Plain grilled chicken breast. Many commercial dog foods contain chicken as the main source of protein, so feeding it to your dog is okay in most scenarios (assuming they don't have a chicken allergy). Just make sure that it's unseasoned, not oiled, and has no bones.
• Lean, unseasoned beef. This is typically okay to feed your dog in moderation, but ensure that it's cut into small pieces, isn't fatty, and doesn't have any oil or seasonings on it.
• Certain fruits and veggies. Dogs can eat fruits like blueberries, oranges, pineapple, and watermelon and veggies such as bell peppers, carrots, celery, and zucchini. These are typically safe foods for most pups. Again, make sure that if vegetables are cooked, they haven't been cooked with oil, and that seeds are removed from fruits.

How to keep your dog safe during Memorial Day gatherings

To help your furry pal avoid Memorial Day foods dangerous for dogs, there are some key tips to remember:

• Keep them in their kennel or on a leash, supervised. One of the safest practices is to keep your dog kenneled or leashed during the gathering, as this can give you peace of mind that they're safely contained or near your side for close supervision.
• Inform guests not to feed your dog. Ask everyone at the gathering to avoid feeding your pup and to be vigilant with picking up any food that drops. If kids are present, ask their parents or caregivers to keep a watchful eye on any food that their child leaves out or drops on the ground.
• Keep food out of reach. This may be easier to do if you're hosting, but try to put any food out of reach from your pet, such as on a high countertop, on the top of the fridge, in a closed room or zipped-close tent (if you're at the park), and so on.
• Create a safe space for your dog. If you're hosting a party at home or going to someone's house, try to create a safe place for your dog. This could be in a fenced area of a yard, a gated area indoors, or a quiet room with a door that can shut. This space can be helpful when everyone is cooking and eating, if your pup is overstimulated, and if you aren't able to supervise interactions with children.
• Watch for dropped food, table scraps, and grease drips. Not all dropped food and table scraps are bad for dogs, but many are, which is why it's crucial to keep an eye on these items during the party. Clean up plates when you and your guests are finished eating (they'll be grateful for the five-star service and you'll be protecting your pet!). Additionally, manage the grill safely, ensuring that your pup isn't able to lick up any grease drippings.
• Secure the trash. Make sure that your dog is unable to sneak into the trash can. Better yet, be vigilant about taking trash out to bins in a secure, pet-proof area.
• Bring dog-safe treats and toys. Keep your pup occupied and out of mischief with their favorite toys and treats.

What to do if your dog eats BBQ food they shouldn’t

No matter how careful you are with holiday food safety for dogs, sometimes our furry companions get into something they shouldn't. If your pup eats any of the BBQ foods dogs can’t eat, it's best to take them to the vet or an emergency pet clinic immediately. Don't wait for symptoms to appear before taking action.

That said, if you didn't notice your pup eat anything toxic, but they start exhibiting the following symptoms, head straight to the vet:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Excessive drooling, urination, or thirst
• Bloody urine
• Trouble breathing
• Tremors or seizures
• Unusual behavior
• Stumbling or lack of coordination
• Very bad breath
• Pale gums

How pet insurance helps with unexpected emergencies

As holiday cookouts and gatherings increase over the spring and summer months, it's important to be aware of all the potential food risks for your pet, including Memorial Day foods dangerous for dogs. But even the most supervised pets can get into mischief and potentially eat something they shouldn't.

That's why having a pet insurance policy is crucial because it enables you to get your dog the treatment they need after ingesting something toxic—all while protecting your finances. Trupanion dog insurance has coverage that includes emergency vet visits, toxic ingestion treatment, and other unexpected health issues, so you can have peace of mind during holidays and beyond.