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6 BBQ Foods That Are Dangerous for Dogs

6 BBQ Foods That Are Dangerous for Dogs

Updated On July 27th, 2018

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Reviewed By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

Veterinarian

When the mouth-watering smell of a backyard BBQ fills the air, it’s only natural for our four-legged pals to want to join in on the grilling fun. But unfortunately, there are potential hazards among the tasty treats.

The best approach to the problem is prevention. If a large gathering is anticipated, the best choice can be to remove your pet from the action. A bedroom with music, a television, or a soothing white noise machine may be the safest place for him to relax.

If your dog will be at the BBQ, keeping him away from foods and controlling what he eats is key. Any meats shared should be free of seasonings and sauces. When food is served-up buffet style for friends and family, ensure that tall tables or counters are used and that food is kept a good distance from the edge. Don’t be afraid to ask guests not to give treats to your dog while they are over—even safe foods can cause problems in large quantities.

These common BBQ foods are particularly dangerous to dogs and should never be shared.

Meat with Bones or Skewers

Meat which is cooked with bones in place or on skewers should not be given directly to your dog. Bones and skewers can become lodged within the throat, or if swallowed can cause life-threatening gastrointestinal complications, including blockage and perforation. If you suspect your dog has ingested a bone or skewer, contact your veterinarian or seek emergency care.

Grapes and Raisins

Though grapes and raisins are delicious, they are never safe to share with your dog. Both grapes and raisins are highly toxic to our canine companions, and can lead to acute kidney failure and even death. If your dog has ingested grapes or raisins, seek immediate emergency care; interventions are available to support the kidneys if started early enough.

Onions

Onions are great for topping burgers, but make sure they stay off your dog’s plate. Onions contain N-propyl disulfide, a toxic substance that can cause damage to your dog’s red blood cells and lead to anemia. If you dog has ingested onions, contact your veterinarian or seek emergency care.

Corn

Corn is a nutritious component of many commercial dog foods and is a fantastic treat to share with your dog in moderation. The corn should not have any oil or seasoning on it—the sweet taste is a treat enough. However, the kernel should be sheared from the cob, and the cob itself should never be given to a dog. The biggest risk is choking; if your dog does manage to swallow a portion of the cob, it can become lodged within his intestines and cause a blockage, which is a medical emergency. If your dog eats a portion of the cob, contact your veterinarian or seek emergency care.

High Fat Foods

Cuts of meat with a high fat content such as steaks and lamb should not be eaten by dogs. These meats can contribute to weight problems and obesity-related conditions such as arthritis and pancreatitis. High-fat foods are the number one cause of pancreatitis, a painful and potentially fatal inflammation of the pancreas. If your dog has managed to sneak a high-fat food, monitor him closely for signs of pancreatitis, such as vomiting, diarrhea, pain, biting at the abdomen, restlessness, loss of appetite or weakness. If you suspect pancreatitis, seek immediate care.

Chocolate

Whether in the form of cookies, cake or ice cream, chocolate is a sweet finish to any BBQ. Just make sure to keep this indulgence away from any four-legged guests, as chocolate is toxic to dogs. Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which can lead to both cardiac and nervous system complications. The danger of chocolate depends on the type of chocolate ingested as well as your dog’s body weight. Cocoa powder is the most dangerous, while milk chocolate is less toxic and white chocolate is the least worrisome. The smaller the dog, the smaller the amount he has to eat for toxicity to occur. If you suspect your dog has ingested any chocolate, start by contacting the [Pet Poison Helpline](https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/). The experts will be able to advise you if an emergency trip to the veterinarian is required.
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