Summer in Melbourne is ideal for long beach trips, picnics in the park, and lazy weekend BBQs. The sun is warm and the pace feels wonderfully relaxed, perfect for enjoying the outdoors with family, friends, and of course, our fur babies. With their tails wagging and their large pleading eyes that melt your heart, they can be impossible to deny when they beg for treats from the grill. However, as tempting as it may be to slip your pup a sausage or a juicy bite of steak, do remember that not all foods that humans consume are safe to be served as dog food.
In fact, many of the classic BBQ foods hide serious nutritional nasties that can wreak havoc with your fur babies’ health and are considered high on the list of foods dangerous for dogs. From hidden seasonings to seemingly harmless fruit, many common BBQ staples can be toxic foods for dogs.
Let’s take a look at some of the dog food ingredients to avoid.
Human Foods Harmful to Dogs
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The Onion Family: A Silent Threat
Let's start with something that catches most people off guard: onions and garlic. They are a staple ingredient in burger patties, sausages, marinades, salad dressings, and sometimes even in innocuous salads. The problem? They contain compounds called thiosulfates - toxins that can damage your dog's red blood cells, leading to a serious condition known as hemolytic anemia. The worst part? The damage doesn't always show up right away. Your pup might seem perfectly fine after sneaking a bite, but symptoms can creep in days later. No wonder then that the ASPCA lists flavour enhancers like onion and garlic as harmful ingredients in dog food.
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High-fat Meats and Cooked Bones: Damage Digestive Systems
Those juicy sausages and fatty burgers can seem harmless to most, but experts warn that these are foods harmful to dogs as they can overload a dog’s digestive system and inflame the pancreas, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, and intense belly pain. Sometimes, the meat may have pieces of cooked bones that splinter into sharp shards when chewed on. These bone fragments can get stuck in their throats and, if swallowed, can puncture the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, leading to severe internal bleeding.
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Corn on the Cob, Avocados, Grapes, Raisins: Harmless Foods That Cause Problems
While corn kernels are okay in moderation, the cob can damage a dog’s digestive system. As they gnaw down the cob, large fibrous bits could potentially get lodged in their intestines, requiring surgical removal in some cases. Similarly, avocados contain a toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, while grapes and raisins can damage the kidneys. In fact, according to the Australian Kennel Club, some dogs react severely to even just a few pieces, prompting them to include these on the list of foods dogs should not eat.
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Seasonings and Sauces: Hidden Dangers That Spell Trouble
It's not just the main course you need to worry about. Supposedly safe seasonings and sauces are loaded with hidden dangers. For example, mustard sauce contains mustard, which can cause gastroenteritis. Ketchup and BBQ sauces are packed with onion and garlic powders, sugar, salt, and sometimes artificial sweeteners like xylitol. Xylitol is especially dangerous, as it can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs, even in tiny amounts.
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Alcohol, Coffee, and Tea: Must be Strictly Avoided
Dogs absorb alcohol quickly, leading to wobbly walks, slowed breathing, and coma. The tannin in tea and caffeine in colas or energy drinks have a similar effect. So do be careful about letting them lick wine goblets or beer dregs, and definitely no alcohol-soaked food scraps either, as it can lead to dangerous consequences.
While this long list of foods harmful to dogs can be a dampener, it does not mean that they have to miss out on all the fun. With a little planning, there are plenty of people foods that can double as healthy, dog-friendly treats.
Healthy Dog Food Options
As long as they are unseasoned and given in moderation, lean proteins like cooked chicken, turkey, and deboned fish are good options that can be given to your pups. Vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, zucchini, and sweet potato offer fibre, vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants, making them healthy dog food options. Just remember to introduce new foods gradually, cut them into bite-sized pieces, and ensure that treats form no more than 10% of your dog’s daily intake to avoid digestive upsets later.
Beyond what’s on the plate, there are other hidden dangers to watch for, from hot grills and utensils to food scraps left within easy reach.
Creating a Safe Zone for Your Dog
BBQ areas often involve hot grills, open flames, sharp tools, and unattended food waste that can cause burns, choking, or digestive emergencies. That is why it is important to ensure that you do not leave food easily accessible or uncovered (even in your trash). Ensure that your dog has a safe place to be in so that they do not get overly stimulated and become anxious or aggressive. This can be inside your home on a mat, in their crate, or in a shady area away from guests with dog toys they love and plenty of water.
Finally, if you suspect your dog has eaten something that they should not have, it is best to call your vet for advice and help. Don't wait for symptoms to appear – it is better to be over-cautious and safe instead of being sorry later.
FAQs-
1. What BBQ foods are dangerous for dogs?
Common BBQ foods dangerous for dogs include cooked bones, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, avocado, corn cobs, and foods containing sauces or seasonings. These items can cause digestive issues, anemia, pancreatitis, kidney failure, or internal injuries in dogs.
2. Can dogs eat sausages or steak from the BBQ?
No, dogs should not eat BBQ sausages or fatty meats. High-fat, seasoned meats can trigger pancreatitis, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach pain. Sausages and marinades often contain onion, garlic, and excess salt, all of which are harmful to dogs.
3. Why are onions and garlic toxic to dogs even in small amounts?
Onions and garlic contain thiosulfates, which damage a dog’s red blood cells and can lead to hemolytic anemia. Symptoms may appear days after ingestion, making these common BBQ ingredients especially dangerous even in small or cooked forms.
4. What human foods are safe for dogs at a summer BBQ?
Safe human foods for dogs at BBQs include plain, unseasoned cooked chicken, turkey, deboned fish, carrots, pumpkin, zucchini, and sweet potato. These should be served in small portions and make up no more than 10% of a dog’s daily diet.
5. What should I do if my dog eats something harmful at a BBQ?
If your dog eats something toxic or unsafe, contact your vet immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear, as early intervention can prevent serious complications. Avoid inducing vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian.
