Harmful BBQ Foods You Shouldn’t Feed to Your Pet
Nothing says summer like the smoky sizzle of a backyard barbecue. As friends and family gather for grilled goodness, it's easy to forget that not everything on your plate is safe to share with your four-legged companions. At Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital + Urgent Care, we love a good cookout just as much as you do—but we also know how quickly a festive moment can turn into an emergency vet visit if pets sneak a bite of the wrong thing.
Let’s break down the most common barbecue foods that could spell trouble for your dog or cat, and what to serve them instead so they feel like part of the party.
Skip These Cookout Culprits
Many classic barbecue dishes are loaded with fat, spices, or ingredients that don’t sit well with pets' tummies (and some are even toxic). Even small amounts of the following can cause digestive distress—or worse.
Keep these foods far away from curious noses:
- Bones (especially cooked): Cooked bones, like those from ribs or chicken, can splinter and cause choking, internal injuries, or blockages.
- Corn on the cob: Corn itself isn’t toxic, but the cob can lodge in your pet’s intestines and require surgical removal.
- Onions, garlic, and chives: These common seasonings and sides can damage red blood cells and cause anemia in both dogs and cats.
- Grapes and raisins: Even a few grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs, so fruit salad isn’t a safe option.
- Chocolate desserts: Brownies and s’mores may be summer staples, but chocolate (especially dark chocolate) is toxic to pets.
- Alcohol: A curious lick of beer or cocktail mix can lead to serious health complications in pets.
- Fatty meats and sausages: High-fat foods can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially dangerous inflammation of the pancreas.
If it’s not specifically made for pets, don’t let them eat it—no matter how convincing those puppy-dog eyes are.
Watch the Extras, Too
Even if your pet avoids the big-ticket dangers, some less obvious barbecue elements can cause problems.
Be mindful of these hidden hazards:
- Skewers and toothpicks: Whether wood or metal, they’re sharp and dangerous if swallowed.
- Grease drippings: Pets may lick up spills under the grill or sneak into the trash, which can lead to upset stomachs or pancreatitis.
- Foil and plastic wrap: Wrappers that smell like meat are tempting, but can block the intestines if ingested.
- Charcoal and lighter fluid: Curious pups might explore an unattended grill. Both items are toxic if eaten or inhaled.
Keeping the barbecue area tidy and supervised goes a long way in protecting your pet from unexpected mishaps.
And while we’re on the topic of summer pet safety, check out our blog post on strategies for keeping your dog cool.
What Can You Give Your Pet at a BBQ?
We get it—you don’t want your pet left out of the fun. If you’d like to treat them to something special, offer safe snacks made just for them. Some simple, vet-approved options include:
- Plain cooked chicken or turkey (no bones or seasoning)
- Small pieces of apple or carrot
- Frozen dog treats or catnip toys
- A favorite toy or long-lasting chew to keep them occupied
These tasty alternatives let your pet feel included, without the tummy troubles or emergency vet visits.
Keep the Celebration Safe for All Species
With a bit of planning and awareness, your summer cookouts can be safe and fun for every member of the family—furry ones included! If your pet eats something they shouldn’t or seems off after a barbecue gathering, don’t wait. Our caring veterinarians and staff are here to help.
Do you have questions or need to schedule an appointment? Call us at (916) 624-7387. We’re always happy to chat about pet safety and help your companions enjoy the season as much as you do.