Summer means sunshine, long evenings and, of course, BBQS! While it’s the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy outdoor feasting, it can also be a risky time for our furry friends. Tempting smells, dropped food and well-meaning guests offering scraps can lead to a poorly pet if we’re not careful.
Let’s dive into what’s safe (and not safe) to feed your dog or cat at a BBQ. Plus, some raw-friendly alternatives so they don’t miss out on the fun.
Food to Avoid at BBQs
Even though your pet may beg with their best puppy-dog (or curious kitty) eyes, these common BBQ items are dangerous or unsuitable:
- Cooked Bones: Cooked bones become brittle and can splinter, risking internal injury or choking. This is one of the biggest BBQ hazards for pets.
- Processed Meats (Hot Dogs, Sausages, Burgers): These are often full of salt, preservatives, onion powder or additives that can upset your pet’s stomach or worse.
- Chicken Wings with Bones: Even though they’re small, the bones can easily break and cause obstructions or internal tears.
- Onion & Garlic (Raw or Cooked): Toxic to cats and dogs and can cause damage to red blood cells leading to anaemia.
- Chocolate & Sweets: BBQ desserts may contain chocolate or xylitol (an artificial sweetener), both highly toxic to pets.
- Buns, Bread and Sauces: High in sugar, salt and processed carbs. Sauces often contain hidden ingredients like onion or artificial sweeteners.
What You Can Offer (The Raw-Safe Way)
Here are a few BBQ-inspired treats that are safe, natural and raw-fed approved, so your pet can enjoy the fun without the risks:
- Raw Meaty Bones: Offer a chilled raw beef rib or duck neck. These are great for cooling down, chewing satisfaction and dental health. Never cooked!
- Raw Chicken Wings: A BBQ classic, but served raw. Crunchy, nutritious and species-appropriate.
- Frozen Raw Treats: Make pet-friendly ice lollies using bone broth, blended liver or raw mince frozen in moulds.
- Raw Sardines or Mackerel: Packed with omega-3s, serve chilled for a cooling, anti-inflammatory treat.
Watch Out for These BBQ Hazards Too
- Alcohol & BBQ Fumes: Toxic and irritating to pets.
- Skewers & Foil: Dangerous if ingested.
- Corn Cobs: A common cause of intestinal blockages.
Make BBQs Pet-Friendly
If you’re hosting or attending a BBQ:
- Create a safe zone where your pet can relax away from smoke and temptation.
- Let guests know not to feed your pet.
- Bring your own raw treats or bones to keep them happy and occupied.
- Have water bowls available and shaded spots for cooling off.
With a bit of planning, your pet can easily be part of the summer fun without the risks. Raw feeding gives you full control over what goes into their bowl, even at a BBQ.
Ready to Stock Up on Raw-Friendly Summer Treats?
