5 Seemingly Safe Barbecue Foods Your Dog Shouldn’t Eat

As the sun shines over the UK this summer 2025, many of us are firing up the barbecue for garden gatherings. If you’re a new or prospective dog owner wondering how to buy a dog or where to buy a puppy—perhaps using trusted sources like the Kennel Club Find a Puppy service—it’s vital to understand which BBQ foods are unsafe for your furry family members. Ensuring their safety is just as important as enjoying your own meal.

Here’s a guide to five common BBQ foods that may seem safe but pose serious risks to dogs, with tips on dog-safe alternatives and responsible ownership practices.

1. Cooked Bones

Why they’re risky: Cooked bones from chicken, ribs, or other meats may look harmless but can splinter easily. These shards can cause choking, cuts in the mouth, or dangerous blockages in your dog’s digestive tract. This can escalate to life-threatening emergencies.

Actionable tip: Never give your dog cooked bones. If you want to share a meaty treat, offer small pieces of plain, unseasoned cooked meat instead, once cooled down. Always supervise your pet when introducing new foods at barbecues.

2. Onion and Garlic (Including in Marinades and Sauces)

Why they’re risky: Onions and garlic contain compounds that damage dogs’ red blood cells, potentially leading to anaemia. These can be present in BBQ sauces, marinades, or simply as ingredients in grilled foods.

Actionable tip: Avoid every form of onion and garlic in anything fed to your dog—even powder or cooked forms are toxic. Opt for plain grilled chicken breast or dog-specific treats during BBQs. Remind family and guests not to share dishes containing these ingredients.

3. High-Fat and Greasy Foods

Why they’re risky: Excess fat in BBQ meats or sauces can cause upset stomachs and even pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas.

Actionable tip: Keep fatty scraps and leftover sauces away from your dog. Feed them their usual balanced meal or give dog-safe, low-fat treats made for BBQ occasions. This helps you avoid digestive upsets and keeps your dog happy and healthy.

4. Corn Cobs

Why they’re risky: While corn itself is not toxic, eating corn cobs can cause serious digestive blockages that might require emergency surgery.

Actionable tip: Never give your dog whole corn on the cob or let them chew on it. If you want to share some corn kernels, ensure they are removed from the cob and offered in moderation. Alternatively, provide dog-friendly snacks to keep them engaged away from the BBQ.

5. Vegetarian Foods That May Be Toxic

Why they’re risky: Some veggies used on the BBQ, like mushrooms or certain beans, can be toxic to dogs or cause digestive issues.

Actionable tip: Avoid sharing human vegetarian BBQ items with your dog unless you have verified they are safe. Stick to tested dog treats or plain cooked meats without seasoning.

Additional Barbecue Safety Tips for Dog Owners

• Keep your dog away from the grilling area: Heat, smoke, and open flames are all injury risks. Position your pet safely away from grills while you cook.
• Secure leftovers and rubbish: Ensure trash bins have lids and are inaccessible to curious dogs, especially where skewers, foil, or cling film are disposed of.
• Watch for signs of food poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, or unusual behaviour warrant immediate veterinary advice.
• Burn care: Should your dog accidentally get burnt by grill heat, rinse gently with cool (not iced) water and seek vet care promptly.
• Social responsibility: If you’re searching how to buy a dog or where to buy a puppy, always use reputable sources such as the Kennel Club Find a Puppy to ensure you adopt from responsible breeders committed to pet welfare.

In Summary: Responsible Pet Ownership Starts With Safe Feeding

Barbecue season is a fun time to create memories with family—and that includes your dog. By understanding the risks of seemingly safe BBQ foods and following everything from avoiding cooked bones and onion to using dog-safe treats, you protect your pet’s health and wellbeing.

Making the right food choices and keeping your BBQ environment safe not only prevents emergency trips to the vet but shows your growing knowledge and commitment as a responsible dog owner. Enjoy your 2025 summer with peace of mind and a happy, healthy companion by your side.