It's backyard barbecue season! Before you give your pooch a taste of what's cooking, be sure it's OK for dogs to eat.
11 Summer Foods You Should Never Share With Your Dog—and 5 You Can
Summer’s the season for hanging out by the pool or in the backyard with good company and, obviously, great food. Of course, you’re not the only one with an eye on the food—your pups are keeping an eye out for those delicious morsels, too! Next time you’re on your coffee run, you can grab your pup a yummy Puppuccino.
Wherever there’s food, they’ll be there begging for scraps and picking up anything that’s accidentally (or intentionally) dropped on the ground. If you’re a great dog owner, make sure they don’t get their paws on anything that might harm them. Here’s what you should look out for.
Dangerous Food for Dogs
1. Grapes
They may seem harmless, but grapes (and raisins) are incredibly toxic to dogs—and can even be fatal. While vets don’t know what exactly causes the bad reaction, dogs can quickly experience vomiting and even kidney failure.
Luckily, all these delicious human foods are good for your dog.
2. Peaches and Plums
The actual fruit in peaches and plums is OK for dogs to eat, but if the animals get their paws on the entire thing, odds are they’ll devour it pit and all. That’s where the problem lies. The contains a form of cyanide, which is terribly poisonous to dogs and humans alike, but perhaps worse, the pit can block a dog’s throat or intestines.
3. Avocado
While a piece of avocado fruit should be fine, keep in mind that avocados contain persin, which can be toxic for dogs. It’s in the fruit, pit and skin, so keep your pups away from the guacamole. If you happen to grow avocados, keep an eye out for any dropped fruit.
4. Bones That Splinter
Just because your dog’s favorite toy is a bone, doesn’t mean all bones are safe. Baby back rib bones, T-bones and chicken bones easily splinter, and if swallowed, can be incredibly harmful. If you’re serving any of the above, make sure it’s clear to your guests that the remnants should not be given to your pup.
5. Bacon
This breakfast staple, along with other fatty foods like meat scraps, can cause pancreatitis in pups. While one nibble here or there isn’t the end of the world, don’t make it a habit. Otherwise, the dog’s pancreas can become inflamed and stop functioning. Bacon is also very high in salt, which isn’t good for dogs, either.
6. Chocolate
This should go without saying, but some people still don’t know that chocolate is extremely poisonous to man’s best friend. Depending on the dog’s size and how much chocolate he eats, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea, seizures and death.
7. Garlic
A member of the allium family (which also includes chives, onions and leeks), garlic is very toxic for our furry friends. According to the American Kennel Club, “Garlic can create anemia in dogs, causing side effects such as pale gums, elevated heart rate, weakness and collapsing.”
8. Ice Cream
While ice cream is OK in moderation, dogs don’t digest dairy very well. Many are lactose-intolerant or downright allergic, and giving them ice cream (or milk) can lead to loose stools, vomiting and other symptoms. They may also react badly to sweeteners or artificial flavors.
Still want to give them a treat on a hot day? Try dog-friendly ice creams like Ben and Jerry’s Doggie Desserts or the frozen dog treats at Aldi.
9. Alcohol
If your dog licks up a few drops of your favorite IPA that splashed on the ground, there’s no need to freak. However, if they manage to lap up half your glass when you’re not looking, you should phone a vet. Alcohol has the same effect on our pups as it does us, but it takes far less to cause diarrhea, vomiting, breathing problems or worse.
10. Macadamia Nuts
While peanuts are OK for our dogs to eat, macadamia nuts are actually quite poisonous for them. The nuts can affect their nervous system, causing vomiting, increased body temperature and lethargy.
11. Coffee
You should never let your dog dip into your iced coffee cup. The stimulant methylated xanthine makes a dog’s nervous system go into overdrive. Symptoms include vomiting, restlessness and heart palpitations.
Safe Food for Dogs in Summer
So what can dogs eat? Generally, lean meats, veggies (such as carrots), peanut butter and other tasty treats are healthy for our pups. If you’re looking to cool down your pup over the summer, then try these foods for dogs.
1. Frozen Berries
Pop some berries in the freezer (or buy them from the store) and let Fido crunch on them. This tasty treat is pup-safe and helps them cool down before they overheat.
2. “Nice” Cream
Bananas are safe for dogs, so blend up bananas, add some delicious extras, pop the mixture in the freezer and voila! You’ve got a safe treat. Try this Chunky Banana Cream Freeze (minus the raisins) for a start. Remember that this is a treat, so you shouldn’t be giving it to your pup too often.
3. Watermelon
Watermelon isn’t just refreshing and hydrating for humans—it can work great for your dog too. Try this Watermelon Blueberry Salad for a fresh recipe your pup will love.
4. Apples
There’s nothing quite like biting into a crunchy apple. Pair an apple slice with one of Fido’s favorites, peanut butter, for a dose of protein and vitamins. Psst! Can dogs have strawberries?
5. Yogurt
But wait, dogs can’t eat dairy, right? Well, they can’t digest lactose very well, but like people, they tolerate yogurt better because of the reduced lactose content. Make sure you use plain yogurt with no additives, and test a small portion to make sure your pup doesn’t have any allergies. Once they approve, you can go ahead and make this Honey-Yogurt Berry Salad.
If you’re ever unsure about a food you want to share, check first. Better safe than sorry!
Homemade Treats for Your Pup
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Peanut Butter Carob Cups
This recipe is for a dog-friendly version of peanut butter cups! Made with only four ingredients (carob chips, coconut oil, peanut butter and honey), these homemade treats are ready in 30 minutes and will easily be your pup's favorite. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Classic Dog BiscuitsA handful of simple ingredients is all it takes to make these tasty peanut butter dog treats. Your puppy is sure to love them.
You won’t need much to bake this dog cookie recipe: wheat flour, wheat germ and of course, your pup’s favorite peanut butter. Your canine pals will fur-sure go crazy over these. —Shannon Norris, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sweet Potato Dog Treats
To make chewy sweet potato treats, simply peel and slice your sweet potatoes, coat them in coconut oil and turmeric and then roast them in the oven for a few hours. They’re the perfect pick-me-up snacks for your pup. —Kate Morgan, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Peanut Butter Frozen Dog Treats
This dog treat recipe is so refreshing! Combine peanut butter, Greek yogurt and a ripe banana in the blender and you’ll have treats on hand for when your dogs are behaving paws-itively perfect. You can even customize this treat with fruit like blueberries, strawberries or pumpkin. —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
Chicken Dog Treats
Your dog’s tail will wag for these homemade chicken dog treats. Made with healthy, whole food ingredients like chicken, sweet potatoes, oat flour and chicken broth, these treats will be gobbled right up. You can even store them in the freezer for up to three months. —Kate Morgan, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cheddar Dog Treats
Any pampered pup will be lucky to fetch these cheese dog treats for Christmas. The yummy strips are made with real cheese, which most dogs can’t resist.—Lydia Driscoll, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Peanut Butter Pupcakes
Spoil your best friend with homemade dog cupcakes, aka "pupcakes." This recipe uses creamy peanut butter for a burst of dog-friendly flavor in the cake and frosting. Sprinkle crushed dog biscuits on top for decoration. —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
Is your dog turning another year older? Gather your two- and four-legged friends and celebrate with fun dog birthday party ideas.
Peanut Butter Coconut Oil Treats
Three ingredients are all it takes to make these creamy canine confections. Kelly Rowe of Live Laugh Rowe mixes peanut butter, cinnamon and coconut oil for these homemade treats. Use a cute paw print silicone tray and your dogs will go mutts over them.
3-Ingredient Dog Treats
Nothing tells your four-legged friend how much you love them like homemade treats. With only three ingredients—apples, peanut butter and oats—and 15 minutes of bake time, these treats will teach you how easy it is to make dog treats at home. —Kate Morgan, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dog Birthday Cake
Celebrating your furry friend’s birthday? Whip up this homemade dog cake with simple ingredients like applesauce, bananas and peanut butter. Be sure you stick to safe baking ingredients that don’t have artificial sweeteners that can be toxic to your dog. —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
Psst: Serve this cake with Dairy Queen’s pup cup to go all out!
Peanut Butter Bacon Dog Doughnuts
Not only are these dog doughnuts by Laura of Sunny Day Family made of ingredients you already have at home, but they have bacon which makes everything better. Top these treats off with some Greek yogurt, toss them in the freezer and bone appetit!
And if you run out of these dog doughnuts, head to Tim Hortons for a treat from the secret dog menu.
Pumpkin Ginger Dog BiscuitsBake up a batch of these from-scratch treats to get your pumpkin-lovin' pooch's tail wagging. Made with wholesome ingredients you already have in your pantry, they're almost as easy as "sit." —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The best thing about these bone-shaped biscuits? You already have all of the ingredients in your pantry (and you can finally use up that can of pumpkin). Feed these to Fido when his stomach is upset, as ginger helps relieve nausea. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Looking for a healthy dog treat recipe that won’t have you running to a specialty store for any ingredients? This is the one! Add a bit of parsley for a natural breath freshener and look forward to all the puppy kisses you’ll get for making these delicious dog treats. —Elizabeth Harris, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Oat and Apple Dog Pretzel Treats
With chewy rolled oats and fruity applesauce, these pet-approved pretzels by the Cookie Rookie are sure to have even the most stubborn pups sitting and staying. The treats even use gluten-free flour (which you can swap for coconut flour, too) so they’re healthy and hearty.
Breath-Freshening Treats
Bad breath? There’s a treat for that. These good-for-Fido greenies by Health Starts in the Kitchen are packed with parsley, mint and activated charcoal to prevent those stinky smooches that every dog parent is familiar with. An added plus is that you can customize the size to make them giant for larger dogs or teenie for smaller pooches.
Carrot Peanut Butter Pupcakes
Puppies + cupcakes = pupcakes. These doggy desserts by Shweta Arora of Shweta in the Kitchen are exactly what you need to celebrate a special occasion, like Scout’s first birthday or Bella’s graduation from obedience school. Shweta's secret tip is adding 1-2 tablespoons of honey to the frosting to make these party treats mildly sweet. Don’t forget the party hats!
You’ll want to find a perfect gift for your dog, too.
Healthy Pumpkin Puppuccino
For the dog who’s as PSL-obsessed as his mom, this Starbucks-inspired sip (coffee not included) by Cooking with Janica is a great alternative when the Starbucks puppuccino isn’t available. This recipe is pumped with vitamins and high in fiber from the pumpkin, making it a healthy treat for your dog.
Bacon Dog Treats
Regular dog treats are no match for this bacon dog treat recipe. A twist on the traditional dog biscuit, this recipe adds oats, bananas and bacon (of course) to make paw-some dog treats. —Kate Morgan, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Ginger and Spice Dog Biscuits
These homemade dog treats are soft with a hint of spice. Grab some ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves and molasses and whip up a batch of these howl-iday bones. —Megan and Natalie Stanson, Frazeysburg, Ohio
