Your Dog Can Join the BBQ - Here's What's Safe to Feed Them This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to get together with friends or family for a barbecue, but it can be heartbreaking to watch a dog begging for a bite of meat while their bowl of kibble sits untouched. Luckily, there are several BBQ foods dogs can eat, though pet parents must be cautious before offering their furry friend a snack from the grill.

"A BBQ is the perfect occasion to celebrate the summer season," YuMOVE expert Helen Webb agrees, "but it's important to take note of how many of those morsels are actually suitable for your dog, with many foods being dangerous to your dog's digestive system."

Here are the dog-friendly BBQ foods your pup can share this summer, according to Webb and her colleagues at YuMOVE.

BBQ Foods Dogs Can Eat

These dog-friendly BBQ foods may not be the most nutritious for canines, but they are definitely safe to share in moderation. Hungry dogs will become happy dogs after a bite of any of these delicious ingredients!

Many fresh fruits and veggies, like bell peppers, eggplant, watermelon, and berries, are rich in vitamins, water, and antioxidants. As the cherry on top, they're delicious, too! Dogs may also enjoy lean cuts of meat-such as beef, chicken, turkey, and salmon-as long as they're unseasoned and cooked all the way through. Make sure to remove any bones from the meat before sharing, however, as brittle bones can cause both external or internal injury.

Related: Unbothered Orange Cat Steals an Entire Brisket Straight From the Slow Cooker

Prepared meats, like hot dogs, can also be safe for dogs in moderation. Be sure no spices or seasonings are added, and cut the meat into bite-size pieces to help excited dogs avoid choking.

What Not To Feed Dogs at a BBQ

Even though most dogs can share a bite or two of some BBQ foods, others are more likely to make them sick. Here's what not to feed dogs at a BBQ:

• fatty cuts of meat
• burnt pieces
• anything seasoned, especially onions and garlic
• sauces
• corn on the cob
• raw, salty, or seasoned potatoes
• anything on a skewer

While some ingredients, like potatoes and corn, can be safe for dogs, they must be prepared in specific conditions before a pup can partake. Potatoes, for example, must be cooked all the way through and cooled to the touch, while corn must be off the cob to reduce the risk of choking and bowel obstruction. Please don't share anything seasoned with dogs, either!

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BBQ Safety For Dogs

Food isn't the only thing that pet parents need to be mindful of this BBQ season. The grill itself can be dangerous for dogs who aren't careful, so be sure playtime happens on the other side of the yard. Because BBQ tools like skewers and grill cleaners can also be injury risks, be sure everything is properly stored.

Dogs can have a blast at the BBQ, even if they can't eat everything off the grill. All it takes is a litle prep and mindfulness to keep them safe, happy, and well-fed all summer long.

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This story was originally published May 30, 2026 at 5:40 AM.