Summer food for dogs

Summer Foods That Are (and Aren’t) Safe for Dogs

ByOLK9-WS

Summer means backyard BBQs, fresh produce, picnics in the park, and lots of tempting treats for your pup to sneak a bite. While it’s hard to resist those puppy eyes under the picnic table, not all human foods are dog-friendly.

In fact, many summer staples can cause everything from upset stomachs to toxic reactions in dogs. But don’t worry. You don’t have to ban your dog from the party. With a little knowledge and planning, you can safely include your furry friend in the summer fun.

Here’s your go-to guide to summer foods dogs can and can’t eat and how training can help them mind their manners around the grill.

Summer foods for dogs

Summer Treats Your Dog CAN Enjoy

The good news? Many classic summer foods are safe and even healthy for dogs in moderation. These treats can help keep your dog hydrated, cool, and energized during the warmest months.

Dog-safe summer foods:

  • Watermelon (no seeds or rind) 
  • Blueberries 
  • Cucumbers 
  • Carrots 
  • Apples (no seeds or core) 
  • Pumpkin (plain, not pie filling) 
  • Cooked, unseasoned chicken or turkey 
  • Plain yogurt or dog-safe frozen treats 

You can even make your own pup-sicles by blending safe fruits and freezing them in silicone molds. Not only are they tasty, but they can also provide enrichment during hot afternoons indoors.

Common BBQ Foods That Are Dangerous for Dogs

Now for the “No” list. Many popular picnic and BBQ items are packed with seasoning, fat, or ingredients that are toxic to dogs.

Foods to avoid:

  • Grapes and raisins (can cause kidney failure) 
  • Onions, garlic, and chives (toxic to red blood cells) 
  • Corn on the cob (choking and blockage risk) 
  • Chocolate (contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs) 
  • Avocado (contains persin, toxic to some dogs) 
  • Bones from cooked meat (splintering hazard) 
  • Alcohol and caffeinated drinks (dangerous even in small amounts) 
  • Fatty leftovers like ribs, sausages, or burgers (can trigger pancreatitis) 

If you suspect your dog ate something toxic, contact your vet immediately or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for emergency help.

Manners Matter: Teaching Your Dog Not to Beg or Steal

Food safety isn’t just about what you feed. It’s also about what your dog tries to sneak. That’s why summer is the perfect time to reinforce manners like:

  • Place command during mealtime or parties 
  • Leave it when something tempting hits the ground 
  • No jumping on picnic tables or guests with food 
  • Reliable recall to call your dog away from distractions 

Working on obedience in high-distraction environments can be tough, especially during parties or outdoor meals. Our Basic Obedience Training for Reactive Dogs is ideal for helping dogs focus and behave even when surrounded by tempting smells and chaos.

Create a Dog-Friendly Menu for Gatherings

If you’re hosting, consider setting up a pup-approved treat station with frozen KONGs, peanut butter-dipped carrots, or other vet-approved goodies. This not only keeps your dog occupied, it also prevents begging and scrounging.

Need more ideas for getting your dog to settle and stay calm during meals or events? We walk through techniques for managing those situations in our post on helping your dog settle at outdoor cafes and events.

Train Now, Enjoy Later

Summer treats and outdoor fun go hand in hand, but only when your dog knows how to behave around people, food, and distractions. With consistency and the right training techniques, you’ll enjoy every picnic and BBQ without the stress.

At Off Leash K9 Training Winston, we help dog owners build real-world obedience that works no matter the season. Whether you’re managing jumping, begging, or reactivity around crowds, we’ve got your back.

Want your dog to have perfect picnic manners this summer? Contact our team today to get started.

Social Media Teaser:
 Sharing your summer BBQ with your pup? Make sure you know what’s safe (and what’s toxic) before you pass the plate.

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