We all love a good holiday and a fun family celebration, but I know that sometimes we forget about our pups. Many families throw big BBQ’s and don’t consider some of the risks that come with having our pets around during the celebration. That is why I put together this little list of Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to food that your pups can eat.
Foods that are safe for dogs:
- Burgers: Hamburger meat makes a great high-value treat if it’s plain. Burgers that are too greasy or cooked with garlic, onions, spices and seasonings are a no-go: your dog can get sick with vomiting or diarrhea.
- Hot Dogs: If the hot dog’s ingredients are strictly high-quality meats, you’re safe. Toss the buns – they are empty calories.
- Seafood: Seafood like salmon is usually safe for dogs if it’s cleared of minuscule bones and isn’t cooked in garlic or onions. If it comes in a shell, remove it (clams, oysters, lobsters, etc.).
Foods that will make your dog ill:
- Pasta salad, potato salad, potato chips: Avoid these foods. While potatoes are common ingredients in dog food, potato and pasta salads are often made with no-no’s like garlic and onions, and potato chips are coated in salt, which isn’t good for dogs.
- Beer: Dogs just can’t process it.
- Desserts and ice cream: Canines can be lactose-intolerant, and ice cream is full of sugar. While naturally occurring sugars aren’t bad, the added sugars in pies and cakes can lead to health problems. Same with sugar-free desserts – most artificial sweeteners may cause diarrhea, and sugar substitute xylitol is poisonous to pups!
Please be safe this year! I would hate to hear horror stories about what happens when dogs get food that they shouldn’t have during such an important holiday in this country. Instead I would love it if you would share a story about your Memorial Day Celebration or a fun picture of your pup.
