4 Grilled Foods That Are Dangerous for Dogs

It’s grilling season! You’ve probably already had your fair share of grilled delights this summer, but have you been cautious about which grilled items you’re feeding your dog? Grilling is great. It’s (relatively) healthy, it happens outdoors, and if you do it right it can even be a relaxing way to hang out with your dog. We’ve never met a dog that didn’t post up at the grill the second the grates turned on. That said, not all grilled foods are safe for dogs. Here are four grilled foods your dog should never, ever eat.

1. Hot Dogs

Hot dogs!? They’re, like, the most quintessential grilled food there is! They’re cheap and filling and there’s almost always a link or two leftover. All pups love hot dogs. Unfortunately, what makes hot dogs so delicious is all the sodium used to produce them. More than 50% of all American dogs are now either overweight or obese, and even the fittest dog in the world doesn’t need between 5-10 times their daily recommended allotment of sodium in one sitting! Vets also caution that some dogs (ahem) get so excited they swallow hot dogs whole. That’s a huge choking hazard, and not worth the risk.

2. Ribs, Bone-In Chicken, T-Bones…

You already know this, but bones aren’t good for dogs. Almost all animal bones have the potential to break or splinter in your dog’s digestive system if swallowed. That can lead to a lot of pain, the need for surgery, and even death in serious cases. There’s a little bit of a debate over whether raw bones are safe for dogs to eat – they’re not as likely to splinter – but we always say it’s better to be safe than sorry. If the meat you’re grilling has bones, don’t share it with your pooch!

3. Onions

Onions are a grill mainstay in many households. They’re sweet and savory and they go perfectly with everything from brats to pork. But onions are highly toxic to dogs and can lead to gastrointestinal distress and even red blood cell damage if eaten in large enough quantity. Avoid giving your dog any foods that might contain chopped onions…pre-made hamburgers are a common culprit. Also be sure to put away any bowls of chopped onions, onion rings, or plates of onion slices if your dog is a table-grabber.

4. Grill Utensils

Well, duh…right? The biggest risk to your dog’s health around the grill isn’t usually the food you’re cooking but the implements you’re using to cook it with. Dogs are naturally curious and they’re happy to find out what’s going on at the grill the moment you turn your back. Think about all the grilling accoutrements your dog might get into: Used wooden skewers that smell like meat but puncture like needles; Fat-basted charcoal briquettes; Kitchen twine from a trussed-up chicken. Don’t forget that while it may not seem edible to you, if it smells like food your dog’s probably going to investigate (with his mouth.)