Can dogs have BBQ sauce?

The mouth-watering aroma of a backyard BBQ will have everyone wanting a taste of what you are cooking, including your dog. However, some things can be potentially hazardous to your dog. Can dogs eat barbeque sauce? Let’s find out.

Dogs tend to tag along everywhere you go. There is a good chance that they will be hovering around the next time you are preparing your favorite meals. It can be hard to deny them some food when they poke around your grill. You might be conflicted on whether to give them food especially when it’s all covered with barbeque sauce. Can dogs eat BBQ sauce? No. Despite the flavor or the type of your sauce, do not feed your dog any food that has BBQ sauce.

Reasons why you should not feed your dog BBQ sauce

It has high salt and sugar content

Most BBQ sauces have very high sugar and salt contents in their ingredients. Salts and sugars can cause dehydration and even seizures in your dog. Sauces are also packed with other ingredients such as onions that are not good for the health of your dog. Onions have a chemical compound that are associated with causing anemia in dogs.

BBQ sauce is too spicy

Some BBQ sauce ingredients are extremely spicy for a dog. When your dog is allowed to eat these spicy sauces, it can cause stomach upsets and even diarrhea.

Foods that you can feed your dog while you barbecue

Since it’s not advisable to feed your dog BBQ sauce, you can still feed it other foods. Dogs too can enjoy some healthy food as you BBQ. Here are some of the foods that you can feed your dog without risking their health.

Lean hamburger

Lean burgers don’t not have too much fat. This makes them ideal for feeding your dogs. Whichever meat you are using for your hamburger whether it is chicken, fish, beef or pork, it will be safe to feed your dog. Cut pieces of the meet now and then as you grill and give your dog a treat as well. It is important to note that the meat should be boneless. If you are grilling fish, ensure they have no splinters to avoid hurting your dog’s internal organs.

Fruits

Fruits are packed with nutrients that are beneficial to the health of your dog. If you are doing BBQ but all the food is sprinkled in BBQ sauce, cut fruits and feed your dog. Not only will they keep it full but also give the dog beneficial micronutrients. You don’t have to feed your dog fruits only during grilling, you can do it every other day.

Vegetables

It’s no secret that vegetables are packed with nutrients. Do not shy away from feeding them to your dog. It will be a good addition to a healthy diet. Grilled vegetables such as sweet potatoes without any kind of dressing are okay for a dog

Cheese

You can also feed your dog some cheese. Feed your dog small pieces of cheese though. Also, ensure that the cheese you choose does not have a lot of fats and dairy because it will be harmful and cause stomach upsets or diarrhea.

Chicken breasts

Chicken is a white meat that is low on fats. It’s, therefore, a very healthy protein. As long as it’s boneless it’s safe to feed to your dog.

Foods you should not feed your dog in a BBQ

Onions

It’s important to ensure that your dog does not have access to foods that have onions or even garlic. They are toxic to your dog’s health. The toxin allium in them can harm the red blood cells. Onions are however harmful when consumed in large quantities. If you notice symptoms like fatigue or dark-colored urine, see a veterinary doctor.

Bones

Sometimes you can be tempted to through a bone at your dog as you BBQ. This is discouraged because it can easily choke on a bone. Bones can also cause injuries and even splinters. It may be difficult to keep your dog away from bones especially during a BBQ. When you notice that your dog has sneaked a bone remove it from the mouth and feed it one of the safe foods mentioned above.

Avocado

Avocado contains persin which is a fungicidal toxin. When consumed it causes fluid accumulation and congestion in the intestines. It can also lead to stomach distress.

Chips

Chips contain too many fats and are salty. As a result, it causes dehydration and sodium poisoning. You can end up with fatal symptoms such as seizures, fevers, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Grapes

Although fruits are good for the health of your dog, grapes are no ideal. Some dogs have experienced kidney failures as a result of dogs. It doesn’t affect all dogs though. To be safe, keep them away from your dog. Grapes poisoning in your dog’s shows signs such as dehydration, lack of appetite, and no urination. Even if a dog survives intoxication, kidney diseases will persist.

Corn on a cob

When grilling corn, they are mostly on the cob. You may be tempted to give it to your dog as it is. It is not advisable to give a dog corn that is still on a cob. You might need to remove it from the cob before you feed the dog. Corn on a cob increases the risk of your dog choking on it.

Final word

Even if your dog loves to spend time with you, do not allow it to feed on BBQ sauce.it can be fatal to the health. Foods such as lean hamburgers, cheese, vegetables, fruits, and chicken breasts and of course without any BBQ sauce are okay. Apart from BBQ sauce refrain from feeding your dog chocolates, corn on cob, avocado, grapes, chips, and bones.

FAQ

What to do when a dog eats BBQ sauce?

If your dog eats BBQ sauce you should be concerned. Monitor it closely and watch out for signs like diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Take the dog to the Veterinary clinic for a check-up too.

What foods can you feed your dog at a BBQ?

If your food is covered in BBQ sauce you can’t feed it to your dog. However, there are other healthy foods that you can feed your food. Consider feeding fruits, vegetables, cheese, chicken breasts, and lean hamburger.