Bottle rockets are popping, burgers are on the grill and oh no–you dropped the veggie tray! Holidays bring an abundance of food, which tends to be on lower tables and more easily accessible to dogs. For the 4th of July, we are here to help you navigate what picnic foods your dog can eat, and which they should avoid. We reached out to veterinarian Kate Schottman from AAHA accredited Sunset Pet Hospital in Renton, WA for more information on how to keep your pet safe and happy this summer season.
Dog-Friendly Fruit Trays
Good to Give:
Fruits that are nutrient rich for humans provide the same benefits for dogs. Your dog can enjoy:
- Cranberries
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Apples (minus the seeds)
- Apricots
Vet tip: Fruit is more digestible if it’s cooked and pureed.
What to Avoid:
- Raisins and grapes should never give to dogs
- Cherries can be toxic if eaten in large quantities
- Anything with pits or stones
- Large pieces (i.e. a whole or half apple) that your dog could choke on if he/she tries to gulp it down.
Vet tip: Dogs don’t know how to spit out the stones/pits from fruits such as plums and peaches. They will likely swallow them and—depending on the size of the pit/stone and the size of the dog—this can lead to a gastrointestinal obstruction.
Veggie Trays for Dogs
Good to Give:
- Carrots
- Sweet Potato
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Cucumber
What to Avoid:
- Avocados
- Corn on the cob. When large pieces are swallowed, as dogs often do, they can cause obstructions.
Vet tip: Veterinarians tend to see an increase in visits in the summertime from dogs who’ve eaten ribs, corn on the cob, and skewers. Make sure to keep food scraps and trash away from your pet by discarding them as soon as you’re finished.
Healthy Meats for Dogs
Good to Give:
- Cooked lean poultry
- Cooked fish with no bones
What to Avoid:
- Raw Salmon
- Ham
- Bacon
- Salami
- Sausages
- Pepperoni
- Full fat hamburger
- Fried foods
- Spicy foods
Feeding your dog fatty, salty, or spicy meats could cause severe gastrointestinal upsets or, in a susceptible dog, pancreatitis.
Vet tip: Never feed your dog raw salmon. It can carry a parasite in its flesh that causes an infection that is dangerous for dogs. This organism is harmless to humans and is killed by cooking, so sharing a little cooked salmon with your dog is fine. It’s critical that your dog not get into raw salmon, including discarded salmon heads, tails, and guts.
Are Salads Safe for Dogs?
We recommend avoiding any kind of mixed salad such as potato, macaroni, or pasta salad. Most of these contain onions which can be toxic to dogs.
What about desserts?
Sugar is considered a source of “empty” calories which give no nutritional benefit. Your dog doesn’t need them, doesn’t benefit from them, and will probably enjoy a healthier treat just as much. Save the pies, ice cream, and cake for the humans, but if you share a small spoonful of pie, ice cream, or cake with your dog it will probably be harmless.
Desserts to Avoid:
Be sure to never feed sugar free or reduced sugar products as these can contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. And, as always, never feed dogs anything that contains chocolate.
For a fun, healthy treat, Dr. Schottman recommends…
“I often give my dogs frozen Kong treats, made by plugging the bottom, smaller hole of the Kong with banana and then pouring in plain, nonfat yogurt (greek or regular) or sometimes vanilla nonfat yogurt. Just be sure there are no artificial sweeteners in the yogurt. Or, a few dabs of canned dog food in the bottom of the Kong and then fill the rest with a mixture of cooked frozen vegetables (broccoli, green beans, carrots, cauliflower). I set them upright in loaf pans in the freezer until they are frozen.”
So what does this all mean? Your dog will still be able to enjoy several of the foods that will be at your 4th of July celebration! Just remember–it’s best to stick with the fruits and veggies, and avoid high-fat meats that can make your dog sick. If you’re not sure about the food, just skip it all together and give your dog an alternative treat such as a frozen filled Kong. Have a safe 4th of July, and happy eating!
