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Summer days were made for dining al fresco. To get the most out of these last remnants of summer, why not plan a dog-friendly picnic with your four-legged friend? With a little prep and planning, there’s no reason your dog can’t join you.
For a fun and safe picnic with your pup in tow, here are some timeless tips.
How to Choose a Safe Spot for Your Dog-Friendly Picnic
There are several things to consider when selecting a dog-friendly picnic site. Choose a location that covers the following:
- Make sure dogs are welcome: Before loading up the car with your gear, make sure you’ve selected a site that allows dogs on the premises.
- Steer clear of toxic plants: They may be lovely, but many common plants like lilies and tulips are actually toxic to our pets. Watch out for potential offenders, and always supervise your dog around unfamiliar vegetation.
- Look for shade: Take advantage of tree-covered areas, or string up a tarp to escape the scorching sun.
- Avoid noisy areas: If your dog is on the nervous side, skip the crowds and commotion. Instead, choose an area away from people and loud noises.
- Skip the off-leash dog park: Trust us, picnicking in an off-leash dog park is a recipe for disaster. Once the other dogs get a whiff of your picnic goodies, chaos will inevitably ensue. That said, it’s not a bad idea to picnic somewhere near an off-leash dog park so your dog can get some exercise afterward.
What Foods Should You Pack for a Dog-Friendly Picnic?
It wouldn’t be much of a picnic without some grub. Since your dog will be a part of the action, plan on packing snacks that you can both enjoy.
Avoid bringing any foods that could harm your dog, like grapes, chocolate, or raisins. Some safe (and scrumptious!) alternatives include:
- cooked chicken or turkey (with zero seasonings)
- carrots
- celery
- watermelon slices
- apple slices
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- cucumbers
- sweet potatoes
- strawberries
- green beans
Have other ideas but aren’t sure? Check your proposed picnic fare against our dog-friendly foods list, and if in doubt, play it safe. Also, be sure to pack plenty of water!
Our Favorite Supplies for Dog-Friendly Picnics
To make sure your dog-friendly picnic goes off without a hitch, there are a few items you might want to have handy. Here are our top picnic must-haves.
1. Chuckit! Travel Dog Bed
When your pup fancies a post-picnic snooze, you’ll be happy you brought along this Chuckit! travel bed. Constructed with top-quality materials, this portable bed is comfortable and soft to the touch. The included stuff sack makes it a breeze to stow away after use. Fellow dog owners can’t say enough about this travel bed—the raves are through the roof!
Key features:
- Measures 30 x 39 inches (fits most medium to large dogs but is too small for a giant breed)
- Machine-washable
- Breathable material dries quickly
2. ARF PETS Self-Cooling Dog Mat
If you’re picnicking during the dog days of summer, help your dog keep his cool with this self-cooling mat by ARF PETS. You won’t need batteries, water, electricity, or refrigeration to cool this mat down. Just leave it alone to recharge for 15 to 20 minutes, and your dog can enjoy up to three hours of cool comfort—perfect for a dog-friendly picnic.
Key features:
- Solid cooling gel absorbs heat and regulates your pet’s temperature
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- Puncture-resistant
- Lightweight, foldable design makes it ideal for travel
- Wipes clean with soap and water
3. PET N PET Compostable Poop Bags
Don’t be the person who doesn’t clean up after their pup when the dog-friendly picnic is over. Made from bio-based material, these compostable bags from PET N PET are eco-friendly, and you don’t need to worry about harmful polyethylene plastic.
Key features:
- Unscented bags for more sensitive sniffers
- Available in sets of 120 and 240
- Arrow shows you where the open side is
4. RUFFWEAR Knot-a-Hitch Dog Hitching System
If you’re hosting your dog-friendly picnic among some trees, this hitching system by RUFFWEAR is perfect. It allows your dog to explore without roaming too far. Set-up is easy with the simple tensioning system, and you can secure it around two trees or a single post. A swiveling carabiner keeps things from tangling, and you can stash all the components in the durable storage bag when you’re done using it.
Key features:
- Built to last, Knot-a-Hitch is made with durable webbing and strong, flexible rope
- Reflective material provides visibility
- Storage included
5. Frisco Tie-Out Cable
This affordable tie-out cable only allows your dog to wander 10 feet in any direction—the perfect distance for a more confined dog-friendly picnic. Just be aware that you’ll need to purchase a stake if you don’t have one already.
Key features:
- Made of galvanized steel
- Available in 10- and 15-foot lengths
- Designed to work with any stake and dog collar
6. MyPet Plastic Dog Pen
When you need a secure perimeter for your dog-friendly picnic, this plastic dog pen from MyPet certainly fits the bill. With 34.4 square feet of space, your furry friend will have plenty of room to play. Please note: if your dog is an expert jumper or he’s taller than 19 inches, you should probably pass on this pen.
Key features:
- Use indoors or outdoors
- Swinging door can be locked in place
- Portable design: comes with carrying strap for easy transport
- Interlocking panels can be added or removed to alter the size
7. Dexas Popware Collapsible Dog Bowl
With all of the items you need to pack for your dog-friendly picnic, it’s smart to opt for any space-saving products you can find. This collapsible Dexas bowl is a convenient way to give your dog food and water during your outdoor adventure. Latch it onto your dog’s leash so he can stay hydrated on the go.
Key features:
- Comes in pink or blue
- Available in 1- or 2-cup sizes
- Collapses to a thickness of less than 0.5 inches
- Lightweight yet durable
- Dishwasher-safe
8. NYLABONE DuraChew Picnic in the Park Chew Toy
To keep your dog busy while you’re eating, pack a few of his favorite chew toys. This pair of Watermelon and Salami and Cheese chews from NYLABONE are the ultimate picnic duo. These bones are designed to hold up to strong chewers and they even offer dental stimulation—but as with all chew toys, make sure to keep an eye on your pet while they’re working and watch out for sharp fragments.
Key features:
- Made of tough, durable nylon
- Satisfying texture
- Good for canine oral health
- Made in the USA
9. Chuckit! Zipflight Disc
If your pup needs to burn off some energy after all that dog-friendly picnic fare, this flying disc by Chuckit! should do the trick. The soft material is easier on the mouth than a hard plastic frisbee, and if you’re picnicking by the water, you can rest easy knowing that this toy floats.
Key features:
- Bright orange color makes this disc easy to spot
- Aerodynamic shape
- Can be used in the water
- Soft yet sturdy material
10. Classic Red Plaid Bandana
With this darling red-and-white kerchief, you and your dog can picnic in style. Made with a soft and breathable fabric, it won’t make your dog overheat. Get ready for some Instagram-worthy shots!
Key features:
- Suitable for most medium and large dogs
- 12 plaid prints to choose from (if you’re not a fan of the traditional red-and-white gingham)
- Affordable price
11. Claudia’s Canine Bakery Dog Treats
It wouldn’t be a proper picnic without some delectable nibbles to nosh on. And these baked peanut butter dog treats by Claudia’s Canine Bakery are perfect for any special occasion. Since they’re made with wholesome ingredients, you can treat your dog to these goodies without the added guilt.
Key features:
- Colorful treats dipped halfway in pastel-colored yogurt
- Healthy, natural ingredients
- Made in the USA
