It’s a popular condiment at every cookout, so can dogs eat BBQ sauce? Before you give your dog any food slathered with barbecue sauce, read this guide.
Will small amounts of barbeque sauce hurt your furry friend? Are there safe BBQ foods that won’t hurt your dog? Keep reading to find out how safe or dangerous this condiment is for your dog.
For ultimate pet safety, please ask your vet any questions you have regarding your dog eating BBQ sauce.
Can Dogs Have BBQ Sauce
If you have ever wondered, “can dogs eat barbeque sauce,” you aren’t alone. You already know that dogs should only eat dog food they can tolerate, but what about a few table scraps once in a while? Is that safe?
One of the main reasons BBQ sauce is not good for dogs is because of the use of onion, garlic, and high sugar content. Dogs that eat too much sugar could lead to weight gain, just like humans.
Keep reading and learn more about why onions and chili peppers are unsafe for dogs and why BBQ sauce isn’t a good idea to share with your dog.
Is BBQ Sauce Bad For Dogs
Yes, large amounts of barbecue sauce is bad for dogs. Is barbecue sauce toxic? The depends on the ingredients. Do not give dogs any barbeque sauce that is made with toxic ingredients.
The common ingredients in BBQ sauce that are bad for dogs include:
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Artificial sweeteners
- Chili pepper
- Too much salt
For more information about why these spices are bad for dogs, check out this guide to spices and dogs.
Will BBQ Sauce Hurt My Dog
A tiny bit of BBQ sauce might not hurt your dog. It all depends on how large your dog is and how much BBQ sauce they eat.
All dogs should stay away from spicy foods. it can upset their stomach.
Dogs should also not eat high amounts of salt. Canines are very sensitive to sodium and it could lead to sodium poisoning if they eat too much. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy, incoordination, and excessive thirst or urination. In extreme cases, too much salt could also lead to liver failure.
BBQ food is also unhealthy for dogs. Too much fat could lead to weight gain and even heart disease.
Eating a lot of BBQ sauce could put your dog at risk for garlic poisoning, salt poisoning, or too much sugar.
Is BBQ Sauce Good For Dogs
Pet owners, do not give your dogs BBQ sauce. Their digestive systems are not set up to eat condiments. There aren’t any health benefits of BBQ sauce for dogs.
Is BBQ Sauce OK For Dogs
Even though a tiny amount probably won’t hurt your dog, you should still keep it away from your pet. Some sensitive dogs might get an upset stomach with diarrhea or vomiting.
Types of Barbeque Sauce And Dogs
All of the following types of BBQ sauce are bad for dogs. They could give your pup digestive upset at best or salt poisoning at worst.
- Honey BBQ Sauce
- Ketchup or Tomato-Based
- Mustard
- Vinegar
- White Mayonnaise Based
My Dog Ate BBQ Sauce
Chances are your dog might be OK if they ate BBQ sauce, but you should always call your veterinarian with any questions or worries you have about your dog’s health.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats BBQ Sauce
The first thing you should do if your dog eats BBQ sauce is to make a note about how much they ate and any other types of food they ate too. Then, watch for any reactions – is your dog vomiting or lethargic? Write down all of their symptoms.
Give your dog plenty of water to drink and trips outside. Call your veterinarian with all the information you wrote down.
BBQ Sauce For Dogs
Dogs do not need a lot of spices or condiments on their food like humans do. If you want to add some extra fun flavors to your dog’s food, a tiny bit of tomato paste can be a special treat. Do not season it with salt or other spices.
Can Dogs Eat Barbecue Food
You should always be careful with any table scraps you give your dog. Many BBQ food items are not good for dogs to eat.
Always take kebab sticks out of food before giving them to your dog so that they don’t get splinters or choke on small bits of sticks.
Hot dogs are not good for dogs either because they are high in salt. Plain sweet potatoes (without any salt or seasonings) are safe for dogs.
Always avoid giving your dog fatty foods, since they are not good for them and could give your pet stomach discomfort.
Here is some more information about popular types of foods you’ll find at cookouts.
Can Dog Eat BBQ Chicken
One of the most popular types of barbecue foods is some form of chicken. Whether it is chicken breast, chicken kabobs, or chicken wings, you should not give your dog BBQ chicken.
The spiced chicken might cause digestive issues. Plus, chicken wings have small bones that are choking hazards for dogs.
Can Dog Eat BBQ Ribs
Do not let your dog eat BBQ ribs. This guide explains why ribs are bad for dogs. Small splinters from pork ribs might get stuck in your dog’s digestive tract.
Can Dog Eat BBQ Pork
Your canine friends should not eat BBQ pork. Even though unseasoned pork is safe for dogs, pork with extra spices and BBQ sauce is not.
You also need to make sure the pork is fully cooked before giving it to your pet, that way they won’t be at risk of getting food poisoning.
Give your dog some homemade liver dog treats if you want to share some pork with your pet.
Can Dog Eat BBQ Chips
It is not a good idea to let your dog eat barbecue chips. They are way too high in salt and fat and could make your dog sick. Make some sweet potato dog chews instead of chips for your dog to eat at cookouts.
Final Thoughts
Dog owners, the short answer is that dogs should not eat BBQ sauce. Chronic kidney failure, digestive issues, and more problems could result if your dog eats too much. It’s best to just keep the BBQ sauce and table scraps away from your pet.
More Dog Food Resources
What other human foods are safe for dogs? Here are some more resources about the different types of food dogs can eat:
- Can Dogs Eat Butter
- Can Dogs Eat Ketchup
- Can Dogs Eat Marmite
- Can Dogs Eat Mayo
- Can Dogs Eat Mustard
- Can Dogs Eat Sour Cream
- Can Dogs Eat Soy Sauce
- Can Dogs Eat Tahini
Find lots of information about human food dogs can eat (and ones they can’t) here on Spoiled Hounds!
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Jay says
1 slice Bologna chopped into bits / 2 tbsp Pumpkin Puree / 1 tsp Honey BBQ sauce / 1\2 cup water Heat
Add to one serving dry food and mix well in dogs bowl.
Recipe that works well for my 50 LB Female Pitbull
Enjoy… its a cheap recipe