13 Summer Foods That Are (and Aren’t) Safe for Dogs

Backyard BBQs, family picnics, and weekend cookouts are part of what makes summer so fun, but with so many tempting smells and tasty snacks around, it’s easy to forget that not every food is dog-friendly.

While it might feel harmless to slip your dog a treat from the grill or table, many summer foods can cause upset stomachs, allergic reactions, or worse.

Let’s break down which popular summer foods are safe for your pup and which you should keep far away from their curious snouts.

Safe Summer Foods for Dogs

The good news? You don’t have to leave your dog out of the summer feasting fun. Several seasonal foods are both tasty and safe for dogs in moderation:

Watermelon (seedless): Hydrating and full of vitamins A, B6, and C
Cucumbers: Low-calorie crunch perfect for hot days
Strawberries: Rich in antioxidants and a great treat when sliced
Plain grilled chicken: Protein-packed, just skip the marinades
Cooked sweet potatoes: A healthy carb that’s easy to digest
Carrots: Great for chewing and loaded with fiber

If your dog has had training to stay or leave it, you’ll be in a better position to offer healthy treats without encouraging begging or grabbing. Our Basic Obedience Training for Food-Motivated Dogs teaches clear communication and impulse control, perfect for navigating mealtime chaos.

Foods to Avoid This Summer

Unfortunately, many popular BBQ and picnic staples are dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts. Watch out for these common offenders:

Grapes and raisins: Toxic and can lead to kidney failure
Onions and garlic: Can damage red blood cells
Chocolate: Always toxic, especially dark chocolate
Bread dough with yeast: Can expand in the stomach and cause bloat
Corn on the cob: Kernels are okay, but cobs can block intestines
Fatty meats or bones: Can cause pancreatitis or choking
Soda or alcohol: Never appropriate, keep cups out of reach

And don’t forget about hidden dangers like sugar-free desserts made with xylitol, a common sweetener that’s deadly to dogs.

Backyard Etiquette: Keep it Safe and Controlled

Even the best-behaved dogs can be tempted by party food, so summer gatherings are a great time to reinforce boundaries. Set your dog up for success by:

Crating during meal prep
Using a long place stay during eating times
Instructing guests not to feed table scraps
Keeping trash bins closed and out of reach

These rules help avoid dangerous snacks while also reinforcing obedience in real-world environments. Our blog on how to prevent fence fighting and overstimulation offers helpful tips for managing dogs in outdoor social spaces.

Dog-Friendly Frozen Treats to Try

Want a safe, fun way to include your dog in the summer party? Try making frozen treats they’ll love. You can blend:

1 banana
½ cup plain yogurt
¼ cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)

Freeze in silicone molds or ice cube trays for easy DIY dog popsicles.

Need more ideas? The Animal Humane Society offers helpful tips on what summer foods are safe for your dog.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Summer is a time for fun, food, and family, including your dog. By knowing what foods are safe and reinforcing good manners around the table, you can avoid emergencies and build better habits while enjoying the season together.

Need help teaching your dog to ignore distractions, resist food, or stay calm in social settings? Contact our Bakersfield team today to schedule personalized training that fits your lifestyle.