Summer Snacking: What’s Safe to Share with Your Dog?
Warm weather, outdoor grilling, and family picnics mean plenty of tempting treats. It might seem harmless to offer your dog a bite of your burger or a slice of watermelon, but not all human foods are safe for canine companions.
Here is a breakdown of common summer foods, including what is safe to share and what to keep off your dog’s plate.
1. Safe Summer Fruits
Many fruits make great, refreshing treats for dogs when served in moderation and without additives.
- Watermelon (seedless and without the rind)
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Bananas
- Apples (no seeds or core)
Always serve fruit in small, bite-sized pieces. Keep it chilled for a refreshing snack on hot days.
Fruits to avoid include grapes, raisins, cherries with pits, and citrus. These can cause digestive upset or, in some cases, toxicity.
2. Dog-Friendly Vegetables
Raw or lightly steamed veggies are hydrating and low in calories, making them a healthy snack option.
- Carrots
- Green beans
- Cucumber slices
- Zucchini
- Celery
Try incorporating these into training sessions or enrichment games. They are perfect as crunchy, low-fat rewards.
Avoid feeding your dog onions, garlic, corn on the cob, mushrooms, or unripe tomatoes. These can be harmful or toxic, even in small amounts.
3. Proteins That Are Safe (With the Right Prep)
If you are grilling, some meats can be shared safely—as long as they are plain and fully cooked.
- Grilled chicken (no skin or bones)
- Lean ground beef or turkey (no seasoning)
- Scrambled or boiled eggs
- Cooked salmon (boneless)
Do not give your dog anything fried, heavily seasoned, or coated in sauces like barbecue. Cooked bones are especially dangerous because they can splinter.
Need help finding training-safe treats? Our Basic Obedience Training for Reactive Dogs includes expert guidance on effective food-based rewards.
4. Frozen Treats and DIY Dog Popsicles
Summer is the perfect time to cool down with frozen treats made just for dogs.
- Blend plain yogurt, banana, and xylitol-free peanut butter
- Freeze small chunks of watermelon
- Mix low-sodium bone broth with water and pour into ice trays
- Use silicone molds or stuff KONGs with frozen mixtures
Make sure all ingredients are dog-safe. Always check labels and avoid any added sweeteners or artificial flavors.
5. Dangerous Summer Foods to Never Share
Some foods should never be shared with dogs under any circumstances. Even a small amount can lead to emergency vet visits.
- Grapes and raisins
- Chocolate and desserts
- Macadamia nuts
- Avocado
- Alcohol
- Anything containing xylitol or other artificial sweeteners
To keep a comprehensive list on hand, this AKC guide outlines both safe and unsafe human foods for dogs. It is a great reference for summer and beyond.
Bonus: Keep Cookouts Safe and Controlled
Food is not the only risk during backyard gatherings. Summer parties can bring extra hazards for curious or food-motivated dogs.
- Watch guests who may feed scraps under the table
- Keep skewers, bones, and food packaging out of reach
- Secure trash bags and food containers
- Block access to alcohol, sugary drinks, and grill areas
- Store citronella candles and lighters safely
Teaching a reliable “place” command during events like these helps your dog remain calm and avoid counter-surfing or begging.
Help Your Dog Practice Better Food Manners
Want your dog to ignore dropped food, stay out of the trash, or stop begging during meals? At Off Leash K9 Training Cleveland, we help dogs develop focus and impulse control in real-life environments—whether you are grilling in the backyard or hosting a dinner party inside.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and get started on building a calmer, more obedient dog around food and distractions.