It’s grilling season! While you may be throwing some burgers, hot dogs and corn on the grill, not everything that you throw on your plate should be shared with you dog.
They may deem themselves the grill assistant and push for the role of official taste tester, but unfortunately many of the foods we like to enjoy are not suitable for them.
Watch the video above for some of the foods you should avoid giving your dog when you’re cooking out.
Can dogs eat hot dogs?
No, you should not feed your dog hot dogs or sausages.
The American Kennel Club advises against it, due to the sodium nitrate, seasonings and a lot of salt found in hot dogs.
If your dog happens to eat one, it’s no cause for concern, but it could cause them to have an upset stomach or other digestive issues later.
What about burgers?
It depends. If it’s a burger full of flavor and seasoning: no. Like with hot dogs, burgers are made with spices, seasoning and toppings that are not dog-friendly.
However, if you want to throw an unseasoned piece of hamburger on the grill for them, go for it!
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Other summer staples to avoid giving your dog
You should never give your dog any meat that has a cooked bone in it. These can splinter and cause a lot of internal damage.
You should also resist the temptation to give your dog any fried foods, like French fries or fried chicken, foods cooked in butter, oils or slathered in sauces or anything with seasoning.
According to Chewy, these foods are higher in fat than your dog’s stomach is used to, so it’s recommended you avoid that to also avoid any disaster later.
The meat on the grill is only half of the magic of a summer cook out. Your plate is loaded with sides that your dog is not lucky enough to indulge in. So make sure to keep the macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, corn on the cob, baked beans, deviled eggs and other similar sides on your plate only.
Safe foods for dogs
If you want to grill some meat for your dog, stick to unseasoned chicken, unseasoned turkey or lean beef.
If there’s a morsel of unseasoned steak you’re willing to share, make sure to trim any fat from it before giving it to your pup.
While corn on the cob is a no, kernels from the cob are a yes. You can also share carrots, fruits, rice and plain potatoes with your pup.
These treats should always be given in moderation and in proportion to the size of your dog.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hosting a cookout? Here's what not to share with your dog.
