Veterinarian Shares Common Party Foods Dangerous for Dogs

First Off, Manage Guest and Dog Interactions

One way to prevent mistakes is keeping dogs separate from the party while food is out.

Dos and Don'ts of Popular Party Foods

“Do your research on what your pet can and cannot consume and how much they can safely consume. Ignorance can lead to mistakes that could have been prevented,” says Cormanes

General guidelines include not giving dogs too much fat or salt, preventing them from eating meat with the bones, and watching out for sauces and seasonings with onions and garlic. She and Veterinarians.org shared the dos and don'ts of popular party foods. Read on to see what to watch out for.

Ribs

Grilled ribs are a safe and hearty snack for dogs provided that they are given without the bone. Just watch out for sauces that come with the dish that may have potentially harmful herbs or flavorings.

Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are only safe provided that you strip them of the outer coating, especially if they have been infused with strong or spicy flavors from any sauces. Some of those spices may be harmful, like garlic and onion powder. Never give your dogs the chicken bones.

Burgers and Sliders

Provided that you give them the plainest most simple kind, burgers and sliders are a good snack for your dogs. Strip your burger of sauces and condiments, onions, and cheese, and ensure that the meat is thoroughly cooked and you're good to go.

Remember that dogs can’t have as much salt as humans, so don’t give too much, but you can make your dogs their own lean, unsalted burger patties.

Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are very high in fat, calories, and salt. You can easily give your begging puppy too much, and it can lead to pancreatitis because they will have a harder time digesting the fatty contents. Dogs that are obese or have dietary restrictions should skip this snack entirely.

Nachos

A plain tortilla chip is generally safe to give to your dogs, but only as an occasional very small snack. Flavored nachos are bad for your dogs as they usually contain harmful herbs and spices and a lot of salt. Especially avoid the nacho dips and sauces that are harmful for the same reason.

Potato Salad

Potatoes are safe for dogs, but potato salad is not. Potato salad contains mayo, aromatics like onion and garlic, and high amounts of salt.

Guacamole

Avocado contains a substance called persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause serious health problems — even death — in many animals. The American Kennel Society says dogs are more resistant to it than many other animals, however, it is toxic to dogs in large amounts. Avocado prepared with onions, herbs, and spices incorporated into it makes guacamole a bad snack to give your dogs.

Chili

Chili is a bad choice to serve to your dog because it almost always contains herbs that are toxic to them. Onion and garlic, and chili powder which contains a chemical called capsaicin, will cause irritation and a burning sensation for your dogs and they will eventually have stomach problems such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and gas.

Potato Skins

Potato skins contain oxalates which can cause trouble for your pet in the long run. Oxalates may lead to kidney problems in the form of crystals in the bladder or urinary tract. The sauces and toppings that are usually paired with potato skins are equally as bad as the potato skins.

Cookies

Cookies are bad for dogs because many of the usual main ingredients are toxic for them. Chocolate can cause theobromine toxicity which leads to stomach upset in the form of profuse vomiting and/or diarrhea. Raisins have been shown to cause kidney failure in dogs. Nuts that are toxic for them include walnuts, macadamias, and pistachios.

Keep Dogs and Humans Happy on Game Day

Aside from food matters, doing a little prep beforehand can make a Super Bowl party or other game day go better for dogs and humans. Consider getting your dogs outside to play or go on a walk before guests arrive. If the dog's needs for socialization and exercise are met, they'll be more able to be calm with guests.

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