BBQ & Picnic Safety for Dog-Friendly Outings in St. Louis

Common BBQ & Picnic Foods That Are Dangerous for Dogs

1. Bones (especially cooked)

Cooked bones from ribs or chicken can splinter easily, causing choking, dental damage, or even dangerous internal injuries if swallowed. Always throw bones away in a secured trash container well out of reach of your pets.

2. Fatty meats and table scraps

It’s tempting to hand over fatty steak trimmings or burger bits, but greasy, fatty foods can cause stomach upset and potentially dangerous pancreatitis in dogs. Gristle, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and cheese should all be kept off the canine menu.

3. Corn cobs

While a crunchy cob might look like a fun chew toy, it’s extremely risky. Corn cobs cannot be digested, often causing intestinal blockages that require emergency surgery. Keep corn cobs (and husks, which are also hard to digest though less dangers) far away from dogs.

4. Onions, garlic, & chives

Found in many BBQ marinades and picnic salads, onions, garlic, and chives can cause gastrointestinal upset and even life-threatening organ damage in dogs, usually when consumed in larger quantities.

5. Fruits (especially grapes, raisins, peach pits)

Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. Peach pits present a choking hazard and can contain cyanide compounds. Stick to dog-safe fruits like seedless apple slices or bananas as an occasional treat.

6. Sauces and condiments

Barbecue sauce, ketchup, and many salad dressings contain sugar substitutes (like xylitol), garlic, onions, or excessive salt. All of these can cause rapid illness in dogs; it’s best to keep them away from all condiments.

7. Chocolate and desserts

Chocolate is highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts, and baked goods with chocolate or xylitol are extremely dangerous, even fatal.

8. Alcohol & Coffee

Even small amounts of alcohol and coffee, think spilled drinks or soaked food, may cause vomiting, confusion, or more severe reactions. Make sure your dog can’t access any drinks or food that contain alcohol and/or caffeine.

9. BBQ extras: Foil, skewers, plastic wrap

If it smells like food, it’s a potential hazard. For this reason, discard of foil, skewers, and plastic wrap. Keep trash secured so that your dog can’t go digging into it when you’re not watching. Dogs that snatch up wrappers, skewers, and foil, may experience punctures, choking, or blockages.

Grill & Picnic Area Safety Tips

When picnicking with friends and loved ones, including your dog(s,) consider the following safety tips:

• Create a “dog-free zone” around the grill or any open flame to prevent burns or accidental ingestion
• Never leave food unattended; dogs can be quick and sly
• Dispose of all food waste and trash in covered, secure bins
• Clean up food scraps promptly to avoid scavenging; dogs love to find treasures so be prepared!
• Bring plenty of fresh water and provide shaded rest spots for your dog, especially on hot days

If you want your pup to feel included, bring dog-friendly treats (store-bought or homemade). And, try plain cooked meats with no salt, spices, or fat, raw carrots, or small pieces of seedless watermelon.

The Most Popular Places to Picnic with Your Dog in St. Louis, MO

Tower Grove Park stands out as an absolute favorite for dog lovers who want to picnic with their pups in St. Louis. This historic, tree-lined park offers expansive lawns, shaded groves, beautiful pavilions, and miles of walking trails. Dogs are welcome in most areas as long as they are leashed, and pet waste stations are provided throughout the grounds. The park’s open fields and network of paved paths make it ideal for packing a picnic, lounging under a shady tree, and letting your dog explore new sights and smells.

If you’re looking for even bigger adventures Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park, Forest Park, and Deer Creek Park are also excellent and pet-friendly options, offering beautiful lakeside views and wide open spaces for the perfect summer outing.

Pro Tips for Picnics with Your Dog

• Always keep your dog leashed and clean up after them
• Bring water bowls and a blanket for comfortable lounging
• Avoid children’s play areas and restricted gardens
• Check the park’s calendar for seasonal, pet-friendly events
• Arrive early for the best picnic spots under mature trees

The Best Care for St. Louis Pets

By following these simple safety steps and choosing one of St. Louis’s popular, dog-friendly parks, you’ll have a memorable, mishap-free picnic that both you and your four-legged friend will enjoy.