Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
It's the mother of all midsummer backyard bashes: the 4th of July! Patriotic partygoers have picnic table spreads and whatever's hot off the grill, but our furry buddies deserve a holiday treat of their own to mark the occasion.
While some human foods are suitable for dogs, others are unsafe and must be avoided. If you're attending an Independence Day festivity, know ahead of time which foods your pet can consume. By taking the right precautions to avoid stressful situations and harmful foods, your pet can easily be part of your party plans.
In this article, we'll help you keep your pets safe with a rundown on common 4th of July party foods that are safe for your dog—along with what to avoid—and ideas for fun holiday-themed treats for your pet to eat while everyone celebrates their independence.
Understanding Pet-Safe Food
The 4th of July and summer parties can lead to stressful situations for your pet, beyond the noise and commotion of fireworks in your neighborhood. The food served at 4th of July parties might be hazardous to pets. Understanding which foods are safe and which are not is crucial to keeping your furry friends healthy.
Fun Treats for Fido
It's tempting to share scraps from your holiday feast with your pets, but stick to foods that are safe for them. Here are some pet-friendly options:
Vegetables
Many vegetables are safe, healthy, low-calorie snacks for pets. Crunchy carrots, green beans, cucumbers and broccoli can be served raw or cooked without seasoning, providing essential nutrients. Baked or boiled sweet potatoes are also a great substitute for potato chips.1
Fruits
Some fruits are safe for pets in moderate amounts. Blueberries, strawberries, apple slices and watermelon (without seeds) can be refreshing and hydrating treats. But avoid grapes, raisins and cherries, which are toxic to pets.2
Plain rice and pasta
Plain, cooked rice and pasta are safe in small amounts. They are bland and unlikely to upset your pet's stomach.3
Dairy products
In small quantities, certain dairy products like plain yogurt and cheese are fine—but many pets are lactose intolerant, so offer these sparingly and watch for signs of indigestion.4
Grill-Safe Goodies for Pets
Cooked, unseasoned lean meats like chicken, turkey and beef are a good source of protein. Just be sure to remove bones and excess fat, which can cause digestive issues or choking.5
Chill Out With Frozen Treats
Frozen treats that are safe for pets are really easy to make. To make yogurt Popsicles, just mix plain yogurt with safe fruits and freeze in Popsicle molds or ice cube trays.
The easiest pet-safe frozen treats of all are frozen banana slices and plain old ice cubes, but be sure to offer your dog ice cubes that aren't too big for their mouth.
Homemade Pet-Safe Desserts
Here are a few drool-worthy desserts for your doggo:
- Peanut butter cookies: Most dogs go crazy for peanut butter, but be sure to bake your homemade cookies using pet-safe ingredients like oats and whole wheat flour.
- Carob cupcakes: Chocolate is off-limits, but you can substitute carob powder to make pet-friendly cupcakes.
- Pumpkin treats: Bake some pumpkin-based treats using canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling) for a seasonal delight.
Store-Bought Yummies for Your Pets
There are hundreds of pet snacks on the market, and some even provide health benefits, such as chew treats that promote healthy teeth and gums. Freeze-dried meat or fish treats pack in the protein.6 And if you don't have time to bake cookies or cupcakes, there are specialty pet ice creams made special just for them!
Harmful Foods To Avoid
Certain foods that are common at 4th of July celebrations might be harmful or even toxic to pets. Be vigilant and avoid feeding the following foods:2
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Onions and garlic
- Grapes and raisins
- Avocados
- Bones
- Sugary foods and artificial sweeteners like xylitol and aspartame
While lean meats are often OK for your pet, high-fat foods like sausage, bacon and fatty cuts of meat can cause pancreatitis, a painful and potentially serious condition.7 Be sure to check this expanded list of 20 foods dogs shouldn't eat.
Other Tips for a Pet-Safe Celebration
In addition to monitoring food intake, consider these tips to keep your pets safe and comfortable during 4th of July festivities:
- Give them a safe space. Provide a quiet, comfortable place for your pets as an escape. During fireworks shows, keep pets indoors to prevent them from running away or getting injured. Close windows and curtains to reduce noise and visual stimulation.
- Keep them tagged. Ensure your pets are wearing their collars with up-to-date identification tags. Microchipping is also a highly recommended form of permanent identification in case they get lost.
- Avoid table scraps. Discourage guests from feeding pets table scraps, and provide the pet-safe treats listed above instead so they feel like part of the party.
- Burn it off. Before the party starts, take your dog for a long walk or play session to burn off energy so they can remain calm and relaxed later on.
- Consult your vet. If your pet has anxiety or has had extreme reactions to fireworks, consult your veterinarian for calming aids or medications.
Pets Best Is Here to Help—and Celebrate!—Your Furry Friends
The 4th of July can be a fun and exciting time for everyone, including your pets, if you take precautions. Be mindful of what you feed your pets and take steps to reduce their stress. Keeping your pets healthy and happy is the best way to celebrate one of the highlights of summer.
Taking care of all your pet's needs can be a lot easier with pet insurance. Pets Best dog insurance plans are customizable, and our network of veterinary experts is available through the 24/7 Pet Helpline.
Sources/Citations
1. "Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?" April Saylor (3/2023), PetMD, https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-sweet-potatoes
2. "People Food to Avoid Feeding Your Pets," ASPCA (no date), https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets#
3. "Can Dogs Eat Pasta? Is Pasta Safe for Dogs?" Darby McNally (5/2022), DogTime, https://dogtime.com/dog-health/dog-food-dog-nutrition/96706-can-dogs-eat-pasta-safe
4. "Can Dogs Drink Milk?" Anna Burke (8/2022), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-drink-milk/
5. "Can Dogs Eat Bones?" (10/2023), Wag, https://wagwalking.com/wellness/can-dogs-eat-bones
6. "Freeze-Dried Dog Food: The Pros and Cons," Julia Henriques (12/2021), Dogs Naturally, https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/freeze-dried-dog-food-the-pros-and-cons/
7. "Pancreatitis in Pets: Be Careful Which Foods You Share with Your Pet," (12/2022), Mt. Shasta Animal Hospital, https://mtshastavet.com/2022/12/16/pancreatitis-in-pets-be-careful-which-foods-you-share-with-your-pet/