In the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas means long, sunny days, beach outings, and barbecues with family and friends. But what about your four-legged family members?
This Christmas, make sure your dog is included in the fun by hosting a dog-friendly BBQ that both humans and pups will enjoy. With a few simple adjustments, your Christmas lunch can be as tasty and safe for your dog as it is for you.
Here’s how to create a paw-some celebration everyone can enjoy!
Step 1. Plan a Dog-Friendly BBQ Menu
The key to a successful dog-friendly BBQ is serving tasty food that’s safe and healthy for your pup. While we indulge in Christmas ham and BBQ meats, your dog can have their own feast with these nutritious and dog-safe options:
- Grilled Meats: You can cook up some lean cuts of chicken, beef, or lamb on the BBQ for your dog, but skip the spices, marinades, and seasonings. Dogs don’t need the extra flavouring, and some ingredients (like garlic or onions) are harmful to them. Simply grill the meat until it's cooked through and serve it in small, bite-sized portions.
- Veggies: Many dogs love veggies like carrots, sweet potato, and zucchini, which can be grilled or served raw. Just be sure to avoid onions, avocado, or anything with a high-fat content.
- Homemade Dog Treats: Want to add a festive touch? Serve your dog homemade dog-safe Christmas treats, such as pumpkin and peanut butter cookies, or freeze some dog-friendly broth cubes for a cool treat.
- Frozen Dog Popsicles: Beat the summer heat with some DIY frozen treats. You can freeze low-sodium chicken broth or blended fruits like strawberries and watermelon in ice cube trays to make refreshing doggie popsicles. fresh pieces of cucumber or watermelon make for hydrating treats on a hot day. Check out these 3 simple, DIY frozen treats.
- Doggy Grub Pattie: For a complete meal, simply slide the contents of your Doggy Grub pouch directly onto the BBQ—no need to massage the pack beforehand. This way, you’ll have a full, juicy steak ready to sizzle. Flip it for 1 minute on each side, then serve up a delicious, dog-friendly feast!
Step 2. Create a Doggy Play Area
While the humans enjoy their BBQ feast, your pup will need a place to relax and play. Set up a shaded area in the garden or backyard where your dog, and their friends, can cool off and enjoy the festivities. Consider these ideas:
- Shade and Water: Make sure your dog has access to fresh water at all times. Set up a shaded area with a portable fan, umbrella, or gazebo to keep your dog comfortable.
- Toys and Puzzles: Bring out some interactive toys or a puzzle feeder to keep your dog entertained while the BBQ is in full swing. This can also be a great way to engage them in some mental stimulation while they wait for their tasty treats.
- A Doggy Pool: If your dog enjoys water, a small kiddie pool is a fantastic way to help them cool down. Keep an eye on them, but let them splash around and have some fun while you enjoy the party.
Step 3. Safety First: Avoid Common BBQ Hazards
The BBQ can bring some extra dangers for your dog, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your pup and the food around them. Here are a few safety tips to ensure your dog stays safe and happy throughout the celebration:
- Watch Out for Food Leftovers: While it’s tempting to give your dog scraps, certain foods from the BBQ are dangerous. Keep your dog away from any fatty meats, grilled bones (they can splinter), and foods with toxic ingredients like garlic, onion, meat & fish seasoning, grapes, raisins, or chocolate.
- Grill Safety: Dogs are naturally curious, so keep them away from the BBQ grill itself. The heat, as well as hot coals and utensils, can pose a serious risk. Set up a safe zone and ask guests to be mindful of where they’re standing when grilling.
- Toxic Plants: Many festive plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, or holly can be toxic to dogs. Avoid decorating with these plants if your dog has access to them. Stick to dog-safe greenery and decorations your pup can’t chew on.
Step 4. Keep Your Dog Cool
Summer in the Southern Hemisphere can bring some scorching temperatures, and dogs can easily overheat. Make sure your dog has plenty of ways to stay cool and comfortable throughout the day:
- Hydration: Offer your dog cold, fresh water frequently. Consider adding ice cubes to their water bowl to keep it cooler for longer.
- Cooling Mats: Invest in a cooling mat or blanket for your dog to lie on during the BBQ. These mats help regulate body temperature and keep your pup comfy.
- Avoid Overexertion: While playing games is fun, be mindful of your dog’s energy levels. Limit strenuous activity to prevent overheating, especially during the hottest part of the day.
- Indoor rest: Make sure your dog also has access to the house so they can get respite from the heat and rest in a cool, quiet area.
5. Include Your Dog in the Festivities
Christmas isn’t just for humans—it’s for the whole family! Here are a few ways to make your dog feel special and part of the holiday cheer:
- Doggy Christmas Outfit: Dress your pup in a festive Christmas bandana, or even a reindeer antler headband (if they’re comfortable with it). It’s sure to get everyone laughing and create a fun holiday vibe.
- Paw-ty Time: Organise a mini “puppy” playdate if you have other dog owners at the BBQ. Make sure everyone’s dog gets along well and supervise the play to prevent any scuffles. You can even hand out dog-safe party favours like new toys or treat bags!
- Share the Photos: Make sure to capture the festive moments! Take a few photos of your dog with their BBQ treats or playing with their new toy. Share them on social media and tag us—let’s see your dog enjoying their Christmas day too!
This Christmas, why not let your dog enjoy the holiday as much as you do? Hosting a dog-friendly BBQ is an excellent way to include your furry friend in the festivities, from safe and delicious treats to fun playtime and festive accessories. Remember to keep an eye on food safety, keep your dog cool, and let them join in the family fun. With a little planning, your dog will have a merry Christmas that’s full of wagging tails, tasty treats, and loads of love.
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The Doggy Grub blog is dedicated to helping dogs and their owners achieve happier, healthier lives, changing the way we feed our dogs one bowl at a time! If you would like to know more about our fresh food head to Doggy Grub
