As the owner of two adorable begging dogs, I know full well that it’s nearly impossible not to share your food with your pets, especially when they give you that look. I happened to end up ordering Taco Bell, and couldn’t resist the cuteness, so my Australian Shepherd mix ended up taking most of my order. He was also a stray found in a dumpster, and at 16 years old, his digestive system can handle anything.
Dog on a lawn in Maine
David Bugensky/TSM Main
On the other hand, my retriever has a very sensitive stomach, so I have to be particularly careful about what he eats, especially around holidays like the Fourth of July, when there are lots of treats and foods available.
Mello
David Bugensky/TSM Main
Barbecue foods you shouldn’t feed to dogs in Maine
While this list will likely ruin your dog’s day, it can also prevent you from setting off the wrong kinds of fireworks.
Who knows more than the American Kennel Club? Dog safety is their mission.
1.) Avoid meat on the bone: This seems obvious, but when your kids come over, do you know not to feed Daisy chicken wings?
2.) Be careful with toppings and seasonings. Garlic and onions are toxic to dogs (are they vampires?).
3.) Salt! Too much salt can be toxic to dogs and can be deadly.
4.) Alcohol – For starters, no one wants to share a red, white and blue margarita.
A bucket of iced beer with the American flag in the background
ThinkStock
5.) Licking or eating fatty meats can cause pancreatitis.
6.) Chocolate and ice cream. Both can make your dog seriously ill.
Read more: Safe Barbecue Foods to Share with Dogs in Maine
7.) This was the most shocking to me, HOT DOGS?! They’re called dogs and yet they’re not safe for dogs?! Many of the hot dogs these days have condiments (like the aforementioned garlic and onions) and most of them contain carcinogenic ingredients. Feed them to humans, not dogs. Get 3 dogs. Get 4 for Independence Day!
After all, you know what your dog can tolerate. Take this article not as expert advice, but simply as a reminder to be careful. Here is another link to help you keep your dog safe at your 4th of April BBQ:
Most popular dog names in Maine in 2024
Gallery credit: Jordan Verge
A listener sent me this photo of their adorable dog neighbor from Maine.
We asked David & Cindy listeners what their favorite dog breed is in Maine, and we got a ton of votes through adorable photos of our four-legged neighbors.
Gallery credit: David
