Easy, Pet-Friendly BBQ Sauce Recipes for Dogs and Cats

Bring BBQ flavor to your pet’s bowl with two easy sauces—one for dogs, one for cats.
cat dog bbq sauce recipes hero

Photo by Lynn Karlin

At your next backyard bash, bring your pets in on the fun too. And by that, we mean whipping up a pet-friendly BBQ sauce that you can lightly glaze on dog- and cat-friendly meats and veggies.

While human BBQ sauce may not be safe for pet consumption (thanks to ingredients such as onions and garlic), we’ve whipped up two easy-to-make recipes—one for cats and one for dogs—that are both pet-friendly and tasty.

Before serving your pet any new food or topper, check with your veterinarian—especially if your dog or cat has food allergies, a sensitive stomach, or a medical condition.

Key Takeaways

  • These homemade BBQ sauce recipes give dogs and cats a pet-safe way to join in on backyard BBQ flavors.
  • Skip human BBQ sauce—ingredients like onion and garlic can be unsafe for pets.
  • Use the sauce as a light topper on pet-safe proteins or veggies and keep portions small.
  • Treats and toppers should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calories, so serve in moderation.

Doggy Delicious BBQ Sauce Recipe


  • Yield: 1 cup
  • Serving size: 1–2 tbsp
  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Blend time: 5–10 minutes
bbq sauce recipe for dogs

Lynn Karlin

Ingredients

Supplies

  • Measuring cups and measuring spoons
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk or sturdy spoon
  • Blender (optional)
  • Rubber spatula

Instructions

  1. For a chunkier sauce, combine the beef stew, tomato paste, and liquid smoke, in a bowl. Mix well.
  2. For a smoother sauce, combine all of the above and puree in a blender.
bbq sauce recipe for dogs

Lynn Karlin

Kitty BBQ Sauce Recipe


  • Yield: 1 cup
  • Serving size: 1–2 tbsp
  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Blend time: 5–10 minutes
pet safe bbq sauce for cats

Lynn Karlin

Ingredients

Supplies

  • Measuring cups and measuring spoons
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk or sturdy spoon
  • Blender (optional)
  • Rubber spatula

Instructions

  1. For a chunkier sauce, combine the minced chicken recipe and tomato paste in a bowl. Mix well.
  2. For a smoother sauce, combine all of the above and puree in a blender.

How To Serve Your Homemade Pet-Friendly BBQ Sauce


how to serve bbq sauce for dogs cats

Lynn Karlin

For Dogs, Try It On…

  • These pet-safe kabobs: Add a light drizzle of BBQ sauce to help tempt dogs to munch on vegetables like carrots and red bell peppers.
  • Sweet potato sliders: Brush slices of peeled sweet potato with peanut oil and grill them about 3 minutes on each side until they’re softer and easier for pups to chew. Once cooled, brush a thin layer of BBQ sauce on top.
  • Corn: Grill a few ears of plain corn and cut the corn off the cob. Drizzle the kernels with a bit of BBQ sauce before serving.
  • Zucchini crisps: Zucchini is packed with nutrients. Add a light drizzle of BBQ sauce over the cooled crisps.
  • Their kibble: Add a tiny drizzle of sauce to a few pieces as a topper—some dogs love the extra flavor.

For Cats, Try It On…

  • These pet-safe kabobs: The kabobs are loaded with good-for-them fresh protein and veggies. Brush a small amount of BBQ sauce onto the cooked protein or veggies before serving.
  • Salmon: Salmon is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Brush a tiny amount of BBQ sauce onto a small piece of plain, cooked salmon. Freeze-dried salmon cat treats are a great option too—just add the tiniest dab of sauce on top.
  • Their kibble: Add a tiny drizzle of BBQ sauce to a few pieces as an occasional topper, or dab a little on one piece first to see if your cat likes it.

How Much To Serve Your Pet


Start small and serve these sauces in moderation.

For either recipe, offer 1–2 tbsp as an occasional topper or snack.

Keep treats and toppers to a small part of your pet’s daily calories (aim for 10% or less). If your pet has health issues—especially food allergies or a sensitivity to fat—or you’re not sure how much is right, check with your veterinarian first.

How To Store This Pet-Friendly BBQ Sauce


For food safety, refrigerate the sauce in an airtight container and use within three to four days, or freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to one month.

Store-Bought Pet Food Toppers


If you’d rather buy than blend, here are a few store-bought toppers to keep on hand:

For Dogs

For Cats

Attributions


This recipe was reviewed by a veterinarian. It’s intended as a treat or snack.


Kristine Cannon

Kristine Cannon

Kristine is Chewy’s Senior Editor. When she’s not at a music festival (Bonnaroo, FTW!) or traveling abroad (I miss you, New Zealand), she’s
Dr. Hart graduated from veterinary school in 2017 and began her career with USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service as a public health