Dog-Friendly Foods for Your Super Bowl Party

It’s game day! The snacks are out, the TV is on, and your friends are all set to cheer (or yell at the refs). 

But while everyone’s diving into wings, nachos, and dips, your pup’s looking up at you with those “Where’s my snack?” eyes. We get it — your dog’s part of the party crew, too. But not all party snacks are safe for them.

At A Pup Above, we believe your pup deserves to join in the Super Bowl fun without any tummy trouble. So, let’s break down how to keep your dog happy, healthy, and well-fed while you enjoy the big game. Spoiler alert: You don’t have to say “no” to those puppy eyes all night!

What Dog-Friendly Foods Can You Serve at Your Super Bowl Party?

There are plenty of tasty, dog-friendly options that won’t have you worrying about a vet visit later. The key is sticking to simple, unseasoned foods that pack flavor and nutrition. 

Here are a few ideas that your pup can safely snack on while you cheer for your team:

Plain Chicken or Turkey

No wings for your pup, but plain, boneless chicken breast or turkey is a total win. Just bake or boil it without seasoning and let it cool before serving. It’s a protein-packed treat that’ll have their tail wagging.

Veggie Crunchers

Think carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or celery. These crunchy bites are low-calorie, packed with vitamins, and safe for dogs. Plus, they’re a perfect alternative to chips!

Apple Slices (No Seeds)

Crisp, sweet, and refreshing — apple slices are a fan favorite for pups. Just remove the seeds and core, and you’ve got a healthy, fiber-filled snack for your pup.

Sweet Potato Bites

Roast or steam some bite-sized sweet potato chunks for a naturally sweet treat. They’re loaded with nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and beta-carotene. Bonus points if you make extra for yourself!

Plain Popcorn

Popcorn without salt, butter, or seasonings is a light, crunchy snack your pup can enjoy. Just make sure there are no unpopped kernels that could get stuck in their teeth.

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Wings?

We touched on chicken earlier — plain, boneless pieces are a great choice. But what about chicken wings? They’re a Super Bowl staple, after all. Unfortunately, wings are a hard no for your pup. 

Let’s dig a little deeper into why they’re off the menu.

Bones Are a Big Problem

Chicken wings come with bones that are small, brittle, and risky. When cooked, these bones can easily splinter and turn into sharp shards. If your dog chomps on or swallows them, it can lead to choking, internal injuries, or digestive blockages. Trust us — that’s not the kind of Super Bowl surprise you want.

Seasonings and Sauces Aren’t Dog-Friendly

Buffalo sauce, garlic powder, salt, and all those finger-licking flavors are a nightmare for doggy digestion. Ingredients like garlic, onions, and spicy seasonings can upset their stomach or even be toxic. Too much salt can also lead to dehydration or sodium poisoning. Even a “naked” wing still carries bone risks.

Grease and Fat Overload

Wings are greasy by design, which can lead to tummy woes or, worse, conditions like pancreatitis if your dog eats too much. Their bodies just don’t handle that kind of fat well.

Are There Other Foods at a Super Bowl Party My Dog Should Avoid?

Absolutely! While your spread might be perfect for your human guests, there are a few snacks that are no-gos for your pup. 

Dips and Guacamole

Creamy dips might be delicious for humans, but they often contain ingredients like onions, garlic, or avocados — all of which can be toxic to dogs. Guacamole is especially tricky because avocados contain persin, which can cause stomach upset in dogs. Skip sharing the dips and keep those bowls up high!

Cheese and Dairy-Based Snacks

Many dogs are lactose intolerant, which means cheesy nachos or creamy appetizers can lead to bloating, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort. A tiny nibble might not hurt, but it’s best to play it safe and steer clear.

Meat With Bones or Skewers

Barbecue ribs, kabobs, or any meat served with bones or wooden skewers are dangerous for dogs. Bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries, while skewers can lead to serious punctures. Make sure these stay off your pup’s radar.

Desserts and Sweets

Chocolate, candies, and anything with artificial sweeteners like xylitol are big hazards. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and sweets) can cause rapid drops in blood sugar, leading to seizures or worse. Stick to dog-friendly treats if you want your pup to have a sweet moment!

Dog-Friendly Super Bowl Recipes Your Pup Will Love

Your pup deserves their own game-day snacks, too! Skip the begging eyes and let them join the fun with these easy, dog-friendly Super Bowl recipes. They’re tasty, safe, and will keep tails wagging while you cheer on your team.

Touchdown Turkey Meatballs

These simple, protein-packed meatballs are a perfect game-day treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ground turkey
• 1/2 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup oat flour (or ground rolled oats)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
3. Form into small, bite-sized balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden.
5. Let them cool before serving to your pup.

Game-Day Carrot “Fries”

A crunchy, healthy snack that’s fun to munch on!

Ingredients:

• 2 large carrots
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel and slice the carrots into thin “fries.”
3. Toss them lightly in olive oil.
4. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Let them cool before serving.

Super Bowl Pup-Cakes

A festive treat that’ll make your dog feel like the MVP.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients until you get a smooth batter.
3. Pour the batter into a mini muffin tin.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Let them cool before giving one to your dog.

Frozen Chicken & Sweet Potato Bites

Cool, chewy, and perfect for keeping your pup busy.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken (plain, no seasoning)
• 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Spoon the mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
3. Freeze for at least 2 hours.
4. Pop them out and let your pup enjoy!

Conclusion

And there you have it — your pup’s game day is officially covered! With dog-friendly snacks and simple swaps, your Super Bowl party can be fun for everyone in the family. 

Want to keep your dog’s tail wagging long after the final touchdown? Treat them to a meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition, like our Chicka Chicka Bow Wow or Beef Pot Roast. At A Pup Above, we cook up human-grade sous-vide meals that make every day feel like a victory. 

Here’s to good food, good games, and happy pups! 

Sources:

Can Dogs Drink Milk? Is Milk Bad for Dogs? | American Kennel Club

Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can or Can't Eat | AKC

Paws Off Xylitol; It's Dangerous for Dogs | FDA

8 Toxic Foods for Dogs | Consumer Reports