Throw These Pet-Safe Kabobs on the Grill at Your Next Backyard BBQ

Throw These Pet-Safe Kabobs on the Grill at Your Next Backyard BBQ

One of our favorite things about warm weather is backyard BBQs. While you’re grilling up your own favorites, why not whip up a special treat for your furry friends—so they can join the alfresco fun too? These pet-safe kabobs are simple to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and guaranteed to get tails wagging and purrs humming.

Created by cookbook authors and Trunk Pop Dinners co-founders Marge Perry and David Bonom, this DIY recipe features fresh, high-quality protein and vegetables—carefully selected for safety and nutrition in both dogs and cats. Best of all? It takes just 15 minutes to prep and under 10 minutes to grill.

These kabobs are made with human-grade ingredients, so they’re safe for your two-legged loved ones too—making your next gathering a true family (and fur-family) affair.

Pet-Safe Kabobs for Dogs and Cats

Ingredients

• For dog-sized kabobs: 8 ounces ground turkey breast, ¼ cup cooked brown rice, 6 (1¼-inch) squares of red bell pepper, 2 (½-inch-thick) slices of zucchini cut into thirds, and 3 trimmed green beans halved crosswise.
• For cat-sized kabobs: 4 ounces ground turkey breast, 2 tablespoons cooked brown rice, 12 (½-inch) squares of red bell pepper, 2 (½-inch-thick) slices of zucchini cut into 6 wedges, and 3 trimmed green beans cut crosswise into 4 pieces each.

Supplies

• 6-inch bamboo skewers
• Grill
• Bowl
• Knife

Makes

• 6 large kabobs (for dogs) or 12 small kabobs (for cats)
• Serving size: 1 large kabob per dog or 1 small kabob per cat
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 4–8 minutes (4–5 minutes for cats, ~8 minutes for dogs)

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (350–450°F). Soak the bamboo skewers in warm water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning. In a bowl, combine the ground turkey breast and cooked brown rice, mixing thoroughly.
2. For dogs: Shape the mixture into 12 (1-ounce) balls, each about 1½ inches in diameter. For cats: Shape into 24 (¼-ounce) balls, each about ½ inch in diameter.
3. Chop the vegetables as directed: slice the red bell pepper into squares, cut the zucchini into thirds (dogs) or 6 wedges (cats), and trim and halve (dogs) or quarter (cats) the green beans.
4. Thread each skewer with 1 piece of bell pepper, 2 meatballs, 1 zucchini piece, and 1 green bean segment.
5. Place kabobs directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and grill, turning occasionally, until the turkey is fully cooked—about 8 minutes for dog-sized kabobs or 4–5 minutes for cat-sized ones.
6. Let cool completely before carefully sliding the ingredients off the skewers. Serve as a tasty, satisfying treat.

FurPetVo Food Safety & Feeding Tips

To keep treats safe and nutritious:

• Refrigerate leftovers within 1 hour of preparation and consume within 3–4 days—or freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month.
• This recipe was developed for both dogs and cats and reviewed by a licensed veterinarian through FurPetVo.
• It’s intended as an occasional treat—not a meal replacement. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily caloric intake.
• Overfeeding treats—even healthy ones—can lead to nutrient imbalances or weight gain.
• If your pet has food sensitivities, allergies, or underlying health conditions (such as pancreatitis or kidney disease), consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods. You’ll find vet-approved guidance and personalized feeding advice at furpetvo.com.

Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or enjoying a quiet evening in the yard, these kabobs bring joy, flavor, and care to every bite—because at FurPetVo, we believe every member of the family deserves a seat (and a skewer) at the table.