My Dog Ate Traeger Pellets What Should I Do?

Do you enjoy cooking outside using a pellet grill? If so, then you may use Taeger wood pellets, which are very popular. They’re also sometimes used to add certain flavors to foods cooked on the grill.

But can Traeger pellets make your dog sick? Are Traeger pellets toxic to dogs?

In this article, we’ll take a look at what Traeger pellets are, what they’re made of, and whether or not they can make your dog sick. Let’s get started!

What are Traeger Pellets?

Traeger pellets are made to use with wood-burning outdoor grills. The pellets are all-natural hardwood, which can be used for smoking, roasting, baking, braising, or BBQ. Only natural hardwoods are used to make the pellets, with no unnatural additives.

The wood pellets do, however, contain food-grade soybean oil. This is used as a lubricant for the wood plants’ processing machines. Otherwise, the wood pellets contain no other ingredients. They’re not even held together with anything other than compression of the wood.

Traegers wood pellets are completely safe when used as directed. But can Traegers pellets make your dog sick?

Traegers Wood Pellets & Dogs

The fact is that the pellets can make your dog sick. They don’t contain any toxic ingredients, which is great news! The problem, however, is that the pellets are made from wood. When ingested, the pellets can absorb fluid from the digestive tract, which causes the wood to swell. The danger is the pellets could cause a bowel obstruction in the dog.

Symptoms of a Bowel Obstruction in Dogs

You may notice these symptoms if your dog has ingested Traegers wood pellets:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal swelling & pain
• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy

If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, then call the vet immediately. This could be a life-threatening medical emergency.

Be sure to let the vet know your fur baby has eaten Traegers pellets, as well as how many your dog ate. If possible, also let the vet know how long ago this happened.

Treatment of Bowel Obstruction in Dogs

At the vet’s, they will perform a complete physical of your dog, which may include lab work and x-rays. The x-rays are done to show where the wood pellets are in the dog’s digestive system. In addition, your fur baby may require an IV, which is used to rehydrate him, as well as make it easier to give medications that may be required.

If the wood pellets are in the dog’s stomach, the vet may be able to remove them via an endoscopic procedure. Otherwise, your canine companion may require emergency surgery.

In this type of medical emergency, the key to saving your dog’s life is to get medical help as soon as possible. The prognosis is excellent for dogs who receive prompt medical care.