Homemade diets

Can My Dog Eat Sausage?

 
Josie F. Turner
By Josie F. Turner, Journalist specialized in Animal Welfare. Updated: December 14, 2023
Can My Dog Eat Sausage?
Dogs

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Dogs are known to be some of the most loyal companions, and it only natural that pet owners want to give their furry friends the best care. Many dog owners wonder if dogs can eat sausage. While sausage is a popular food for humans, it is not always the healthiest option for dogs.

In the following AnimalWised article, we will explore whether sausage is safe for dogs and what the risks of feeding dog sausage may be.

You may also be interested in: Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas?
Contents
  1. Are sausages good for dogs?
  2. Benefits of sausages for dogs
  3. How many sausages can a dog eat?
  4. How to give sausage to my dog?
  5. Side effects of sausages for dogs
  6. Contraindications of sausages for dogs

Are sausages good for dogs?

If you live with a dog, you have probably been in the situation of having to give it a pill and met a lot of resistance. In fact, it's common for dog caregivers to hide pills in certain foods they know dogs love to make the task easier. And one of the most common foods caretakers resort to is sausages.

However, before we explain whether sausages are good for dogs or not, it is important to know that there are two types of sausages.

  • Fresh Sausages: these sausages are uncooked and usually made from raw meat that is ground and mixed with spices and other ingredients. They are often grilled or pan-fried and can be made from a variety of meats, including pork, beef, chicken, and turkey.

  • Cooked Sausages: these sausages are pre-cooked and can be eaten cold or heated up. They are usually made from cured meats like ham or bacon and can also include a range of spices and other flavorings.

As a rule of thumb, both sausages are not necessarily good for dogs. While they can be a source of protein, they also contain a lot of fat, salt, and preservatives. These can be harmful to dogs, especially if consumed in large quantities or on a regular basis. Therefore, it is better to avoid giving sausages to our dogs in general.

However, if you are going to feed your dog sausage, it is best to choose a cooked sausage that is low in fat and does not contain harmful ingredients such as onions, garlic, or spices. Even then, it is important that you feed your dog sausage in moderation and as an occasional treat, rather than as a regular part of his diet.

In general, it's important to remember that dogs have different nutritional needs than humans and should be fed a balanced and appropriate diet that is tailored to their specific needs. Treats and table scraps should be given in moderation and not be a regular part of their diet.

You may also be interested in this other article, where we explain what a healthy diet for dogs should include.

Benefits of sausages for dogs

As we have mentioned, sausages are a fatty food (with a lipid content ranging between 20-30%), which also has a high salt content, which is why they are not considered recommended foods for dogs.

However, if you want to give your dog sausage occasionally, there are some possible benefits:

  • Protein: sausage is a good source of protein, which is important for muscle development and overall health in dogs. However, it is important that you choose sausages that are made from high quality, lean meats rather than those that contain a lot of fat and preservatives.

  • Minerals: sausages are also a source of minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, or zinc.

  • B Vitamins: such as thiamine or vitamin B1, riboflavin or vitamin B2, niacin or vitamin B3, pyridoxine or vitamin B6 and cyanocobalamin or vitamin B12.

Finally, dogs can quickly get bored of the same dog food all the time. So giving them a small amount of sausage as a treat will add variety to their diet and make meals more exciting. Also, a shared treat like a sausage can be a great way to bond with your dog and reinforce positive behavior.

However, as we have already mentioned, we would like to emphasize that these nutritional benefits do not outweigh the negative effects that the high fat and salt content of these foods may cause.

How many sausages can a dog eat?

The number of sausages a dog can eat depends on a number of factors, including the dog's size, age, activity level, and overall health.

If you decide to give your dog sausages as a treat, it is important that you do so in moderation and in small amounts. In general, you should limit the amount of sausage your dog eats to no more than 10% of his daily caloric intake.

This means that for an average sized dog, one or two small pieces of sausage may be an appropriate treat.

It is important to remember that treats should not be a regular part of your dog's diet and should not be used as a substitute for a balanced and nutritious diet.

How to give sausage to my dog?

If you decide to give your dog sausages as a treat, it is important to do so in a safe and responsible way to avoid potential health problems. Here are some tips on how to give your dog sausage:

  • Choose the right sausage: look for sausages that are made with high-quality, lean meat and do not contain harmful ingredients such as onions, garlic, or spices. Avoid sausage that contains a lot of fat, salt, or preservatives.

  • Cook the sausage: cook the sausage thoroughly to ensure that any harmful bacteria or parasites are killed. Avoid giving your dog raw or inadequately cooked sausage, as it can pose a risk to his health.

  • Cut the sausage into small pieces: cut the sausage into small pieces to make it easier for your dog to eat and avoid choking hazards. Make sure the pieces are small enough to be easily chewed.

  • Watch your dog's reaction: watch your dog closely for signs of digestive upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, after giving him sausage. If you notice any adverse reactions, stop giving him sausage and consult your veterinarian.

Remember that while sausage can be a tasty treat for dogs, it is not necessarily a healthy or essential part of their diet. Always choose treats wisely and give them in moderation. Be sure to provide a balanced and nutritious diet that meets your dog's specific needs.

Can My Dog Eat Sausage? - How to give sausage to my dog?

Side effects of sausages for dogs

Sausage products can cause a number of possible side effects in dogs, especially if consumed in large quantities or on a regular basis. Here are some of the possible side effects of sausage for dogs:

  • Indigestion: cured meats often contain a lot of fat and salt, which can cause digestive upset in dogs. Eating too much sausage can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal problems.

  • Obesity: sausage products contain a lot of calories and fat, which can lead to obesity in dogs. Obesity can lead to a number of health problems in dogs, including diabetes, heart disease and joint problems.¡

  • Pancreatitis: eating fatty foods such as cured meats can cause inflammation of the pancreas in dogs, which can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

  • Choking: cured meats can pose a choking hazard to dogs, especially if they are not cut into small pieces or if the dog eats too quickly.

Cured meats may also contain ingredients such as onions, garlic, and spices that are toxic to dogs and can cause anemia and other health issues. If your dog shows signs of indigestion or other health problems after eating sausage, stop giving it and contact your veterinarian.

Continue reading this other article about pancreatitis in dogs.

Contraindications of sausages for dogs

As we have explained in this article, although sausages are not a recommended food for dogs, we can occasionally resort to them when necessary. However, there are certain dogs that should not be given this food under any circumstances:

  • Dogs with overweight or obesity
  • Dogs with high blood pressure
  • Dogs with heart disease
  • Dogs with kidney disease
  • Dogs with advanced age
  • Dogs with gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel disease or IBD, pancreatitis, etc
  • Dogs with a digestive system that is particularly sensitive to changes in diet

It is always a good idea to consult your veterinarian for advice on what types of food are safe and healthy for your dog.

If you want to read similar articles to Can My Dog Eat Sausage?, we recommend you visit our Homemade diets category.

Bibliography
  • Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA). Sausage frankfurt. Available at: https://www.mapa.gob.es/es/ministerio/servicios/informacion/salchichas%20frankf_tcm30-103035.pdf
  • Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA). fresh sausages. Available at: cimavet.aemps.es/cimavet/publico/lista.html
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