Dogs love to munch on things they find tasty, and sausages can be a favorite snack you give them. But can dogs safely eat sausage? Well, sausages by themselves are not poisonous for dogs, but keep reading why they are not a good choice for your dog’s health.
Why Sausages Are Not Safe or Healthy for Dogs
Sausage doesn’t offer any health benefits for your dog, which is almost parallel to humans consuming sausage. Although dogs need meat and protein, the unhealthy aspects of sausages are a concern, and here’s why. First off, most sausages can be very fatty. They can contain up to 50% fat—which is a lot for a dog’s stomach! Eating such high-fat food could lead to some serious health problems, like pancreatitis, obesity, joint issues, and even certain types of cancer.
Besides the processed meat inside, the other bad ingredient is most sausage seasoning. Spicy seasonings can upset a dog’s stomach, causing throwing up or loose stools. Even worse, sausages with onion or garlic can be harmful because those ingredients are toxic to dogs.
Plus, if the sausage isn’t fully cooked, it might have bad bacteria or parasites, like Trichinosis or Salmonella, which can make your dog sick.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Sausage
If you’ve gotten this far, brushed the warning away, and are second-guessing your choices, don’t worry. If your dog has just had a little sausage, they’ll be fine. But you should watch out for signs that something’s wrong. These include a sudden lack of hunger, acting tired, diarrhea, and throwing up. If you see these signs, it’s time for a trip to the vet.
FAQs About Dogs and Sausages
Are sausage substitutes safe for dogs?
It depends on what’s in the substitute. Plant-based sausage alternatives should also be treated the same as some plant-based alternatives for humans: There’s still not enough evidence to support that these new processed alternatives are any better.
What’s a better treat than sausage for my dog?
If you want to give your favorite friend a meaty snack, choose something lean and well-cooked. Avoid fried foods. Baked or boiled chicken, or fish without bones, can be a healthier choice. One choice could be purchasing a bulk of chicken breasts at your nearest Costco or Sam’s Club and meal prepping your dog’s snacks with boiled chicken breast strips. You can also opt for treats made especially for dogs, but be sure to take a look at our list of treats we recommend avoiding.
Final Thoughts
Even though a little sausage might not hurt your dog, is it worth it? Sausages are filled with too much fat and possibly harmful seasonings. Spending a Sunday afternoon meal prepping for your pup and you’ll be happier knowing your dog is healthier.