Can Dogs Eat Sausage? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & Safety Guide

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Sausage is a delicious and hardy breakfast food that perfectly pairs with pancakes or eggs. But is it safe to share this mouthwatering meaty morsel with your dog?
Let’s cut to the chase: while sausage is a meat product, it isn’t a healthy snack for dogs.
Here is everything you need to know about why feeding your dog sausage isn’t the smartest idea, as well as some safer protein alternatives.
Why is Sausage Not Suitable for Dogs?
While it may be tempting to treat your dog to a piece or two of sausage, it’s not the best idea. Even when your pooch is flashing you those big, sad, pleading eyes, don’t give in.
The main reason why your dog should skip the sausage is that it contains an extremely high level of fat, depending on the type of meat. Not only can this predispose your dog to obesity due to excess calories if offered on a long-term basis alongside regular food and other treats, but it can also increase the risk of developing pancreatitis in susceptible dogs, although the role of fat in developing pancreatitis still remains unclear.1
Moreover, sausage is typically loaded with salt, which is more than dogs would need in normal circumstances. Excess amounts of salt may also lead to digestive signs. Other types of seasonings that sausage may contain include spices, garlic and onions, the latter two both being considered toxic to dogs.
Is Sausage Good for Dogs?
Meat is usually good for dogs. They are, of course, facultative carnivores. Meat is a great source of protein and offers many different kinds of essential amino acids, vitamins, and nutrients, all of which are beneficial to dogs.
However, due to the high-fat content found in sausage, this type of meat is not good for your pet. While it is safe to feed a small piece of sausage to your dog every now and then, you should never overdo it. Also, never offer your dog sausage that contains garlic, onions, or any spices.
What Happens if My Dog Eats Sausage?
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Abdominal pain
If you notice your pet displaying any of the aforementioned signs, take away their food for about 8 hours until their stomach settles. Be sure to provide them with plenty of water. If the problem persists or your dog becomes lethargic, continues vomiting, or has a painful or distended abdomen, take your pet to your local veterinary practice. The same advice applies if there is any onion or garlic in the sausage. Depending on your dog’s size and the amount of ingested sausage, your vet can advise if your dog needs to be seen for treatment.
Be aware that fresh or undercooked sausage may put both you and your pet at risk of harmful health conditions such as a stomach upset or food poisoning signs if the meat was contaminated with bacteria during processing or packaging, or a parasitic infestation known as trichinosis.
Avoid Sausage Grease
Never, ever try to enhance the flavor of your dog’s kibble by pouring sausage grease over it. The high fat and salt levels can lead to one very sick pup.
Sausage Substitutes
If you want to treat your dog to a tasty tidbit, consider feeding them a piece of plain cooked chicken or turkey meat. Beef meat can also be a suitable choice for your pet, as long as it does not contain any seasoning, garlic, or onions, and is cooked rather than roasted.
Summary
While a small piece of cooked sausage won’t harm your dog, sausage isn’t the best snack for pooches. Sausage is loaded with salt and fat and can seriously upset your pet’s stomach.
So, don’t be tempted to share your love of breakfast food with your pet. Thankfully, your dog’s health means even more to you!
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