Sausage is a popular meat product that can be found in almost every cuisine. Sausage can be made from beef, pork, chicken, and even venison. There are even vegan sausage options now!
Sausage is a processed meat that contains salt and other preservatives to keep it fresh longer. These additives can be a problem for dogs, especially if they eat too much of it.
Although it is not common, some dogs do enjoy the taste of sausage. Unfortunately, dogs cannot digest the preservatives in sausage which can make them sick. Even if your dog does not eat the sausage alone, they may still risk illness if it is present in their food bowl with other foods.
Some signs of sausage poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, and frothing at the mouth. If you notice these signs in your dog after they have eaten sausage, call your veterinarian immediately.
Is it safe for dogs to eat sausage?
While sausage may be a dog-friendly food, certain types of sausage can be harmful to canine companions. Because sausages contain meat, they are an attractive treat for dogs.
However, some sausages contain onions or garlic. Although dogs can eat small amounts of garlic, it can be toxic to them. Onions are also harmful to dogs due to their toxicity.
So, how can you tell if a sausage is safe for your dog? It comes down to what ingredients it has in it.
Sausage made only from meat is definitely safe for your dog. If it has any other ingredients such as spices or cheese, then it is not safe for dogs because of those additions.
What types of sausage are safe for dogs?
Any type of sausage can be a little tricky when it comes to dogs. While some sausages contain no meat or protein content, they are still made with animal byproducts and/or gluten.
So, even veggie sausages can be problematic for dogs due to the globs of seeds used in the recipe. Gluten is not ideal for canine diets either.
Fresh sausages are also a problem as they may contain bacteria such as Listeria. These do not belong in a dog’s system due to its weak immune system.
For safe sausages for your dog, look for ones that are soybean or potato based. These are easily found at your local grocery store and veterinary approved! Just make sure your dog does not eat them all in one sitting, though.
What types of sausage should be avoided?
While plain sausage without any added seasoning is usually considered safe, there are a few types you should avoid.
These include sausage with grape jelly or fruit puree as a filling, as these contain sugar that can be harmful to dogs; meatloaf mix sausage, which contains different meats that your dog may not be accustomed to eating, such as chicken or beef; and pork breakfast sausage, which contains different spices your dog may not like.
Sausage containing monk fruit extract, soy protein concentrate, soy sauce or salt water is also unsafe for dogs.
Lastly, avoid hot dogs entirely as these contain no meat and are simply a processed tube of chemicals your dog does not need in their diet.
Sausage can be a tricky food to introduce into your dog’s diet. It is important to watch how much you give them and make sure it is okay for them before adding it to their diet.
How much sausage can a dog eat?
While most cases of sausage poisoning are due to people eating the meat, dogs can also be affected by the sausage casing itself.
Because it is a meat product, your dog may try to eat it. While dogs can eat small amounts of meat, too much can make them sick.
The same goes for sausage as it does for any other type of meat. Too much will cause inflammation in the body and can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. These symptoms are not pleasant for a dog and can be quite serious depending on the amount consumed.
Sausage contains a lot of fat which makes it appealing to dogs. Because of this, they may try to eat more than just a small bite. Make sure your dog does not have access to unlimited quantities of sausage or any other type of meat product for that matter.
Are there other ingredients in sausage that I should know about?
While most sausages contain pork, some contain other meats as well as pork. Some sausages also contain vegetables or spices, which your dog may be sensitive to.
Dairy can also be an ingredient in sausage, which could be problematic for dogs that are lactose intolerant. Because gluten is a protein found in meat and not dogs, sausages can actually be made without meat– making it gluten free!
Sausage can also be high in fat, which can lead to weight gain and stomach upset in dogs. Some sausages are even smoked, which could bring about adverse reactions such as vomiting or diarrhea.
It is important to check the label for all of the ingredients and whether or they are organic before giving your dog sausage. Also, look for organic sausages since they do not contain chemicals or pesticides.
What about dried sausages?
Dried sausages can also be a source of meat for dogs. Just like with regular meats, it is important to make sure it is not contaminated with other foods.
Dogs have no problems eating dried sausages, but once again, it is important to know the dog’s weight and diet requirements.
Some dogs have an aversion to salty foods, so a dried sausage may not be appropriate for your canine companion. It is best to observe their behavior after giving them one. If they appear disoriented or thirsty, then take them to the vet.
Once again, if your dog is overweight, then giving them some dried sausages as a treat may not be the best idea. They are high in fat and can contribute to that Obesity in Dogs article we wrote about earlier.
What spices are used in making sausage?
When making sausage, a variety of spices can be used. Some popular spices include sage, rosemary, paprika, mustard powder, and pepper.
Although sausages can vary in ingredients depending on the brand, most contain some type of meat and spice mixture. Since dogs cannot metabolize many human foods and supplements, it is important to be aware of what is in sausage.
Some sausages contain pork meat while others may use only chicken or other types of meat. Since garlic and onions are sometimes used in the processing of sausage, these are not ideal for dogs.
Cats cannot metabolize glucose so sausages that contain any sort of sugar may not be ideal for them. Ideally, pets with allergies should have sausages that do not contain allergens or additives.
Does my dog like the taste of it?
If your dog does not like the taste of sausage, then he or she will most likely not eat it. If your dog loves the taste of sausage, then they will probably eat it if offered.
Some dogs may love the smell of it, but turn their nose up when offered because of the taste. If your dog is one that turns up the nose at the smell or taste, then you should not give it to them.
If they like to chase a ball and eat it, then give them a little piece to see their reaction. If they seem disinterested or do not play with the ball anymore, do not give them sausage!
Sausage contains a lot of calories and fat which can be unhealthy for dogs.
