Seeing as dogs are omnivores, they require a significant quantity of protein in their diets to stay healthy. Sausages are rich in protein, which is why you might see dogs consuming them.
While they are a tasty snack for humans, can dogs eat sausage safely? Sausages are not suitable for dogs and can make them very sick. If you want to keep your dog safe, then you need to know how to make sure they avoid eating sausages.
This post looks at the likely dangers of sausages for dogs and tips on keeping them away from them.
What Are Sausages?
Sausages are a type of processed meat that is popular worldwide. They are made from pork, beef, chicken, lamb, or turkey and usually include herbs and spices.
They are usually sold in links or small cylindrical tubes of meat. Sausages can also be bought as ground meat, which is then used to make dishes such as sausage casseroles or pasta sauces.
Sausages also come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. There are small, thin sausages such as breakfast sausages, and there are also large, thick sausages famous in Germany and Austria.
Sausages are a popular food among humans, but can dogs eat sausage?
Dangers of Sausage for Dogs
Sausages are not healthy for dogs for a few reasons.
The first reason is that sausages are high in fat, and dogs don’t need that much fat in their diets. Fatty foods can cause pancreatitis or intestinal blockage, a severe and potentially deadly disease in dogs.
Secondly, sausages are also high in sodium, which can cause dogs to develop kidney problems. Too much sodium in a dog’s diet can also lead to hypertension, another serious health condition.
Sausages are also processed meat, which means they are not as healthy as fresh meat. Processed meats are often high in nitrates, which are dangerous for dogs. Nitrates can cause cancer in dogs, so it is best to avoid giving them sausages.
Lastly, sausages can be an allergy food for dogs. If your dog is allergic to pork, beef, chicken, lamb, or turkey, it might also be allergic to sausages.
Effect of Dog Eating Sausages
If your dog eats sausages, it can cause serious health problems. Some include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pancreatitis
- Obesity
- Intestinal blockages
- Diabetes
- Allergies
- Cancer
Eating sausage can, at best, cause some gastric upset and, at worst, lead to death. Sausage is not healthy for humans regularly, and it’s even less healthy for dogs.
Of course, it won’t be a medical emergency if your dog eats the occasional sausage that falls off the table, but it’s not a good idea to make it a regular part of their diet.
Sausage, just like hot dogs and bacon, are known carcinogens. That means that consuming them regularly can lead to cancer for your dogs. These processed meats contain nitrates and nitrites, known to cause cancer.
It’s not always easy to keep your dog from eating things they shouldn’t, but with a bit of effort, you can keep them safe.
Tips on Keeping Dogs Away From Sausages
If you don’t want your dog eating sausages, then there are a few things you can do to keep them away from this food.
Keep Sausages Out of Reach
One of the best ways to prevent your dog from eating sausages is to keep them out of reach. This means keeping them in a cabinet or somewhere else that your dog can’t get to. However, if you have a particularly determined dog, you may need to take additional measures!
For example, some people put their sausages in the refrigerator. This way, even if your dog does get into them, they won’t be able to overeat because they’ll be cold and hard (dogs tend not to like this).
Put Sausages in a Locked Cabinet
If you want to be extra sure that your dog can’t get to the sausages, put them in a locked cabinet. This will keep them out of reach and safe from your dog.
Watch Your Dog When You Are Cooking Sausages
If you have ever seen a dog eat sausage, it can be pretty messy. The problem with this is that it makes them look bad, and it smells terrible. Most people don’t want their dogs smelling like meat when around other animals or small children.
One way to prevent this from happening is by placing a muzzle on your dog when you are cooking sausages. This will prevent them from getting too close to the food and licking off any grease on it.
Train Your Dog to Avoid Eating Sausages
If you are worried about your dog eating sausages, then the best thing you can do is train them to avoid them altogether. One way to do this is by using positive reinforcement.
Whenever your dog doesn’t eat sausage, give them a treat or some other form of praise. This will help them learn that sausages are not something they should be interested in.
Substitute Sausages With Healthy Alternatives
If you want to make sure your dog doesn’t eat sausages, then you can substitute them with healthier alternatives. There are many different types of food that you can give your dog that are just as fulfilling as sausages but are much more beneficial.
Some good examples include chicken, beef, and fish. It’s essential to mix things up so your dog doesn’t get bored of eating the same thing all the time!
You can also look for healthier alternatives such as prepared veggies and rice/pasta. Foods such as these are low in fat and high in fiber, making them a good option for your dog.
Additional Safety Tips
Here are a few additional tips to help keep your dog safe from sausages:
- Don’t give your dog raw sausage, as it can contain bacteria that make them sick.
- If your dog does eat a sausage, don’t panic! There is a minimal chance of your dog having a medical emergency if they taste the occasional sausage.
- Make sure that you are feeding your dog a balanced diet and getting enough exercise. This will help reduce the likelihood of them wanting to eat sausages in the first place.
- Always supervise your dog when they are eating. This will help ensure they don’t eat any dangerous foods like sausages.
Alternative Substitutes for Dog Eating Sausages
If you don’t want your dog eating sausages, you can always feed them other types of protein. There are many different types of high-quality protein out there, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find something your dog will love.
Some good options include:
- Chicken: Dogs love chicken, and it is an excellent source of protein. You can either cook it yourself or buy it pre-cooked from the store.
- Beef: Beef is a good source of nutrients and vitamins. Like chicken, you can cook it yourself or buy it pre-cooked.
- Fish: This is a healthy and delicious option for your dog. There are many different types of fish, so you can find one that your dog will love. Like the others, you can either cook it yourself or buy it pre-cooked from the store.
Rather than giving your dog sausages or other meats to eat, you can also give them:
- Vegetables: Dogs love vegetables, and they are a great way to add some nutrients to a dog’s diet. These include carrots, broccoli, peas, and green beans.
- Fruits: Dogs love fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges. They are also a healthy way to add some sweetness to your dog’s diet without adding too many calories or sugar content.
FAQs About Dogs Eating Sausage
Do Dogs Like Sausage?
Dogs do like sausage, but they’re not the healthiest food option for them. There are many other types of food that you can give your dog that are just as fulfilling as sausages but are much more beneficial.
Can Dogs Eat Sausage As a Treat?
Sausages can be given to dogs as a treat, but only in moderation. Overeating can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
Always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any new type of food, including sausages. This will help ensure that your dog gets the proper nutrients and diet for their individual needs.
Can Dogs Eat Sausage Rolls?
No, sausage rolls shouldn’t be fed to dogs. They contain processed meat and ingredients that are harmful to dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Sausage Links?
No, sausage links shouldn’t be fed to dogs. They contain processed meat and ingredients that are harmful to dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Cured Sausages?
No, cured sausages shouldn’t be fed to dogs. Like all other types of sausage, they contain processed meat and ingredients that are harmful to dogs, as stated in the paragraphs above.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Sausage?
No, raw sausage shouldn’t be fed to dogs. It can contain harmful bacteria that can make them sick.
Is Chicken Sausage Healthier Than Pork Sausage?
Yes, chicken sausage is healthier than pork sausage. It has less fat and more fiber than pork sausage. This makes it a better choice for your dog’s diet. Do check the nutrition information for excessive sodium content.
What Age Can Dogs Eat Sausages?
Sausages are not recommended for dogs of any age, as they are not a healthy food option. There are many other types of food that you can give your dog that are just as fulfilling as sausages but are much more beneficial, like fruits and vegetables.
Can Puppies Eat Cooked Sausages?
No, puppies should not eat cooked sausages. They contain processed meat and ingredients that are harmful to dogs. Puppies should only be fed unprocessed meats, such as chicken, beef, or fish.
Can Dogs Eat Beef Sausages?
Yes, dogs can eat beef sausages. They are a good source of protein and nutrients, and dogs usually enjoy them. However, be sure to check the ingredients list to ensure that there is no added salt or other unhealthy ingredients.
How Long After Eating a Sausage Will a Dog Get Sick?
After a dog eats sausage, it can take a while for them to start feeling sick. This means that you may not see any symptoms immediately after your dog consumes them.
However, if you do notice any changes in your dog’s behavior or health, be sure to contact your veterinarian immediately.
Dog Sick After Eating Sausage?
If your dog is acting odd or seems sick after eating sausage, it’s best to contact your veterinarian. Sausages, especially raw ones, can contain harmful bacteria that can make dogs sick.
Bottom Line
Can dogs eat sausage? No.
Keeping sausages out of reach, placing a muzzle on your dog when cooking them, training them to avoid eating them, and substituting them with healthy alternatives will ensure that your dog stays safe and doesn’t get sick.
If your dog does ingest a sausage, then contact your veterinarian immediately. As always, supervise your dog when eating to ensure that they don’t eat anything dangerous.
Keep a close eye on your dog when cooking sausages, as even one piece can be harmful. There are many healthy alternatives to sausages that your dog will love just as much, so try mixing things up and giving them a variety of foods so they don’t get bored.
If you’re looking for some good alternatives, check out some of our other dog food-related articles.