Sausage is a quick and easy snack you can safely add to your dog’s diet a few times a week.
Sausage is a regular part of many people’s breakfast routines. It pairs great with so many different breakfast foods, including eggs, pancakes, toast, and much more. Additionally, sausage goes well beyond breakfast and is often a major part of dishes across a variety of cultures.
But what about your furry friend? Can dogs eat sausage? Luckily, the answer is yes, so you won’t have to resist your dog’s puppy dog eyes too much. Just make sure you have all the facts before you incorporate sausage as a regular part of your pup’s daily food habits.
Is Sausage Safe for Dogs?
There are no major risks to consider when dogs eat sausage. Sausage allergies are rare, and if your dog is allergic to sausage, you should be able to tell relatively quickly the first time you feed them a bite. With any new food, only give your dog a very small amount and watch them closely to see how they react.
You can use sausage in moderation to supplement your dog’s diet. It’s packed with protein and other nutrients that help keep your pup’s energy high and their systems functioning properly. Just make sure that your pet’s regular dog food remains at the majority of their daily intake, and don’t replace dog food with foods like sausage.
How Often Can Dogs Eat Sausage?
Wondering if your dog should be snacking on sausages on a regular basis? Keep in mind that a serving size of sausage for your pup should be much smaller than the serving size you would enjoy with breakfast or within a dish.
Dogs can eat sausage a few times per week if they enjoy it. Each time your pup gets a sausage snack, limit their intake to a few small pieces of the sausage rather than the whole thing. Even though sausage isn’t harmful to dogs in small amounts, you shouldn’t give your dog a piece every time they beg for one, as it can cause unwanted begging behaviors to develop.
Benefits of Sausage for Dogs
As mentioned before, sausage is a high-protein food, which is an essential macronutrient for both humans and dogs. Protein is an important part of many internal processes, so the more protein your dog has in their diet, the better their body will function in general.
Sausage also contains multiple micronutrients, which include vitamins and minerals. Your pup could get an extra boost of potassium, iron, Vitamin B12, zinc, and more by taking a few bites of sausage once or twice per week.
Are There Any Dangers?
Eating small pieces of sausage every so often is not a danger to your dog’s health. However, risks can arise depending on how much your dog eats and what the sausage is made with.
If your pup eats an entire sausage in one sitting, they might get sick from how rich and high-fat it is. Additionally, if your dog receives pieces of sausage in their food bowl every day, their risk of gaining unhealthy weight or developing heart problems will only increase with time.
Some sausages are made with seasonings that dogs can’t eat safely. Onions and garlic are both toxic to dogs and unfortunately, these seasonings are exactly what make so many human foods so delicious. Check the ingredients list of your sausages before you feed your dog even the smallest bite.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
If you give your pup a piece of sausage for the first time, watch for these symptoms:
- Nausea
- Quick breathing
- Erratic behavior
- Crying or whining
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Any of these or similar symptoms could indicate that your pup is allergic to sausage. If negative symptoms occur, take your dog to the nearest emergency vet clinic immediately.
How to Make Sausage for Your Pup
To prepare sausage for your dog, start with unseasoned and unsalted sausages. Bake them without any oil. Once they’re done, cut them into small pieces to avoid a choking hazard.
Can dogs eat sausage links? Certainly! Just make sure to follow the same rules regarding choking and cut each link into small pieces for safety.
