Can my dog eat sausage? Probably not. This news might not be the exact answer you are looking for, but the ingredients in sausage make answering the question a bit tricky.
Common ingredients found in sausage include pork, poultry, beef, salt, garlic, onions, beans, spices, fillers, grains, and more. While the meat sources of sausage are ideal for dogs to eat, spices such as garlic and onions are toxic and can lead to death.
So, to answer the question, “Can my dog eat sausage?” the answer is no unless you make homemade plain unseasoned sausage for your dog.
Can My Dog Eat Sausage?
What If My Dog Already Ate Sausage?
If you suspect your dog has already eaten sausage, look out for the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
Can Dogs Eat Breakfast Sausage?
Breakfast sausage is high in salt and fat. It also contains a variety of seasonings such as salt, thyme, sage, parsley, red pepper flakes, maple syrup, and more.
Many of these ingredients can cause stomach upset and digestive discomfort in dogs. It also can contain onions, garlic, and other ingredients that are toxic.
Breakfast is also not a recommended source of protein for dogs. However, if the sausage is unseasoned and you are confident it doesn’t contain any other ingredients, giving a few bites to your dog shouldn’t hurt.
It’s best to check with a veterinarian to confirm if breakfast sausage is best suited for your dog or not.
Dogs that consume plain unseasoned breakfast sausage might have an allergy to poultry, pork, or beef. They will experience the same symptoms mentioned above.
It’s important to take your dog to a veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog is experiencing an allergy or has been poisoned.
Alternatives to Sausage
Can I feed my dog sausage? You know the answer already but there are healthy protein sources you can use as an alternative. Check out the options below.
- Chicken
- Beef
- Lamb
- Duck
- Venison
- Turkey
You can cook any of the items on the list by boiling them in water on the stovetop without putting any salt or seasonings. Your dog will enjoy the natural flavor of the meat.
Also, you can use the following inventive ways to incorporate protein into your dog’s diet.
- Cut cooked protein source into cubes and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can use them as treats to reward your dog for good behavior.
- Shred the cooked protein source and place it on top of your dog’s kibble food for added flavor and protein.
- Place the cooked protein source in the food processor or blender to create a puree. Serve it to elderly dogs that don’t have teeth or mix it with the wet dog food as an added protein source.
- Combine the cooked protein source with other healthy ingredients such as carrots to create a healthy meal for your dog.
Bottom Line
Sausage might not be the best protein source or food to feed your dog but there are plenty of other human food options you can choose instead. If you have doubts about feeding your dog any type of food, make sure you consult with a veterinarian.
Remember, some dogs that are overweight and have underlying illnesses or health issues such as diabetes should not eat certain human foods. Speak to a doggie nutritionist for further assistance with finding the right food for your dog.
While a diet high in protein is best for most dog breeds, make sure the product is high quality to help keep your dog healthy and happy!