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Can My Dog Eat Sausage?

Can dogs eat sausage? Find out if sausage is okay for dogs to eat, and what risks are involved, along with other human food options to give your pup as a treat.

can dogs eat sausage

Dogs need a ton of protein in their diet to stay healthy, so sausage might seem like a suitable source to some.

The question is, is sausage actually healthy for dogs? Does it pose any health risks?

Can My Dog Eat Sausage?

Your dog is unlikely to have adverse effects after just one small serving of sausage, however, it’s certainly not recommended.

In fact, the smaller your dog is, and/or the larger the amount that they eat in relation to their size, the more likely they are to get sick from eating sausage.

Why?

Similar to pepperoni, most sausage contains spices and ingredients that are harmful or even toxic to dogs.

It’s very high in salt and fat, and usually contains garlic and onion, both of which put your dog at risk of anemia.

You should avoid pretty much all manufactured meats as they can contain sulfite preservatives. These can cause a thiamine deficiency, which can be fatal.

Can My Dog Eat Raw Sausage?

Raw food diets can be great for dogs, but sausage is not on the list of approved meats.

Undercooked or raw sausage is a major health threat to dogs because it can cause a parasitic infection called Trichinosis.

can dogs eat sausage

The real question isn’t whether or not your dog can have sausage, but rather should they?

In all reality, your dog could probably get away with having a tiny bit of sausage every now and then, but since we don’t know your dog’s health or any potential complications, there’s really no right answer as far as the amount.

So, the recommendation you’ll see frequently is to simply avoid it altogether, and if they happen to eat some by accident, watch for any of the following symptoms.

Symptoms To Watch For

If your dog consumes sausage, watch for these symptoms:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy

FAQs about dogs eating sausage

No, it doesn’t matter if the sausages are cooked, they are still unhealthy. However, the risk of Trichinosis specifically goes down the more that sausages are cooked. However, the fat content and harmful spices still pose a threat.

Your dog may or may not need medical attention from a veterinarian after consuming sausage. The symptoms you should watch for include a change in appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy.

They might have zero symptoms or issues, but this should not be taken as a sign to give them more sausage.

The more they eat, the worse it is for their body.

No, the type of sausage doesn’t matter.

Even vegetarian sausage options like Quorn still contain harmful spices and too much fat content.

Check out our list of human foods that are safe for dogs if you’re looking for a fun way to share your food with your pup.

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FrugLife strives to provide accurate advice and helpful resources to pet owners. Your pet’s health is important to us, so please remember that the content on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, and is for entertainment purposes only. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified animal healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s medical or behavioral condition.

*Post originally published September 2022, last updated February 2023.

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