It can be hard to resist those puppy dog eyes, especially once your dog has caught a whiff of the delicious food on your plate. Yet, feeding your pet human food such as sausage and pastry can actually be really harmful to them.
Can dogs eat sausage?
While dogs can technically eat sausage rolls, it's not recommended.
Too much sausage can lead to digestive upset or pancreatitis in dogs due to its high-fat content. As an occasional treat, plain cooked sausage can be okay, but it shouldn't make up a significant portion of a dog's diet. Always consult with a veterinarian for dietary advice specific to your dog. If you want to give your dog some sausage, opt for plain, cooked lean sausage in moderation without any spices, seasonings, garlic, or onion.
Can dogs eat pork sausages?
Pork sausages are high in fat and salt and both of these ingredients are bad for your dog’s heart, liver, and kidneys. Plus, most sausages only contain 50% pork or less. Not only does this make sausages a bad source of protein, but it also means that they are made with mainly processed meat, known carcinogens. Many brands of sausage also contain spices such as garlic or nutmeg, which can be toxic to dogs.
While a small amount of sausage probably won’t be dangerous to your pet, it can still upset their stomach. Feeding them large amounts of sausage or small amounts on a regular basis can really deteriorate their health in the long term.
Can dogs eat chicken sausages?
As a lean meat, chicken is a good source of protein for dogs. However, chicken sausages, much like pork sausages, are mainly made up of processed meat with a lot of added fat, salt, spices and seasonings. It’s much better to cook some plain chicken breast and use this as a high-value treat rather than sharing a chicken sausage with your dog.
Can dogs eat sausages raw?
You should never feed your dog raw sausage. Raw pork can contain pathogens such as E. Coli and Salmonella, which can cause your dog to be seriously ill.
If you’re determined to feed your dog sausage, make sure you cook it first. Heating it up in the oven is best, as this will limit the amount of fat used.
Can dogs eat pastry?
The pastry part of a sausage roll is high in fat, which can lead to digestive upset or even pancreatitis in dogs. Feeding sausage rolls to dogs regularly can contribute to obesity and other health issues. It's best to stick to dog-safe treats and foods specifically formulated for their dietary needs to ensure their well-being.
Can dogs eat sausage rolls?
Ultimately, feeding your dog sausage rolls may be even worse than giving them plain sausages! Indeed, sausage rolls contain the same salty and fatty sausages, but the bread also adds on calories and has no nutritional value for your dog.
A small bite of a sausage roll is unlikely to do your dog any harm as long as it's a very occasional treat. But it also won’t do them any good, either. You should instead opt for healthier treats specifically designed for canines, which they'll enjoy just as much and will be better for their health.
What if I feed my dog sausage?
The effect of eating a sausage will depend mainly on how much sausage was eaten and how big your dog is. If your small dog has eaten a whole sausage, for example, you might want to take them to the vet in anticipation of some bad digestive issues.
Eating a sausage isn’t likely to harm your dog, but watch out for these symptoms anyway:
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, take them to your vet as soon as possible. Your vet can prescribe medicine to line your dog’s stomach and halt their sickness.
So there you have it, while sausage and pastry isn’t toxic and won’t kill your dog, it’s certainly not a healthy treat nor a good source of protein. If you want to share some tasty human food with your dog, choose a healthier option, such as unseasoned chicken breast, carrots, or even cheese.
Meats that dogs can and can't eat
