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Can Dogs Eat Sausage?
Please read the risks below before offering any.
Is sausage safe for dogs?
Sausage is ground meat mixed with fat, salt and seasonings, stuffed into a casing and cooked. A small piece of plain, fully cooked sausage is unlikely to cause immediate harm, but sausages are high in fat and salt and often contain garlic or onion powder.
How to reduce the risks if you offer sausage
- Check the ingredient list for garlic, onion or other seasoning before offering any
- Remove the casing if it looks tough
- Offer only a small piece, cooked through, as a rare treat
What to avoid
- Raw or undercooked sausage
- Sausages made with garlic, onion, or other seasoning
- Regular feeding, because of the fat and salt content
How much sausage can my dog have?
If you decide to offer sausage despite the cautions above, give just one tiny taste and check with your vet first, especially if your dog has any health condition. When in doubt, skip it.
Signs your dog may be having a problem
Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, pawing at the mouth, loss of appetite, tiredness, a swollen or painful belly, or trouble breathing. Contact your vet right away if you see these signs, or if your dog has eaten any of the parts listed above.
Frequently asked questions
Can puppies eat sausage?
Because sausage needs extra caution for adult dogs, it is best to avoid it for puppies.
What if my dog ate too much sausage?
The most common result is an upset stomach with vomiting or diarrhea. Offer water, skip further treats, and call your vet if symptoms are severe or last more than a day, or if your dog ate any of the parts listed under "What to avoid".
Should sausage be a regular part of my dog's diet?
No. We recommend not making sausage a regular part of your dog's diet.
More questions dog owners ask
Wondering about the other pet in your home? Can Cats Eat Sausage?