Some foods that are safe for people to eat may be harmful or even poisonous to dogs, putting its health and well-being at great risk. Here is a list of human foods that you should not give your dog, whether you want to supplement their diet or are tempted to feed them a table scrap here and there.
Raw fish should not be part of a dog’s diet because it can contain parasites like Salmonella that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and even death. There is also an enzyme in raw fish that breaks down Vitamin B2. If you feed your dog raw fish, it could become vitamin B2 deficient. Also, be aware of fish bones, they can be an obstruction risk to your dog.
Shellfish that still have their shells should not be eaten by dogs because the shell can make their stomachs hurt. Plus, shellfish allergies are fairly common in dogs.
Any kind of raw meat, even chicken, should not be given to dogs because it might contain bacteria, just like raw fish. However, fresh human grade meat will be OK to include in their diet.
Don’t give your pet cooked bones because they can easily break apart and hurt their insides or get stuck in their intestines.
Bacon should also be left off the “good list. ” Bacon is rich in fat, which can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Pork is not recommended by Vets.
Avoid sausages and cooked factory-made meats because they may contain sulfite preservatives, which can lead to thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency, which can be fatal. Sausages are also often too fatty and salty.
The Avidin protein in raw egg white stops the absorption of biotin, a vitamin B. However, the yolk has more than enough biotin to balance out the enzyme. Salmonella is the most obvious problem with raw eggs. If eggs are not processed properly, they could make your dog sick.
Onions have thiosulphate, which can hurt your dog’s red blood cells. This can make your dog feel weak, and he or she may even need a blood transfusion.
Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, dehydration, seizures or death.
There are some mushrooms that are poisonous to dogs, so it’s best to keep these foods away from them.
A lot of vitamin A is found in liver. If your dog gets too much of this vitamin, it can hurt his bones and muscles. We put together a list of 100 human foods into a free downloadable poster that shows what foods your dog can eat, what foods they should avoid, and how much of each they should eat. Just click on the button below, print out the A4 poster, and put it on your fridge or somewhere close to where you feed your pet.
Italian sausage is a tasty treat that many dog owners wonder if they can share with their furry friends. However, there are several important factors to consider before feeding your dog this popular meat product. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about dogs and Italian sausage.
What is Italian Sausage?
Italian sausage is a type of pork sausage that typically contains a blend of herbs and spices like fennel, oregano, garlic, pepper and anise. It originated in Italy and comes in two main varieties:
-
Sweet Italian sausage – Made with fresh ground pork and spices, it has a milder flavor without heat from peppers.
-
Hot Italian sausage – Contains crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Both types often contain salt, paprika parsley and curing salts like sodium nitrite. There are also chicken turkey and vegetarian versions available.
Can Dogs Eat Italian Sausage?
The answer is not straightforward Some key considerations
-
Fat content – Italian sausage can be quite fatty. Too much fat can cause pancreatitis in dogs.
-
Spices – Onions garlic and salty seasonings may cause gastrointestinal upset.
-
Preservatives – Curing salts like sodium nitrite are toxic to dogs.
So in most cases, no, dogs should not eat sausage due to the high fat content and seasonings used. But let’s explore in more detail.
Health Risks of Feeding Dogs Italian Sausage
There are several potential health risks with feeding Italian sausage to dogs:
Pancreatitis
The high fat content can trigger a serious condition called pancreatitis where the pancreas becomes inflamed and swollen. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite and abdominal pain. Pancreatitis can range from mild to life-threatening.
Gastrointestinal Upset
Onions, garlic, spices, herbs and excessive salt can irritate a dog’s stomach and intestines, causing vomiting, diarrhea and tummy pain.
Anemia
Onions and garlic contain compounds that can damage red blood cells in dogs, causing anemia. Symptoms include lethargy, weakness and pale gums.
Sodium Nitrite Poisoning
Curing salts like sodium nitrite prevent bacterial growth and give sausage its characteristic color and flavor. However, sodium nitrite is toxic to dogs and can cause a condition called methemoglobinemia. Symptoms include weakness, rapid heart rate, seizures, coma and even death.
Obesity
Like other fatty meats, Italian sausage is high in calories. Overfeeding can quickly lead to weight gain and obesity in dogs.
As you can see, there are many risks with feeding Italian sausage to dogs. It’s best to avoid giving any amount.
Are There Any Safe Options?
The best option is to avoid feeding your dog Italian sausage. However, if you really want to share a small taste, choose a fresh, preservative-free sausage containing minimal herbs and spices. Remove the casing, cook thoroughly, trim off visible fat, and feed just a tiny bite.
Never feed your dog sausage containing onions, garlic, excess spices, or sodium nitrite. Also be very cautious with small dogs, seniors, overweight dogs, or dogs with sensitive stomachs. Consult your vet first if unsure.
Some safer meat alternatives to Italian sausage include:
-
Plain boiled chicken or turkey
-
Lean cooked ground beef or lamb
-
Canned sardines packed in water
-
Cooked eggs
Feed meat in strict moderation while maintaining your dog’s regular balanced diet. Too much fatty meat can still cause gastrointestinal upset.
Signs of Illness
If your dog accidentally eats Italian sausage, watch for these symptoms:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy, weakness or loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Pale gums
- Rapid heart rate or breathing difficulties
- Seizures
Seek veterinary care immediately if you notice any concerning signs of illness after sausage consumption. Timely treatment is crucial.
Preventing Sausage Snacking
The safest approach is to keep all Italian sausage out of your dog’s reach. Follow these tips:
-
Store uncooked sausage in sealed containers in the refrigerator.
-
Keep cooked sausage up and away after meal times. Never leave unattended.
-
Place waste or leftovers in pet-proof garbage cans.
-
Train your dog to avoid counter surfing.
-
If guests visit, inform them not to feed sausage.
-
Walk your dog regularly for mental stimulation and to prevent boredom snacking.
-
Provide plenty of safe chew toys to keep your dog busy.
Staying vigilant will help prevent accidental sausage snacking.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Sausage
If your dog manages to grab some sausage, take these steps:
-
Check the ingredients to determine amounts consumed.
-
Estimate how much sausage was eaten and contact your vet or Pet Poison Helpline.
-
Remove any remaining sausage so your dog can’t eat more.
-
Monitor your dog closely for any symptoms or illness.
-
Induce vomiting only if instructed by your vet and done soon after ingestion.
-
Schedule a veterinary exam even if your dog seems fine. Symptoms can take 12-24 hours to develop.
-
Follow all recommendations from your vet for care and monitoring.
Quick action is important if your dog snacks on forbidden sausage. Alert your vet right away if an incident occurs.
FAQs
Q: Can I give my dog just a little piece of Italian sausage as a treat?
A: No. It’s best not to feed any amount of Italian sausage to dogs due to the risks. There are many safer treats to give your dog instead.
Q: What if my dog eats Italian sausage during a backyard barbecue?
A: Contact your vet immediately. Even if no initial symptoms, your dog should be examined. Symptoms often don’t appear for 12-24 hours after sausage ingestion.
Q: Is Italian sausage more dangerous than other sausages for dogs?
A: Sausages like bratwurst and chorizo also carry risks from fat, spices and preservatives. However, Italian sausage often contains onion and garlic which are toxic for dogs.
Q: Can I remove the casing and seasonings and feed my dog just the pork?
A: This reduces the risk, but the fatty pork is still not ideal nutrition for dogs. Only feed a tiny portion on occasion. Monitor for signs of pancreatitis.
Q: My dog loves sausage – are there any dog-safe alternatives?
A: Check companies like Redbarn that make dog treats shaped and flavored like sausage patties but formulated for canine health. Always supervise treat time.
The Bottom Line
k