Chorizo has become a popular and well-loved sausage as it can be eaten without cooking or added to different dishes. This pork sausage originated in the Iberian Peninsula but has now become a staple in thousands of homes worldwide.
And because they’re easy to prepare and available almost anywhere, you might be thinking of feeding your dogs with slices of chorizo. Dogs deserve the best in the world — and for some pet owners, this usually means sharing everything they eat, including chorizo.
Unfortunately, chorizo belongs to the list of unhealthy and harmful foods for canines. As a pet owner, you should never share your chorizo with your fur babies as the following ingredients can adversely affect their health:
Salt
Salt is an essential ingredient in making chorizo. Manufacturers dip chorizo in salt and use salt to season it. And while salt is beneficial to increasing the lifespan of chorizo, this ingredient negatively impacts the health of your dogs.
Too much salt can create health issues in dogs as their bodies only require a very small amount of salt every day. For one, salt increases dogs’ blood pressure, which can eventually put too much stress on their kidneys and hearts.
Salt can have more drastic effects when given to senior dogs as it can worsen symptoms of existing health conditions. For example, if your dogs were diagnosed with arthritis, excessive consumption of salt can cause longer and more severe joint pain.
Onion
The onion used in making chorizo is the biggest reason why you should never share the sausage with your fur babies. Regardless of the amount and form (whether it’s fresh or powdered), onions can cause a lot of health problems in dogs.
Onion belongs to the allium family and contains a compound called thiosulphate. Thiosulphate can damage your dogs’ red blood cells and cause anemia when ingested. Anemic dogs usually have little stamina, and get tired easily. They can also exhibit signs of blood loss through bloody noses or blood in their stool, urine, or vomit.
Garlic
Along with onion, chorizos are also heavily seasoned with garlic. This ingredient also belongs to the same family as onion, which means that it also leaves the same adverse effects in canines. Besides anemia, garlic can also cause lethargy, breathlessness, and rapid breathing in dogs.
Paprika
Chorizo recipes use paprika to bring more spice and flavor. And while this ingredient is harmless to humans, it can cause severe skin irritation in dogs. Paprika can also trigger gastrointestinal irritation and stomach problems in dogs.
Pork
Dogs are natural carnivores, but this doesn’t mean that you can feed them any type of meat. Among all the meat available, pork is the most unhealthy — and unfortunately, the most dominant ingredient in chorizos.
Pork has high-fat content that can increase your dogs’ risks of developing many health issues, such as pancreatitis and nutrient deficiency. Too much fat in your dogs’ diets can also lead to weight gain and obesity.
Can Dogs Eat Bacon?
No, dogs shouldn’t be fed with bacon. Similar to chorizo, bacon is also unhealthy for dogs because it contains high levels of salt and fat. When fed regularly, bacon can also trigger pancreatitis in dogs.
Can Puppies Eat Chorizo?
No, you should never feed your puppies with chorizo. Puppies’ stomachs are more sensitive than adults, which means that their bodies can have more serious and longer reactions when fed with chorizo. Since chorizo is a no-go for adult dogs, puppies shouldn’t be fed with it.
When Should You See a Vet?
If your dogs ate chorizo without your consent and start to show symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea, take them to the vet immediately. Vets can properly check and diagnose your pets and treat them right away. The sooner you take your pups to the vet, the better chances they’ll have of surviving.
Are There Healthier Alternatives to Chorizo?
Yes, there are! Dog owners like you actually have a wide variety of options when looking for a safer and healthier alternative to chorizo. Instead of feeding your dogs pieces of chorizo, give them the following occasionally:
Pomegranate
Pomegranates are excellent snacks for your dogs as they’re rich in potassium and vitamin C. This fruit is also packed with calcium that supports strong teeth and bones among canines.
Watermelon
As long as the rinds, skins, and seeds are removed, feeding your dogs with watermelons can provide many health benefits. Watermelons are healthy for your babies as they contain vitamins A, B1, B5, B6, and C. This fruit also has potassium and magnesium, which are essential for your dogs’ metabolic processes and bone mineralization.
Cantaloupes
Cantaloupes are healthy for dogs of all breeds and ages. This fruit is rich in vitamins A and C, and has high amounts of antioxidants. Giving your dogs pieces of cantaloupes as occasional snacks or treats can keep their coat, skin, eyes, and nerves healthy.
Seek For Professional Help
Dogs can’t eat chorizo, so make sure to keep the dish out of their reach. If your dogs stole your chorizo from your plate, reach out to your vet immediately. Informing them ASAP will go a long way in making sure that your four-legged friends remain safe.