Tonight’s dinner: summer sausage. And just as soon as you lay down the platter on the dinner table, your dogs lock their eyes with yours. As if on cue, they do their best to do the best puppy eyes bit, making you know their intentions. As the seconds pass by, it’s becoming harder for you to refuse their demands for a tasty treat.
But can dogs eat summer sausages?
Unfortunately, summer sausage isn’t safe or healthy for your dogs. Although satisfying and filling for humans, feeding your dogs with summer sausage can cause several health problems because it contains the following ingredients:
Garlic
Although garlic is safe for people to eat, it is considered toxic to dogs. Remember, not all human food is considered safe for canines to eat because of the way they metabolize their food.
Garlic contains thiosulfate, which can damage your dogs’ red blood cells. When a dog eats food with garlic, they can suffer from a condition known as hemolytic anemia. This can trigger extreme weight loss, labored breathing, and signs of blood loss (blood in the stool, urine, and vomit).
Onion
Like garlic, onion is considered bad for dogs because it contains N-propyl disulfide. This compound can also damage your dogs’ red blood cells.
Salt
A small amount of salt can benefit dogs. However, excessive amounts of salt can cause short- and long-term health risks to dogs.
Short-term, too much salt in your dogs’ diet can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, incoordination, and excessive thirst. Long-term, salt can cause coma, seizures, and sudden death among dogs.
Fat
Like salt, a small amount of fat can be beneficial to canines. However, eating excessive amounts of fatty food can lead to a condition known as pancreatitis. Breeds like the Yorkshire terrier and Shetland sheepdog are particularly vulnerable to this condition.
What Happens If Your Dog Eats Summer Sausage?
Maybe you caved in and gave your dogs a small piece of summer sausage. Or perhaps, they managed to steal this tasty treat from your plates. Now, you’re wondering what will happen next to your dogs.
Different dogs have different reactions after eating summer sausage, but it’s best to take them to the vet if they exhibit any of the following:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Vomiting
When left untreated, these symptoms can worsen and cause severe pain and discomfort to dogs. The sooner you take them to the vet, the better chances they’ll have of surviving.
Can Dogs Eat Other Types Of Sausages?
No, because sausages contain harmful ingredients for dogs. Most sausages are bad for dogs, which is why you should avoid giving these cured meats to your furry friends.
Many types of sausages are calorie-dense, with some containing as much as 176 calories. If your dogs are under a calorie restriction diet, a single piece of sausage containing 176 calories can already take a toll on their health.
Aside from that, most sausages contain alarmingly high levels of fat and salt. These ingredients are harmful to your dogs and can have long-term effects on their health.
What Are Canine-Friendly Alternatives To Summer Sausages?
For your dogs to live a happier and healthier life, remove summer sausages from their diets. Instead, feed them with the following alternatives:
Apples
Apples are an excellent addition to your dogs’ diets as they’re packed with vitamins A, C, and dietary fiber. Apples can also keep your dogs’ teeth clean and freshen their breath. Just make sure to remove the core and seeds before feeding the fruit to your fur babies.
Watermelon
Due to its high water content, giving watermelon to your dogs can aid in their hydration. Watermelons also contain vitamins A, B6, C, and potassium. And because this fruit only contains about 50 calories a cup, it’s a great snack for overweight dogs or those who are trying to keep their weight in check.
Green Beans
Green beans are loaded with different types of vitamins and minerals. This vegetable has calcium, iron, and vitamins A, B6, C, and K. Green also has high levels of fiber that can help improve and maintain your dogs’ digestive tracts.
Bananas
Looking for something sweet and healthy for your dogs? Feed them bananas as occasional snacks or treats. This fruit can help maintain healthy blood pressure, strengthen muscles, and increase bone strength in dogs. Bananas can also supercharge your dogs’ immune systems, keeping them safe against common illnesses and diseases.
Blueberries
Blueberries are healthy treats for your dogs because they’re low in calories and contain vitamins C, K, antioxidants, and fiber. These nutrients are essential for your dogs to have healthy immune systems and improved bone health.
Work With A Vet
You love your dogs, and you want to spoil them. But sometimes, saying “no” to their wants is the best way of telling your dogs that you love them.
If you have questions about summer sausages and how they can affect your dogs’ health, consult a vet. They can help you create the healthiest diet for your fur babies!