As the name suggests, Vienna sausages were originally from Vienna, Germany, and are now being sold in cans worldwide. Vienna sausages have become a hit in many households because they’re available almost anywhere and require very little cooking time.
And because their smell resembles hotdogs, your dogs might often come running to you once you cook and eat Vienna sausages at home. The aroma of Vienna sausages is enticing to humans, much more to your dogs’ sensitive noses. But are Vienna sausages dog-friendly?
Unfortunately, Vienna sausages and dogs don’t go well together, which is why you should never feed any to your pets. Feeding Vienna sausages to your dogs can lead to the following risks:
High in Fat and Calories
Vienna sausages contain excessive amounts of fats and calories, making them very dangerous for canines who are prone to weight gain or who are already obese. Feeding your dogs with Vienna sausages can lead to serious health issues, such as pancreatitis and kidney problems.
High in Salt
Dogs need very little sodium in their diets, and more often than not, their daily kibbles can already provide this requirement. Because Vienna sausages are high in fat, giving any to your fur babies can cause bloating, dehydration, or excessive urination.
Packed With Additives
Vienna sausages are made with different types of additives in order to improve their shelf life. These additives can trigger several health problems among canines, such as heart diseases. Depending on the amount consumed and your dogs’ sensitivities, additives can also cause skin allergies, behavioral issues, eye irritation, respiratory problems, and even cancer.
Seasoned With Toxic Ingredients For Dogs
To improve the taste of Vienna sausages, onion powder and garlic powder are usually added. These ingredients are toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal issues and upset stomachs. When consumed in large amounts, onion powder and garlic powder can also trigger poisoning, which can lead to sudden death among dogs.
Little Nutritional Value
Vienna sausages have very little nutritional value and are only high in calories and fat. Feeding any of your four-legged friends will only do more harm than good in the long run because without proper nutrition, your dogs will end up becoming lethargic and sickly.
May Cause Cancer
Vienna sausages are high in carcinogens, which means that giving them to your dogs can increase their risk of developing cancer. According to cancer.org, eating at least 50 grams of processed meat every day can increase risk of cancer by up to 18%.
When Should You Take Your Dogs to the Vet?
If your dogs ate Vienna sausages without your consent, take them to the vet once they exhibit any of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Increased urination
- Vomiting
Are There Any Healthier Alternatives for Dogs?
Yes, there are! If you don’t want your dogs to feel sad as you munch on Vienna sausages at home, feed them any of the following:
Cooked Sweet Potato
According to PETMD, cooked sweet potatoes are excellent sources of vitamin A for canines, which promotes healthy skin and coats and stronger bones and muscles. Cooked sweet potatoes are also packed with iron, potassium, and calcium, just to name a few!
Banana Slices
Bananas are great for dogs because they’re high in vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium. In fact, many experts worldwide recommend pet owners to feed banana slices to their dogs instead of store-bought, fatty treats. Bananas are also naturally low in calories, making them a great snack for overweight dogs.
Cooked Chicken
Because it’s lean meat, cooked chicken offers many health benefits to your four-legged friends. For one, cooked chicken provides protein to dogs without a big calorie count. Cooked chicken also builds stronger, leaner muscle mass in canines and delivers omega-6 fatty acids that maintain healthier skin and shinier coats.
Can Dogs Eat Chicken Vienna Sausages?
Regardless if they’re made from chicken, turkey, or beef, Vienna sausages are unhealthy for your dogs and should never be part of their diets. All types of Vienna sausages contain sodium, fat, preservatives, and spices that can cause severe health problems to dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Other Types of Sausages?
No, any type of sausages should never be part of your dogs’ diets. All sausages are made with artificial flavorings, taste enhancers, and processed meats. This means that all sausages can trigger various health risks to canines.
Talk To Your Vet ASAP
Vienna sausages are a no-no to dogs, so avoid giving any to your fur babies. If your dogs were able to take Vienna sausages off of the table, reach out to your vet immediately. Don’t wait for any symptoms to go away on their own because more often than not, they only get worse over time.