Can chihuahuas eat sausage?
Do you know that a single sausage is equivalent to three burgers in your dog’s world!?!
When you see your adorable chihuahua begging for chunks of sausage, it’s hard not to think about “Can chihuahuas eat sausage?”
The truth is that Chihuahuas can eat sausages. But the next question to ask is whether they should be eating any of it at all?
In this article we will explore why chihuahuas should avoid sausages and what the consequences are if they don’t.
We will also explore some alternatives to sausages that you can feed your chihuahua without worrying about overfeeding or under-nourishing them!
Can Chihuahuas Eat Sausage?
Chihuahuas are carnivores and so yes, they can eat sausages.
However, even though chihuahuas can eat sausages, it is not recommended as they are considered unhealthy food.
Sausage is made of very fatty meat and can cause diseases like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, constipation, pancreatitis or even cancer.
The high amount of fat in sausages also raises the cholesterol levels to unhealthy amounts which could lead to kidney failure.
Four out of five vets surveyed in the last 2 years have seen an increase in pet obesity cases. This is a result of owners feeding their pets high-fat foods that they are not meant to eat.
Therefore, although chihuahuas can eat sausages, it is best to avoid them as they are considered bad food.
If you are thinking of what food to give your chihuahua, we have compiled a good list here.
Why Chihuahuas Should Not Eat Sausages?
Chihuahuas should not eat sausages because it is unhealthy for them. Here’re the top 4 reasons to avoid feeding your chi sausages:
1. Sausages Are Fatty
Do you know that sausages can contain as much as 50 percent fat?!! Sausages are high in fat, which can raise the cholesterol levels of your chihuahua to unhealthy amounts. It can also lead to heart problems if your chihuahua consumes sausages on a regular basis.
You may think that a little sausage here and there isn’t going to kill your chihuahua. But research says otherwise!
In fact, it’s estimated that a single hot dog can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease significantly! It is one of the foods listed to be toxic for dogs.
2. Sausages Are Very Salty
Yum, sausages are very delicious. Right? One of the reasons why we love sausages is that it is salty. And this is bad for your chihuahua.
Dogs only require about 100mg of sodium per day according to the National Research Council of the National Academies.
A small piece of cooked sausage (100 grams) may contain as much as 890 mg of sodium which is way above the recommended daily requirement for your chihuahua.
Too much sodium in dogs can cause a variety of health issues like stomach ulcers, kidney problems and high blood pressure, therefore it is not recommended that your chihuahua eats sausages at all.
There are healthier alternatives for sausages like cooked chicken and turkey with vegetables, eggs, rice and apples for variety.
3. Sausages Contain Harmful Preservatives
Commercially available sausages are often made with sulphite preservatives that can cause thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency, which can be fatal for dogs.
Some of the other preservatives found in sausages include nitrates, nitrites and sodium benzoate; all three substances have been linked to cancers like bladder cancer.
4. Sausages May Contain Harmful Spices
Some spices like garlic and onions are considered extremely harmful if your chihuahua ingests them. Sometimes you may not even notice that your sausages are made with something as trivial as onion powder but it can be very dangerous for your dog.
Usually, sausages come with onion powder or garlic powder as an additive to flavor the meat inside of them, which means that they’re hazardous to your chihuahua.
What Are The Signs That My Chihuahua Is Sick From Eating Too Many Sausages?
If your chihuahua consumes too many sausages, watch for these symptoms:
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
How Long After Eating Sausage Will A Chihuahua Get Sick?
Although sausages are bad for health, your chihuahua is unlikely to get sick immediately if he/she eats a sausage once in a while.
Your chihuahua may feel sick if he/she eats too many sausages at one go and may show signs of vomiting, diarrhea or bloating. When this happens, give him/her plenty of water because it will help with dehydration caused by the increased salt intake as well as spices found in sausages.
Next, avoid feeding your chihuahua for the next 24 hours to allow his/her stomach enough time to settle and for the sausages to pass through its system. Following this, your chihuahua should be back to his/her normal self.
What’s In Your Sausage?
Sausages are processed food made of ground meat, water, salt, preservatives and flavorings. You can have different types of meat like pork, beef, lamb or even poultry.
Even if you choose a healthier sausage made with high quality gourmet meat, sausages are still packed with fat, sodium and calories.
Therefore, even the best sausages are not a health food. So it’s not a good idea to have them too often, for yourself as well as your chihuahua.
How Many Sausages Can A Chihuahua Eat?
A chihuahua can eat a small amount of sausage, and if we were to be more specific, it would be about an inch length not more than twice a week.
This occasional little piece of sausage won’t hurt your chihuahua, however, you should not give sausage as part of their daily diet no matter how small an amount.
If you are looking to treat your chihuahua, consider feeding it a small piece of healthy fruit such as apple or strawberry or this Soft Chew Dog Treat for Chihuahuas. This is much healthier than feeding it sausages or any other processed meat.
Will Sausage Kill My Chihuahua?
Even though sausages are high in fats, sodium and calories, they are not going to kill your chihuahua. However, there is the risk that your chihuahua will gain weight and develop a heart condition or other health problems if it eats too many sausages.
As we mentioned earlier that sausages are not healthy and they have too many additives in them which can cause your chihuahua to suffer from health problems such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases or even kidney problems.
The best thing you can do when it comes to sausages is either avoid feeding it to your chihuahua completely or have a moderate amount of it occasionally.
Can I Feed My Chihuahuas Puppies Sausage?
Just like adult chihuahuas, chihuahua puppies can eat sausages but it is best not to feed them as they are unhealthy.
Considering the small size and young age of your chihuahua puppies, it is highly recommended that they do not eat sausages due to the high level of fat and content.
The best way to prevent your chihuahua puppies from eating sausages is to never introduce this food to them in the first place. Also, if they do get a taste of it by accident, it is best to remove it immediately.
Instead, give them the right food for their age like Royal Canin Chihuahua Puppy Food.
Can Chihuahuas Eat Garlic Sausage?
Garlic is one of the most poisonous plants for dogs and can be 5 times more dangerous than chives or onions.
Garlic can be harmful to dogs because it’s high in a chemical called thiosulfate, which is toxic to dogs but not to humans. Thiosulfate causes red blood cells to burst unpredictably. This may result in anemia to your chihuahua. Signs of anemia in dogs include weakness, lethargy, exercise intolerance, pale tissues (gums) and labored breathing.
We recommend that you avoid feeding any food that contains garlic, including garlic sausage to your chihuahua.
Can Chihuahuas Eat Bratwurst Sausage?
Bratwurst, a type of German sausage made out of pork or beef is often served with fermented thinly sliced cabbage called sauerkraut and some spicy mustard.
As tempting as it looks, chihuahuas are not recommended to eat Bratwurst sausages, including the sauerkraut and mustard. Bratwurst sausages contain high level of fats, salt, preservatives and spices like garlic and onions which are harmful and unhealthy for your chihuahua.
Do not feed your chihuahua Bratwurst sausage. Instead, you can give them a healthier safer alternative such as boiled chicken breast or pet-friendly fruits like watermelon and apple slices.
Can Chihuahuas Eat Homemade Sausages?
Chihuahuas can eat homemade sausages provided that they are made with absolutely no seasoning, gravy, grease or fat added to it. Plain meat made into sausages or even cooked directly are suitable for your chihuahua.
You can choose to also include some healthy vegetables like carrots, broccoli etc to increase the nutritional value of these homemade sausages.
In this way, you can feel confident that your chihuahua is getting the nutrients it needs to remain healthy.
Can Chihuahuas Eat Raw Sausages?
Although raw diet for pets is gaining popularity in recent times, it is very important to be extra careful when feeding raw meat to your chihuahua.
Some people recommend a raw diet for pets because it’s more natural but there are many risks to your pet. Raw food can be contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella and E.coli. They are not good for your chihuahua’s immune system.
Therefore, it is best that chihuahuas not eat raw sausages in fear of them getting sick from bacterial infection.
Can Chihuahuas Eat Food Mixed With Sausage Grease?
If you are thinking of “nourishing” your chihuahua’s meal with sausage grease, think twice!
You should never mix sausage grease (or any grease of any kind!) on your dog’s food!
This is just a bad idea because sausage grease contains even more salt and fat in it compared to the sausages themselves!
If you are unsure on what to give your little buddy, there are other human foods your chihuahua can try.
How Much Calories Do Chihuahuas Need Daily?
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “you are what you eat”. But have you thought about it from your chihuahua’s point of view?
There is an entire world of meat options for humans, but dogs need their own healthy meat sources. You can’t just feed them anything and hope for the best.
If they’re eating unhealthy meats, they might be missing out on essential nutrients that could lead to a variety of health problems – including obesity!
According to vets, dogs should only eat 25 calories daily for each pound of body weight. And dog treats should only comprise of 10% of their total daily diet.
A typical Chihuahua weighs about 3 to 6 pounds and that means that they should only consume about 75 to 150 calories daily.
To put things into perspective, 1 cup of diced cooked chicken breast has about 239 calories. If your chihuahua weighs 5 pounds, he/she should only be eating 125 calories per day in order to keep a healthy physique.
How To Choose Healthier Meat Options For Chihuahuas?
There are a lot of factors that go into choosing the best meat for your chihuahua and you should do some research before deciding what to feed your dog. We explore some of these considerations below:
1. Does Your Chihuahua Like The Taste?
Taste is a big factor when considering what to feed your chihuahua. If your pup doesn’t like it, then there’s no point! Dogs prefer stronger smells because their taste comes mostly from the nose rather than with their tongues.
2. Is It Suitable & Healthy For Your Chihuahua?
One of the most important things you can do as a chihuahua owner is to ensure that your pup has an adequate, healthy diet.
A more balanced and nutritious meal will increase their overall health, which in turn may lead better weight management or reduced susceptibility for certain diseases like heart disease.
For some dogs however, this isn’t always easy. The reason is, they have specific needs based on both their genetic makeup and any existing medical conditions such as renal failure (requiring lower phosphorous levels).
In order to get them what they need, it might be necessary to speak with a vet first. Your vet can make recommendations about how to feed him/her customized meals tailored specifically for his particular condition.
3. What’s Your Budget?
Not all pet owners can afford the luxury of a freshly caught salmon everyday to satisfy their chihuahua. You will find that meats such as wild-caught tuna and salmon often are more expensive than other meats. That is why chicken or turkey might be better for your budget! And treat your chihuahua to an occasional salmon dinner too!
What Are The Healthier Meat Options For Chihuahuas?
There are many meat options for chihuahua owners to feed their furry friends. How do you know which is the healthiest option? Below we will explore some of the healthier meat options for your chihuahua, and how to choose them so that they’re a healthy choice.
1. Beef For Chihuahuas
Beef is the one of the most common type of meat in America. It’s high protein and iron content make it a healthy choice for your chihuahua.
Beef can be considered one of the healthier types of red meat. It is, however, one of the most expensive options. If you want to give your chihuahua beef, go for ground beef and stay away from fatty cuts like rib eye or filet mignon.
2. Chicken/Poultry For Chihuahuas
Chicken has a high content of protein, B3 & B6 vitamins along with phosphorous and selenium – all important nutrients for our furry friends!
It is also one of the most commonly found meat choice in commercially available pet food. However some dogs may have developed allergies to chicken so we recommend avoiding this meat if your dog suffers from intolerances or sensitivities.
If your Chi has a sensitive stomach, you can have him try this Chicken Recipe.
3. Pork For Chihuahuas
Pork is not as common a meat choice as chicken is because it is considered a more fatty type of meat. If you choose to feed your chihuahua pork, go for the lean pork meat instead so that you can avoid too much fat.
Pork contains high levels of protein along with the essential nutrients such as zinc, iron & vitamin B12 which is great for maintaining your chihuahua’s energy level.
4. Fish/Salmon For Chihuahuas
Fish is good for chihuahua because it is a great source of protein and omega-fatty acids.
The most commonly used fish in pet food are salmon, tuna and mackerel. These fishes are high in Omega 3 fatty acids and Omega 6 fatty acids which will help your chihuahua maintain a healthy skin & coat.
Fish is also a good source of essential vitamins such as vitamin D for bone development, B12 for red blood cell production & iodine to keep the thyroid gland functioning properly.
Depends what type of fish you choose, most fishes will present the same health benefits to your chihuahua as for humans.
One thing you need to watch out for is the mercury level in fish. Fish that are high in mercury will have a warning label on the packaging and should be avoided (e.g., shark, swordfish).
FAQs On Can Chihuahuas Eat Sausage?
1. Is Bacon OK For Dogs?
Bacon is not OK for dogs because it’s processed meat with lots of salt. You’re better off switching your dog over to a healthier food that’s non-processed and low in sodium.
2. Can Dogs Eat Cocktail Sausages?
Strictly speaking no, as they are usually saltier than is good for a dog and sometimes have nitrates in them. However, it’s possible that some dogs could tolerate this occasional treat depending on what ingredients the cocktail sausages contain.
The only surefire answer is to consult with a vet before feeding your dog any new food.
3. Will Sausage Upset A Dog’s Stomach?
Yes, sausage is one of the most common causes of stomach upset for dogs. One of the main ingredients in sausage is often garlic, which could be toxic for a dog if consumed in large quantities.
Remember that giving your pet human food can lead them to develop health complications or obesity over time so introduce them slowly and talk with your veterinarian first!
Conclusion
If you’ve ever eaten a sausage, then you know that these tasty meats are high in spices and salt. While this may be fine for humans to consume on occasion, they can do more harm than good when it comes to your chihuahua.
Hence, to answer the question: Can Chihuahuas Eat Sausage? The answer is that they should not eat sausages because of the risks associated with eating too much sodium or fat-laden ingredients like pork products. Instead, try feeding them healthier food choices like clean meat and vegetables!
Also Read: Best Treats For Chihuahua
