No, dogs cannot eat Vienna sausages. Vienna sausages contain excessive sodium and fat, and they may have seasonings that are unsafe for dogs. In addition, if your dog regularly consumes a large quantity of Vienna sausages, he may experience mild to severe digestive issues, kidney damage, or pancreatitis.
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What are Vienna Sausages?
Vienna sausages are made of processed beef, turkey, pork, or chicken. It is often presumed that Vienna sausages originated from Vienna; however, that is not the case. A German butcher invented the sausage from Frankfurt, who moved to Vienna.
The following are the Nutritional Values in Vienna Sausages (100 gms)
Calories 230
Total Fat 19 g
Cholesterol 87 mg
Sodium 879 mg
Potassium 101 mg
Total Carbohydrate 2.6 g
Protein 11 g
Are Vienna Sausages Safe For Dogs?
Vienna sausages are neither toxic nor poisonous. Still, it is recommended not to feed your dogs this food as they hardly contain any nutritional benefits.
Vienna sausages are not just made of processed meat, but they are also salted, smoked, cured, dried, canned, and preserved, which ultimately degenerates your pet’s health. Furthermore, they are available with seasonings made with onions and garlic – both are toxic to dogs.
Why are Vienna Sausages Bad for Dogs?
Vienna sausages are bad for dogs due to the following reasons:
Processed Food: Processed food should not be fed to dogs as a general rule. They contain high amounts of preservatives. In addition, studies have shown that consuming processed meat contributes to a higher rate of heart diseases, cancer, and diabetes in dogs.
High in Sodium: Excessive sodium consumption leads to several health problems in dogs over the long term, including weight gain, heart problems, and more. It can pose a more immediate danger leading to a condition called bloat. Also, your dogs suffer from dehydration caused by the high sodium content present in a Vienna sausage.
Following are the symptoms of sodium poisoning:
Extreme thirst
Frequent urination
Seizures
Convulsions or muscle tremors
Body weakness
Muscle weakness
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Decreased hunger and loss of appetite
Lack of coordination
Confusion
Coma
Death (in severe cases)
High in Fat: They have a lot of calories. This can lead to weight gain and obesity in your dog. High fat can also result in pancreatitis and kidney problems in your dog.
Following are the symptoms of pancreatitis in your dog:
Seasonings Can Contain Toxic Ingredients: The condiments present in Vienna sausages can be made of onions and garlic – both are toxic to dogs. These ingredients can damage your dog’s red blood cells. The damage can eventually lead to anemia in your dogs. In addition, it leads to the onion and garlic poisoning in dogs.
Symptoms of onion and garlic poisoning in dogs:
The smell of onions or garlic on the breath
Excessive salivation
Irritation of the mouth
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Signs of abdominal pain
Rapid heart rate
Panting
Weakness
Exercise intolerance
Collapse
Pale or bluish gums
How many Vienna Sausages to feed your Dog?
A tiny bit of Vienna sausage is not going to harm your dog. But, it is better that you don’t give your dog Vienna sausages.
What if my Dog ate Vienna Sausages?
If your dog ate a Vienna sausage, check for the following symptoms:
Abdominal pain
Bloating
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Increased urination
Allergic reactions such as facial or tongue swelling
If your dog shows any of the symptoms mentioned above, rush him to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Alternatives to Vienna Sausage
Eggs
Popcorn (without added ingredients)
Pineapple (for vitamin, fiber, and minerals in small amounts)
In conclusion, Vienna sausages should not be fed to dogs. They are processed, high in sodium, high in fat. In addition, its seasonings might contain onion and garlic. Both of them are toxic to dogs. In severe cases, they also lead to pancreatitis, heart issues, diabetes, and kidney issues. Hence, Vienna sausages are not only unhealthy but also reduce the lifespan of your pet.
Your dog can be fed the aforementioned alternatives instead of Vienna sausage. However, if your dog tastes a bite of the food, you should take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
