Can Dogs Eat Vienna Sausages?

Vienna sausages might be a quick and tasty snack for us, but are they safe for our dogs? The short answer is they are safe, but no, dogs really shouldn’t eat them. There’s nothing toxic in Vienna sausages, so please don’t worry. I bet your dog loves them, and if you used to give them Vienna sausages in the past, you did nothing wrong! Your dog is fine. It’s just better to know about these things so you can make better choices.

dog looking to eat vienna sausages on a plate

Table Of Contents

Vienna sausage ingredients and what's safe for dogs
- Vienna sausages are not toxic, but not ideal for dogs
FAQs

These sausages are packed with salt, fat, and preservatives that can be harmful to dogs. While one little bite probably won’t cause immediate harm, it’s best to avoid giving dogs these processed meats.

When we wrote about whether dogs can eat hot dogs, I specifically mentioned that fat, sodium, and additives are my least favorite combination, as I personally follow an anti-inflammatory diet and avoid processed and cured meat when I can. However, additives can absolutely be a part of a well-balanced diet. Cured and processed meats can be part of a balanced diet, but you shouldn’t eat them every day.

There’s an increased risk of stomach cancer in diets rich in processed meats, so please try to learn more about it if you can. We tend to avoid processed meats when possible, and we don’t buy Vienna sausages for Ricco as a treat. We used to, but not anymore.

Vienna sausage ingredients and what’s safe for dogs

Vienna sausages don’t contain anything toxic to dogs, but their ingredients aren’t the best choice for our furry friends. Here’s a breakdown of what’s inside:

Meat and meat by-products: These are often lower quality cuts and leftovers, not providing the best protein source for dogs. So while this is not bad for them, it’s not ideal.

Salt: Dogs can only handle a small amount of salt. Too much salt makes them thirsty and can lead to dehydration and other health issues.

Corn syrup: Adds unnecessary sugar to your dog’s diet, which can contribute to obesity and dental problems.

Sodium nitrite: Used as a preservative. While not toxic in small amounts, regular consumption isn’t ideal for dogs.

Spices: Some spices can irritate a dog’s digestive system, leading to stomach upset.

Flavorings: Often artificial and not beneficial for dogs.

Preservatives: Used to extend shelf life, but not necessary for a dog’s diet, and can sometimes cause digestive issues.

Vienna sausages are not toxic, but not ideal for dogs

It’s important to understand the difference between “bad for dogs” and “toxic for dogs.” Vienna sausages are not toxic for dogs, so if you give them one as a treat, nothing bad will happen. However, they are not the healthiest or most nourishing option. While it’s okay to give your dog a Vienna sausage occasionally, there are better choices that can provide more nutritional benefits. If that’s your thing, feel free to give them as a treat, but always consider healthier alternatives for regular snacks.

While a single Vienna sausage might not harm your dog, these ingredients combined don’t make for a healthy treat. It’s best to stick to more nutritious options for your dog’s snacks.

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Can dogs eat chicken Vienna sausages?

Chicken Vienna sausages are not toxic to dogs, but they aren’t the best choice either. It’s because they are full of preservatives, low-quality meat, and they have high levels of salt and fat. It’s better to offer healthier, dog-friendly treats instead.

Can dogs have canned sausages?

Canned sausages, like Vienna sausages, are not toxic to dogs but are not recommended. They have high amounts of salt, fat, and preservatives, which aren’t ideal for a dog’s diet. Choose more nutritious treats to keep your dog healthy.