Introduction
No, dogs should not eat brats. Brats like most sausage meats are high in fats and salt content both of which are detrimental to your dog’s health. Brats or bratwurst also contain spices and other ingredients like garlic and onions that are toxic to dogs.
What Makes Brats Unsafe for Dogs
Brats are a popular type of sausage and sharing one with your pooch may seem like a harmless idea. However, dogs digest foods differently from humans so foods that may be safe for you are not always a good choice for your pup.
Here are some of the reasons you need to keep brats away from your fur buddy.
High in Fat Content
Brats are made mostly from pork which is rich in saturated fats. This means feeding this type of food to your dog frequently can lead to obesity and heart disease. There is also an increased risk of pancreatitis when your dog consumes a lot of fatty foods.
High in Sodium
The digestive system in dogs is not as efficient in breaking down salt as it is in humans. This means foods like brats that are rich in salt can cause salt poisoning in dogs. Salt poisoning can be fatal in dogs and may cause symptoms ranging from excessive thirst to seizures and even death in extreme cases.
Garlic and Onions
Brats typically have spices in them that may be toxic for dogs. Garlic and onions are especially toxic to dogs since they cause anemia by destroying red blood cells. It is therefore important to avoid feeding your pup any brats that may contain any garlic or onions.
Added Ingredients
Vinegar, mustard, and other toppings that are commonly added to brats also make them unhealthy for your dog. Most toppings have artificial flavors and preservatives that will upset your dog’s stomach or cause adverse side effects.
What Should I do if my Dog Accidentally Ate Brats
Dogs love meaty treats and are likely to enjoy the taste of brats. If your fur buddy just ate a small piece of brats they will likely be just fine. However, a dog that has ingested a large number of brats may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Excessive urination
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
In case of these symptoms, seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible.
What Type of Sausage is Safe for Dogs
Just like brats, most types of sausages are not a healthy treat for dogs. Processed meats like sausages contain high amounts of sodium, fats, and artificial flavors. These ingredients make sausages likely to cause digestive issues in dogs and may cause chronic health conditions in the long run.
Flavored sausages are especially unsafe for dogs since they contain added spices that may be toxic for dogs. These include ingredients like nutmeg, garlic, or onions which may cause toxicity in dogs.
It is best to avoid feeding your dog brats or any other type of sausage. Instead, opt for healthier treats like zucchini, carrots, or other treats meant specifically for dogs.
Sources
- Which people foods are safe for dogs?, Beth Sissons, 2019
- Overview of Salt Toxicity, Larry J. Thompson, 2016
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