Bratwurst is one of the most popular sausages in German countries and many people love them all around the world. Now, if you are a dog owner you must be thinking can dogs eat bratwurst? So, the answer is no, bratwurst is not a healthy option for your dog as it contains large amounts of salt and fats.
What is bratwurst?
Bratwurst is a type of sausage that first originated in Germany. It is made from pork or less commonly beef or veal and is seasoned with herbs and spices.
It has a smoky flavor as it has been grilled or smoked.
Bratwurst is a popular dish and is widely eaten throughout Germany and Europe, as well as in the United States. It is usually served with different sides such as potato salad, sauerkraut, and mustard.
What makes Bratwurst unsafe for dogs
Bratwurst is unsafe for dogs and the idea of sharing brats with your pup is completely harmful. However, dogs digest food differently from humans so foods that are safe for humans don’t mean that they are safe for dogs too.
These bratwursts include such types of ingredients that can make dogs extremely sick.
a. High-fat content
Bratwurst is usually made from pork which is high in saturated fats. This shows that feeding bratwurst to your dog daily is not a healthy option; it can cause obesity and serious heart issues.
b. Salt content
Dog’s digestive system is sensitive so before feeding your dog bratwurst you should be more careful as bratwurst is high in salt and can cause salt poisoning in dogs. Salt poisoning can be fatal in dogs and can cause symptoms like excessive thirst and even death in extreme cases.
c. Garlic and onions
Bratwurst is primarily served with garlic and onion toppings which are extremely unhealthy for dogs as these contain spices that can damage red blood cells and cause anemia in dogs. It is therefore necessary to avoid feeding bratwurst to your pup for their better health.
d. Added ingredients
Bratwurst are generally cooked with spices and ingredients like mustard, vinegar, and other toppings are added to brats to make them more tasty but these ingredients are unfit for your dog’s health. Most toppings have artificial flavors and preservatives which can upset your puppy’s stomach or may cause unfavorable side effects.
Potential risks of feeding bratwurst to dogs
Dogs are more likely to enjoy the taste of meat as they love meaty treats. Bratwurst is one of the great treats for your pup but it is not healthy as it contains toxic contents and spices which can cause excessive urination. If you are feeding your pup a bratwurst you should be more careful because consuming too much bratwurst or even small pieces of brat can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Unfortunately, If your dog has eaten bratwurst, as a dog owner, you should always be very cautious and seek veterinary services as soon as possible.
How can you safely treat your pup to a bratwurst?
Bratwurst is not safe for dogs but, if you have decided to treat your dog with it you should consider these measures before feeding to keep them safe.
Firstly, treat them in moderation or a very small amount occasionally.
The second thing you need to be careful about is that, remove the skin from the bratwurst before feeding your canine with it.
Please don’t give your canine bratwurst that has been cooked with seasonings and spices as it upsets their stomach.
Alternatives to bratwurst for dogs
If you’re searching for a tasty meal to treat your pup with, there are so many alternatives to bratwurst which are extremely beneficial for dogs and keep them safe and healthy.
Following are some healthy options:
- Chicken chunks are a great treat for your dog.
- Your dog will love to eat plain popcorn and fresh veggies.
- Watermelon and berries keep them active all-day
- Fish and salmon are also the finest food for your canine.
Final Word
In short, bratwurst is surely unsafe for dogs due to the presence of some contents which are harmful to dogs. As the brats are rich in salt and fats they aren’t a good option for dogs. Moreover, the spices and seasonings in bratwurst can damage the stomach of your pup and make them seriously Ill. So it’s good for dogs to stay away from these types of foods to stay healthy.