Last Updated on 11/17/2021 by Veronica Jones
Dogs are curious and hungry animals, and they will always be curious about what foods their humans are eating. If your dog catches you eating chorizo, they will probably beg and want to try it. However, you need to make sure it is safe for your dog before tossing them a chunk.
So, can dogs eat chorizo, and is it safe? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about dogs eating chorizo.
Can Dogs Eat Chorizo?
No, dogs cannot eat chorizo. Chorizo is processed meat, which means it can be “junk food” for your dog. Plus, this pork sausage contains lots of other ingredients that most dogs cannot eat and that could cause stomach problems, long-term conditions, etc.
What Is Chorizo?
Chorizo is a bright-red sausage made out of pork meat. It has a lot of seasoning like salt, onion powder, pepper, cinnamon, etc. Spanish chorizo is typically smoked, whereas Mexican chorizo is usually raw.
Is Chorizo Safe for Dogs?
No, chorizo is not safe for dogs as a regular treat. When your dog consumes chorizo, they will not only be eating the pork meat. Your dog will eat a lot of the other ingredients that are in chorizo, which are very harmful to a dog’s health. Regularly feeding your dog this sausage can lead to long-term conditions.
What Happens if my Dog Eats Chorizo?
If you feed your dog chorizo or they sneak a small bite, nothing may happen to your dog. A small bite of chorizo on a blue moon will likely not make your dog fat or unhealthy right away. So, they may not need to see a veterinarian if they only take a bite by accident.
Harmful health risks only occur when chorizo is eaten on a regular basis, especially in large amounts. It can lead to obesity, abdominal pain, etc. Chorizo has a lot of pork fat and spices, making it a very unhealthy food choice for your dog.
Health Benefits of Chorizo for Dogs
Chorizo is made out of pork meat, which is very healthy for dogs. Pork meat is a huge protein source, and dogs need animal protein because it is their main source of fuel. Moreover, protein can help many other aspects of your dog’s body. For instance, protein can help tissue repair, muscle development and encourage healthy skin and hair growth.
However, that is the only benefit that chorizo can offer dogs. Making chorizo a regular part of your dog’s diet can cause more harm than good. The adverse effects that chorizo can cause your dog, especially in large quantities, do not make it worth giving your dog.
Side Effects of Chorizo for Dogs
The main issue of chorizo is the other ingredients that it has because it has a lot of spices. For instance, chorizo contains a lot of salt. Chorizo uses salt as its main seasoning to enhance flavor and preserve it.
Too much salt can be bad for your dog. Excessive amounts of salt can cause kidney and heart damage in dogs. If your dog is older and already has other conditions, excess salt consumption can worsen them.
Salt can also raise your dog’s blood pressure. High blood pressure can make your dog more prone to certain conditions, which include heart failure, kidney disease, blindness, etc.
Chorizo often has onion and garlic powder as an ingredient to add flavor. However, these ingredients can cause Heinz body anemia in dogs, which can destroy your dog’s blood cells.
If your dogs eat chorizo, they will also likely eat paprika because it is a common chorizo seasoning. Paprika can lead to skin irritation in your dog. Moreover, paprika can lead to stomach problems, diarrhea, gastrointestinal irritation, etc.
Moreover, chorizo is often cooked in oil, especially if you bought your chorizo raw. Giving your dog any food cooked in oil is very bad for their health, especially if they consume oil regularly. Moreover, oil is like a laxative for dogs, causing them to vomit and have diarrhea.
Can Puppies Have Chorizo?
No, puppies cannot have chorizo. Puppies have much more sensitive bodies compared to their adult counterparts because their bodies can have more serious reactions, potentially causing more extreme cases. If you cannot let an adult dog eat chorizo, then a puppy should not eat chorizo.
When Should You See a Vet?
If your dog exhibits any negative reactions to eating chorizo, they will need to see a veterinarian. Professional veterinary help can help determine what your dog needs to get better, especially if they have an allergic reaction to the chorizo.
To Sum Up
Generally, dogs cannot eat chorizo. If you see your dog eat chorizo by accident, nothing may happen. However, the chorizo sausage contains spices that can harm your dog.
Looking for More Great Articles About What Your Dog Can (or Can’t) Eat?
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References:
- PetMD, “The Power of Protein”, https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/the_power_of_protein, Date Accessed – 17 August, 2021
- Journal of Physiology, “Salt-induced hypertension in the dog”, https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/ajplegacy.1966.210.1.186?journalCode=ajplegacy, Date Accessed – 17 August, 2021
- Cummings Veterinary Medical Center, “My pet has kidney disease – what kind of diet should I feed?”, https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2016/05/my-pet-has-kidney-disease-what-kind-of-diet-should-i-feed/, Date Accessed – 17 August, 2021
- ScienceDirect, “Erythrocyte Disorders”, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B978143770657400003X, Date Accessed – 17 August, 2021