Can Dogs Eat Chinese Sausage? A Pet Owner’s Guide

As a pet owner, I’m always careful about what I feed my dog I want to make sure I’m giving him foods that are safe and healthy, not just scraps from the table One question I had was whether dogs can eat Chinese sausage, since it’s a favorite in our household. I did some research into the nutritional content and risks of giving Chinese sausage to dogs to help other pet owners make an informed decision.

In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about feeding Chinese sausage to dogs, including:

• What is in Chinese sausage?
• Are there health benefits?
• What are the potential risks and dangers?
• How much is safe to feed dogs?
• Tips for preparing and serving.

I’ll provide an honest look at both sides so you can decide if this human food is right for your canine companion Let’s dive in!

What Exactly is Chinese Sausage?

First, let’s start with what Chinese sausage actually is. Also called lap cheong, Chinese sausage is a type of cured meat product It originated in southern China.

The sausage consists of ground pork and other seasonings stuffed into a casing. Common seasonings include soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar. Chinese sausage has a distinctive sweet taste.

It comes fully cooked and ready to eat. You can find Chinese sausage sold fresh or dried in Asian grocery stores. It’s extremely popular in various Chinese dishes.

Potential Health Benefits of Chinese Sausage for Dogs

Since Chinese sausage is made from pork, it can provide some valuable nutrients for dogs if fed in moderation. Here are some of the potential health benefits:

• Protein – Pork is a high quality source of protein, which dogs need for energy and muscle maintenance.

• Fatty acids – Pork contains omega-6 fatty acids that give dogs shiny coats and healthy skin.

• Iron – Chinese sausage is high in iron, which supports healthy blood and oxygen supply.

• Vitamin B6 – Pork is a good source of vitamin B6, which helps dogs convert food into fuel.

• Zinc and selenium – These antioxidants in pork promote a healthy immune system in dogs.

So in small amounts, Chinese sausage can provide useful nutrition for dogs like protein and minerals. However, there are also some significant risks to consider.

Potential Dangers and Risks of Feeding Dogs Chinese Sausage

While the pork-based ingredients may sound beneficial, some aspects of Chinese sausage raise red flags for dogs:

• Fat content – Chinese sausage is very high in fat, which can lead to obesity and pancreatitis.

• Sodium content – The salty seasoning can be unhealthy for dogs and lead to hypertension.

• Sugar and spices – Dogs’ stomachs may have trouble digesting sugar and spices in sausage.

• Preservatives – Curing salts and sulfites used in processing can be toxic to dogs.

• Choking hazard – The sausage casing poses a choking risk, especially for small dogs.

• Nutritional imbalance – Too much fatty meat can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Based on these dangers, most veterinarians recommend avoiding or severely limiting Chinese sausage for dogs. The unhealthy aspects seem to outweigh the benefits of the pork nutrients.

Are Some Chinese Sausages Safer Than Others?

Chinese sausage can come cured or uncured, fresh or dried. In general, uncured and fresh versions tend to be lower in sodium, sugar, and preservatives than cured and dried Chinese sausage.

With that said, even the “healthier” versions still contain much more sodium and fat than dogs need in their diet. So moderation is key with all forms of this sausage.

Your best bet is choosing lower-sodium Chinese chicken sausage or turkey sausage, if you want to feed this food occasionally. But the pork-based versions pose more risks.

How Much Chinese Sausage is Safe For Dogs?

The general consensus among vets is that Chinese sausage should be an occasional treat only, not a regular part of a dog’s diet. When fed on rare occasions, the following serving guidelines are recommended:

• Small dogs: No more than 1-2 small bites
• Medium dogs: 2-3 small slices
• Large dogs: 3-4 small slices

To put that into exact measurements, a portion of Chinese sausage should be less than 20 calories per 20 pounds of your dog’s weight. So very petite servings!

Also, be sure to cut the sausage into small pieces to minimize choking risk. And avoid giving any seasonings or oil the sausage was cooked in.

Tips For Preparing Chinese Sausage for Dogs

If you do choose to share a little Chinese sausage with your dog, follow these tips:

• Pick uncured, fresh sausage whenever possible
• Cut away excess fat, sodium and spices are in the outer casing
• Remove casing entirely to reduce choking hazard
• Cut into tiny pieces appropriate for dog’s size
• Rinse to remove excess oil, salt and seasonings
• Cook thoroughly to kill any bacteria before feeding
• Mix with plain low-sodium dog food to balance nutrition

With careful prep and portion control, an occasional nibble of this human food may be okay. But avoid making it a regular part of your dog’s meals.

Healthier Meat-Based Treats for Dogs

While Chinese sausage isn’t necessarily off limits, there are much healthier meat-based treats to feed your dog instead. Here are some smarter options:

• Lean cooked chicken or turkey
• Plain pork loin with fat trimmed
• Low-sodium deli meats
• Freshpet refrigerated dog food rolls
• Freeze-dried raw dog food mixes

These provide all the benefits of meat protein without the excess fat, salt and chemicals found in cured sausage products.

Concluding Thoughts

To sum it up, most veterinarians recommend against regularly feeding Chinese sausage and other fatty cured pork products to dogs. In very small, occasional portions, a bite of Chinese sausage is unlikely to harm a healthy dog. But the multitude of risks, from choking hazards to sodium overload, mean it’s better avoided.

Lean fresh meats like chicken and pork loin are much healthier options if you want to mix some meat into your dog’s diet. When in doubt, reach for dog treats and foods designed specifically for canine health instead of “people food” like Chinese sausage. Your furry friend will thank you for it!