Sausage rolls are a beloved snack in many parts of the world, particularly in Britain, where they are a staple in cafes and bakeries like Greggs’s. For dog owners, it’s tempting to share a bite of our tasty treats with our furry friends, especially when they look at us with pleading, innocent eyes. But is it safe to feed sausage rolls to dogs? This guide provides a detailed examination of whether this popular human food is suitable for canine consumption.
The simple answer is no. Sausage rolls are high in fat and sodium content. When consumed in large amounts, it can cause sodium poisoning and pancreatitis in dogs. The pastry in sausage rolls adds more calories and offers no nutritional value to dogs. Additionally, sausage rolls contain spices and seasonings that may be harmful to dogs—leading to digestive problems such as diarrhoea, loss of appetite and vomiting. There is a long list of human foods that are safe for dogs, unfortunately, most kinds of sausages are not among them. Most kinds of sausages are not safe for dogs to eat and should not be offered as a treat.
Greggs Sausage Rolls and Dogs
Starting with the famous Greggs sausage rolls, which are made with pork sausage meat wrapped in flaky puff pastry; while undoubtedly delicious for humans, these rolls contain ingredients and seasonings that could be harmful to dogs. For instance, Greggs sausage rolls are seasoned potentially with onion powder and garlic, both of which are toxic to dogs and can lead to health issues such as anaemia.
Additionally, the high salt content in these rolls can result in dehydration and other related health issues like kidney damage if consumed in large quantities. The pastry itself, while not toxic, is high in fats, which can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially dangerous condition for dogs.
My Experience with Dogs and Sausage Rolls
From personal experience, a small bite of a sausage roll can cause trouble. My client’s dog once ate a small piece during a picnic and suffered from stomach upset afterwards. This incident serves as a reminder that even a small amount of rich, fatty food can upset a dog’s digestive system.
While your dog can consume these ingredients in small amounts, it is still a high potential risk to your dog’s health.
Can Dogs Eat Pastry-Based Sausage Rolls?
Similar to Greggs sausage rolls, any pastry-based sausage roll presents similar risks. The rich, buttery pastry combined with the fatty meat filling can be too much for a dog’s digestive system, leading to discomfort, diarrhoea, or more severe conditions like pancreatitis. Regular consumption can also contribute to obesity due to high calorie and fat content as they are added calories and have no nutritional intake.
Keep in mind that, unlike other protein options like plain chicken or ground beef, sausage is high in fat and sodium.
The Risks of Raw Sausage Rolls
Feeding raw sausage rolls to dogs is extremely risky. Raw meat can harbour bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, posing a risk to both pet and owner. Moreover, the raw dough can be particularly dangerous as it may expand in the stomach, causing bloating or even a more severe gastrointestinal emergency.
Despite popular belief, feeding a raw diet may not be a wise decision for your furry friend.
Raw meat may contain types of bacteria that can cause food poisoning in dogs and humans, such as:
- Salmonella
- Escherichia coli
- Clostridium
- Listeria monocytogenes
- enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus
Cooking the meat properly kills the bacteria.
Although certain manufacturers have promoted the benefits of raw meat for dogs, the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionTrusted Source recommends that people do not feed raw meat to their dogs because it may cause food poisoning.
For instance, a healthy 15kg medium-sized dog only needs about 640-800 calories per day. If your dog isn’t in ideal shape or is neutered, they will require a lesser end of that range. Looking at different brands of sausages, a single pork sausage can contain anywhere between 111 to 176 calories. As you can see, that takes up a lot of your dog’s daily calories in one small snack.
Cocktail Sausages: A Party Risk for Pets
Cocktail sausages, though smaller and perhaps more tempting as a quick dog treat, carry the same risks. They are often high in salt and fat and may contain spices and ingredients like onion and garlic powder, which are toxic to dogs. Too much salt can cause excessive thirst and urination in dogs, as well as sodium ion poisoning.
Symptoms of this poisoning can include:
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- involuntary shaking or tremors
- high temperature
- seizures
Veterinary Insights on Dogs Eating Human Foods
Reports from veterinarians indicate a rise in pancreatitis and other diet-related issues in dogs during festive seasons, when dogs are more likely to be fed human foods like sausages and pastry items. This data underscores the importance of adhering to a diet suitable for pets, particularly during times of celebration.
Processed meats like sausages, bacon, and hot dogs are known carcinogens, meaning they can cause cancer. Cancer affects dogs at a similar rate to humans, with 1 in 4 dogs being diagnosed with the disease generally and the number rising to 1 in 2 for middle-aged or older animals. Making sure your dog doesn’t eat processed meats regularly should help to keep your furry friend healthy and reduce their risk of developing the disease.
conclusion
In conclusion, sausage rolls, whether from Greggs, homemade, raw, or in the form of cocktail sausages, are not suitable for dogs due to their ingredients and the health risks they pose. A healthy dog is a happy dog, but they won’t be healthy if you keep feeding them sausages.
I once read a report from an Australian channel 7news where a Brisbane-based vet, Dr Naomi Lessels, has warned pet owners not to give their dogs fatty food scraps for the festive season via a Facebook post. Indicating the urgency of quitting this practice as it is a serious threat to our furry friend’s well-being globally.
FAQ‘s
Can dogs have a bite of a Greggs sausage roll?
It is not recommended. The seasoning and high-fat content can be harmful. Opt for healthier, dog-specific treats instead.
Are any sausage rolls safe for dogs?
Generally, no. Sausage rolls are high in fats and potentially harmful seasonings and can cause digestive issues. It is safer to avoid them at all costs.
What should I do if my dog eats a sausage roll?
Monitor your dog for any signs of distress, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy. Consult your vet if your dog shows any troubling symptoms or has eaten a substantial amount.
Can dogs eat plain pastry safely?
While not toxic, plain pastry is high in fats and can lead to obesity and pancreatitis if eaten regularly. It adds extra calories and no nutritional value to your dog’s daily intake.
Are there dog-friendly alternatives to sausage rolls?
Yes, many pet food manufacturers offer treats that mimic the taste and texture of human foods but are formulated to be safe and healthy for dogs.
Understanding the risks associated with human foods like sausage rolls can help dog owners make better dietary choices for their pets, ensuring their health and happiness. Always consider safer, dog-appropriate treats as alternatives to human snacks.
