Can My Dog Eat Kielbasa?

In this research you will know the answer to the query “Can My Dog Eat Kielbasa?“.

Can Dogs Eat Kielbasa? Keen To Know?

The butchers shop window display catches your attention as you and your dog walk past it on your daily walk.

In more links than a dog can count kielbasa sausages hang like meaty Christmas lights from the storefront.

A wide pleading look crosses your dogs face as he stares at the delicacies and then at you.

When you’re about to give in and buy some Kielbasa for dinner you wonder

“Can Dogs eat Kielbasa?”

Any meal would be incomplete without kielbasa (also known as Polish sausage). Easy and quick to prepare its perfect for a quick meal. If you want something fancier you can serve kielbasa with rice potatoes or vegetables. The recipe can also be prepared ahead of time and is great party food.

When you are eating something you enjoy do you ever think your dog would enjoy it as well? Both my lovable dogs would enjoy kielbasa which I would be tempted to share with them. Most dogs love it because its packed with flavor.

When looking for a new treat for your pup you first need to determine if the food is safe. As a matter of fact you do not want to put your furry friend at risk.

Dogs can eat some human foods that are perfectly safe and even good for them. There are however other human foods that can be dangerous for dogs.

So what about kielbasa? Can dogs eat kielbasa? There is a quick and simple answer to this question: dogs cannot eat kielbasa. While not all kielbasa is toxic to dogs it can be depending on the seasoning. You simply cannot feed your good boy kielbasa when its not toxic.

There is a simple answer to this question: no.

The consumption of Kielbasa by dogs is definitely not recommended.

In spite of the apparent protein content the product is very low in minerals and vitamins.

Kielbasa is the greatest danger to your dog due to its high fat and sodium content as well as ingredients such as onion and garlic powder.

Short-term overconsumption of fat can result in stomach discomfort and pancreatitis while excess sodium can cause dehydration and salt poisoning.

Theres no doubt about it: Feeding your dog Kielbasa is more harmful than helpful. Choosing healthier dog-appropriate treats is definitely an option if you want to give your dog a treat

What Is Kielbasa Anyway?

Kielbasa is a meat sausage typically originating from Poland (plural: kielbasy). A Wiejska sausage is the closest British equivalent.

American Kielbasa (also referred to as Polish sausage or Kielbasa Polska) refers to any meat sausage that is smoked and shaped like a U. Kielbasa is typically made from pork in America.

There is a common practice of selling pre-cooked kielbasa. Pork or beef garlic marjoram and other spices are common ingredients in various recipes.

There are several varieties of Kielbasa such as Mysliwska Krakowska and Kabanosy.

Nutritional Information of Kielbasa – Major Categories

Kielbasa Nutritional Information (Per 10 Grams)

Name	Amount	Unit
Calories	337	kcal
Carbohydrate	5.0	g
Sugar	2.4	g
Total Fat	29.7	g
Saturated Fat	9.9	g
Monounsaturated Fat	12.6	g
Polyunsaturated Fat	5.4	g
Protein	12.4	g
Sodium	1060	mg

The average 100 grams of Kielbasa contains 337 calories 5.0 grams of carbohydrates (of which 2.4 grams are sugar) over 29.7 grams of fat and 1060 milligrams of sodium.

100 grams of Kielbasa contain very small amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Additionally the protein content of Kielbasa which totals 12.4 grams per 100 grams is not significant when compared to the fat and sodium your dog will absorb.

Can Dogs Have Polish Sausage? The Possible Benefit Of Kielbasa

Kielbasa does not do much for your dog. It is only possible that a dog owner would want to feed their dog Kielbasa because it is a decent source of protein.

As opposed to liverwurst Kielbasa is devoid of vitamins minerals and any other potentially beneficial nutrients.

It is true that the nutrients available in Kielbasa depend on the specific recipe used.

Source of Protein

A dogs daily protein intake can only be supplemented with Kielbasa by consuming it.

Maintaining a healthy immune system and the musculoskeletal system requires protein. As a building block of organs and various microscopic structures it can be found in hormones and enzymes.

Kielbasa contains 12.4 grams of protein per 100 grams which is a decent amount of protein. A 33-pound adult dog should consume approximately 25 grams of protein per day according to the National Research Council (NRC).

There are more negative consequences associated with eating Kielbasa than positive ones despite its protein content. Additionally there are healthier and more appropriate sources of protein for dogs.

Can Kielbasa Kill A Dog? The Very Real Dangers

Kielbasa is primarily problematic due to its excess fat and sodium content.

You should not feed your dog too much of either of these nutrients even though they are necessary for its proper growth and functioning.

High-Fat Content

A dogs diet should include fat to ensure healthy skin and fur. Fish heads contain Omega-3 fats which are important for your dogs eyes and brain.

An adult dog weighing 33 pounds should consume 14 grams of fat per day according to the National Academy of Sciences.

For an average 33-pound dog 100 grams of Kielbasa more than doubles the daily fat allowance!

Overeating fat can cause weight gain and other issues. If your dog consumes fatty foods he or she is more likely to suffer from life-threatening conditions.

As a result of an increase in weight their joints and internal organs are subjected to increased pressure. Over time excess fat makes your dog prone to obesity diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

It is also possible for your dog to suffer from acute pancreatitis if it consumes Kielbasa too quickly.

Kielbasa contains a significant amount of fat which triggers the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes. Due to a large amount of fat to be processed too many enzymes accumulate in the pancreas which damages cells and causes inflammation.

There are several symptoms of pancreatitis including vomiting a hunched back lethargy fever and stomach pain.

Generally dogs can recover from acute pancreatitis; however it can be fatal if not treated in time. It may be necessary to administer painkillers IV fluids and anti-inflammatory medications in severe cases of pancreatitis.

High Sodium Content

In small amounts sodium is essential to the proper functioning of the nervous system and musculoskeletal systems. In addition to maintaining electrolyte balance in the body sodium prevents cells from becoming dehydrated or swollen.

Dogs weighing 30 pounds require around 100 milligrams of sodium per day according to VetInfo. There is more than 1060mg of sodium in just 100 grams of Kielbasa. In just 100 grams of Kielbasa thats almost 11 times the daily recommended sodium intake!

Kielbasa is much too salty for your dog to consume as food which is the greatest danger.

Dogs with too much sodium in their bodies may suffer from stomach distress neurological disorders and cardiovascular problems.

Dogs with internal organ problems and elderly dogs are more likely to suffer from the effects of excessive sodium consumption.

It is common for sodium poisoning to cause the following symptoms:

• – Nausea and Vomiting
• – Watery Diarrhea
• – Tongue Swelling
• – Increased Heart Rate
• – High Blood Pressure

It is possible for dogs to suffer from seizures become unconscious and potentially die from sodium poisoning in extreme cases.

To help your dog eliminate excess sodium from their body make sure they have access to water if they have consumed Kielbasa.

It may even be necessary for you to dilute dry dog food or force your dog to consume fluids if your dog ate too much salty food.

Other Dangers of Kielbasa

Toxic Ingredients – Garlic and Onion

In addition to being high in fat and salt Kielbasa can be hazardous to your dog due to the ingredients contained in it. Many Kielbasa recipes contain garlic and onions which are unfortunately very toxic to dogs.

Plants in the Allium family including garlic and onion are capable of causing life-threatening medical conditions in dogs.

Your dog will experience digestive tract inflammation after consuming garlic and onions for the first time. There is nausea vomiting and nausea as signs of inflammation.

A dogs blood is affected by allium consumption however resulting in serious consequences.

It is believed that the chemicals in the Alliums react with the red blood cells in dogs causing the walls of the cells to thin eventually causing the cells to die. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body but the fewer there are the less oxygen is carried.

As a result of eating Alliums you may experience anemia lethargy and general weakness.

The amount of onions and garlic that can cause your dog to become ill is equal to 0.5% of its body weight according to VCA Hospitals.

Although the amount of Alliums incorporated into the recipe would definitely determine the healthfulness of your dogs meal eating a chunk of Kielbasa would surely be unhealthy.

In Summary

Can Dogs Eat Kielbasa?

Despite your best intentions the answer is regrettable.

Can dogs have kielbasa? The short answer is: No! It is not recommended to give kielbasa to dogs. The following are three reasons you should not feed your dog kielbasa:

1. High-Fat Content: Dogs can gain weight and become obese from eating kielbasa which is high in fat.
2. Too Much Sodium: Kielbasa also contains high levels of sodium which can cause health problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
3. Garlic Powder: A lot of kielbasas are made with garlic powder which is toxic to dogs.

You should not panic if your dog ate a little kielbasa but you should keep an eye on them. Your veterinarian may be able to help if your dog ate more than what he was supposed to.

Kielbasa is a dangerous snack for dogs because of its high salt and fat content as well as the toxic ingredients added to the recipe.

Dogs that eat Kielbasa can suffer from GI upset pancreatitis sodium poisoning and a reduction in red blood cells.

You can definitely feed your dog better alternatives that are healthier and more appropriate than Kielbasa which is a good source of protein.

When you and your dog pass the butchers skip the sausages and choose the eye fillet instead!

If you want to read more about dog food tips read here: Dog Food Tips and Tricks.