If you find yourself at a barbeque party and notice your dog begging you for a little bite of your hot dog, you may be wondering if it’s safe for them. It is estimated that 150 million hot dogs are prepared every 4th of July, so it is no wonder you want to include your pet in this tradition. But how safe are hot dogs for your dog, and do they have any real health benefits?
Hot dogs are not considered healthy food, and since most people should avoid eating hot dogs too frequently, so should your dog. Hot dogs are made of processed meats and have a high amount of salt and fat in them, which can cause severe stomach issues in dogs and many other problems when consumed too often.
Are Hot Dogs Healthy?
According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, excessive hot dog consumption is considered a dangerous trend that can lead to many health issues.1 As the World Health Organization concluded,2 a daily 50-gram (0.11 pound) portion of processed meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 18%. Considering these numbers and the dangers of consuming too much processed meat, we can conclude that processed meat of this kind probably isn’t a healthy meal for dogs, either.
Are Hot Dogs Safe for Dogs?
Although hot dogs are generally unhealthy, a hot dog won’t hurt your dog if they steal a plain one from your kitchen counter. You should watch your dog, but there is no need to rush them to your vet since it is unlikely to cause any harm. However, you should avoid intentionally giving them to your pup. It is important to note that some hot dog varieties contain toxic ingredients, such as onion and garlic. You should contact your veterinarian for advice if your dog eats one or displays signs of an illness.
What Happens if a Dog Eats Hot Dogs?
The most significant risk of feeding hot dogs to your dog is digestive issues. When your dog eats an entire hot dog, they may experience stomach issues or diarrhea. If diarrhea persists and lasts more than 12 to 24 hours, call your veterinarian for an immediate check-up.
While an occasional hot dog won’t cause considerable issues, there are still plenty of risks of feeding them to your dog regularly.
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Human Foods for Dogs
Some human foods are safe for dogs to eat in moderation. Safe human food options you can offer your dog as an occasional treat are tinned or cooked fish, such as tuna or salmon5, cooked eggs, unprocessed meat, and certain fruits. Along with processed meat, avoid feeding your dog toxic or dangerous foods, such as garlic, onion, avocado, grapes, and raw fish.
Alternatives to Hot Dogs
Because hot dogs are unhealthy for your dog, it would be best to search for a replacement food to offer your dog in case you want to give them an occasional treat. If you feed your dog a high-quality, complete, and balanced food, they don’t need any supplements or additional foods. However, if you want to include your dog in the weekend barbecue, you can offer them a tiny portion of unsalted and unseasoned chicken, pork, or beef. Make sure the meat is cut to bite sizes to prevent choking. Any other unprocessed meat will be a good choice for your pup if it doesn’t contain salts, oils, and seasonings.
Final Thoughts
Once you understand the risks of feeding hot dogs to your dog, hopefully, you’ll consider a safer and healthier approach to your dog’s diet. This processed sausage is unhealthy even for humans, and the high amount of fat and salt can cause digestive issues. Consuming processed meat frequently has been linked to colorectal cancer in humans. Many other human foods are safe for canine consumption, so if you ever find yourself at a 4th of July party, look out for unseasoned and unsalted meat to feed your dog.
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Featured Image Credit: Maizephyr, Shutterstock
