I’ll be honest — for the longest time, I thought giving my dog a little piece of sausage was a sweet gesture.
I mean, who hasn’t “treated” their pup with a bite of something tasty from their own plate?
But it wasn’t until Thor, my big, energetic German Shepherd, started showing signs of discomfort that I really began to question what I was feeding him.
And yep, you guessed it: sausages and other processed meats were on the list of hidden villains.
If you’ve ever given your dog sausage, ham, bologna, or salami, or even thought about it, stay with me.
Let me explain why these foods are harmful — and what happened with Thor once we cut them out for good.
Why are sausages (and other deli meats) so harmful?
Simple answer: they’re packed with things your dog’s body just can’t handle well.
Most processed meats contain a dangerous mix of:
- Excess salt
- Saturated fats
- Artificial preservatives and colorants
- Strong seasonings (like onion and garlic powder)
- Nitrites and nitrates (used to preserve color and flavor)
These might not seem like a big deal to us — we’ve been eating them forever, right? — but for a dog’s body, they’re toxic over time.
What happened with Thor
Thor was never picky about food. He’d eat anything, especially if it smelled strong (and let’s be real, sausage is basically an olfactory magnet for dogs). From time to time, I’d give him a piece — maybe to hide a pill, or just as a treat after a bath.
But then he started having frequent diarrhea, looking bloated, and losing energy.
The vet ran some tests and asked if he was eating anything beyond dog food. That’s when it hit me.
Once we completely cut out deli meats, all the symptoms disappeared.
Thor’s health improved drastically. Now, he’s still big and bold — but his belly’s at peace.
The long-term risks
If you regularly give your dog processed meats, here’s what could happen:
- Kidney issues: from the high salt and preservative content
- Pancreatitis: due to the excessive fat
- Food allergies: skin irritation, hair loss, inflammation
- Obesity: leading to joint problems and heart strain
- Food poisoning: especially from seasonings and additives
“But it’s just once in a while…”
Yep, I thought that too. But the issue is that one bite today and another tomorrow can quietly become a habit.
And the damage doesn’t show up right away. Sometimes, when it does, it’s already serious — or expensive to treat.
I’ve since swapped out those little “treats” for healthy, natural options.
Thor loves carrot sticks, frozen banana slices, and even some apple chunks (seedless, of course). And the best part? I know I’m doing what’s best for him.
Healthier alternatives to processed meats
Here are some tasty, safe options to give your dog instead:
- Dog-safe treats (store-bought and labeled for pets)
- Fruits: apple, banana, watermelon, strawberries
- Veggies: carrot, zucchini, cooked sweet potato
- Homemade biscuits: made with oats and natural fruit
Trust me — your dog will be just as happy, and their body will thank you.
Feeding with love means feeding with awareness.
Once I understood that, I never needed “a piece of sausage” to show Thor how much he means to me.
Now, our bonding moments are with healthy snacks and long walks outside.
Because real love protects, cares — and feeds wisely. 🐾💛