Can dogs eat sausages?

Caution — fatty and often seasoned with garlic/onion

A small piece of plain cooked sausage usually won't hurt, but most UK sausages contain onion, garlic, salt, and fat. Not a good choice.

The full picture

Most UK sausages contain problems for dogs: onion powder, garlic powder, sage, and high salt/fat levels. Cumberland, Lincolnshire, and most butcher sausages fall into this category. Hot dog frankfurters are worst — ultra-processed, extremely salty, and often with toxic ingredients. A pea-sized piece of a simple cooked pork sausage is unlikely to harm, but don't make it routine. Never feed raw sausage.

Risks to watch for

  • Onion/garlic powder toxicity
  • Pancreatitis from fat
  • Salt toxicity
  • Choking on whole sausages

Safe portion size

A small piece occasionally, plain ingredients only.

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Safer alternatives

  • Plain cooked chicken pieces
  • Plain cooked turkey

Unexpected vet bills can run into thousands

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Related foods

Bacon caution Ham caution
Written and reviewed by
The Can My Dog Eat editorial team

Every food page is cross-checked against UK veterinary sources including the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), the Animal PoisonLine, PDSA, and the Merck Veterinary Manual before publication. We do not accept paid placements from brands. If you spot an inaccuracy, please let us know — we take errors seriously and correct them quickly.

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Checked against UK veterinary guidance — see our editorial standards and source list. If your dog has eaten something and you need urgent advice, call a vet or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000.

Important: This page is general information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different, and individual factors (age, breed, health conditions, medications) can change what's safe. If in doubt, always contact your vet — or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 in the UK.