The short answer is no, dogs cannot eat chorizo. This boldly-flavored sausage is very popular in many Hispanic cultures. But, the ingredients in traditional chorizo can make your dog very ill. There are many other healthier meat-based snacks that your dog can enjoy. Or, you can try your hand at creating a dog-friendly version!
Is Chorizo a Good Treat for My Dog?
Are you considering sharing your chorizo snack with your dog? Did you dog steal a piece of chorizo off the counter and now you’re worried that it may make him sick?
We often assume that all meat products are safe for our dogs, but this isn’t always the case.
The added ingredients in this popular Spanish sausage may upset your dog’s stomach. Especially the salt and garlic content.
There are many safe options to offer your furry friend than chorizo if you’re looking to offer a special treat.
Is Chorizo Bad for Dogs?
When deciding if a food is safe for your dog or not, you will need to balance the potential health risks and benefits.
Many foods offer potential benefits that look great, but the risks outweigh them. This is true when considering whether to feed chorizo to your dog.
Health Risks of Chorizo for Dogs
Eating chorizo sausage can expose your dog to some serious health issues.
Harmful Spices and Seasonings
The biggest concern when feeding chorizo to your dog is the use of spices and seasonings.
It is often flavored with onion powder and garlic powder, which are toxic to dogs. Both garlic toxicity and onion toxicity can be fatal.
These toxins damage the red blood cells in your dog’s body which can lead to anemia.
Paprika is also a common seasoning in chorizo.
Ingesting too much paprika can cause nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal irritation, and diarrhea. It can also cause watery eyes from the spice.
Salt Poisoning
Chorizo has high salt content both for flavor and as a source of food preservation.
High levels of sodium can have seriously damaging effects on your dog’s body. Excess salt intake, known as salt poisoning, can be fatal.
It is estimated that 50% of dogs will pass from toxic levels of salt regardless of the treatment provided.
The warning signs of salt poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of Appetite
- Excessive Thirst or Urination
- Lethargy
- Lack of Coordination
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Coma
To give your dog the best chance of survival, get your dog to an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible.
Health Benefits of Chorizo for Dogs
Protein
Chorizo is traditionally made with pork meat and pork fat, which is a great source of protein. This is a necessary nutrient in your dog’s diet.
By feeding your dog a high-protein diet, you support the growth of lean muscle.
It’s also necessary for both muscle and tissue repair. This will allow your dog’s body to recover properly after physical activity.
Protein also contributes to healthy hair and skin and boosts the immune system.
Thiamine
Also known as vitamin B1, thiamine helps the digestive system break down carbohydrates.
This means that it helps to provide the energy needed by the brain and other organs.
Vitamin B-12
Another important vitamin when it comes to your dog’s health is vitamin B-12.
This vitamin contributes to the formation and growth of blood cells. It’s also necessary for the healthy operation of the brain and nervous system.
Selenium
This microelement plays an important role in thyroid metabolism and reproduction.
It possesses both anti-cancer and antioxidant properties.
Including selenium in your dog’s diet can help prevent heart disease. It can also help to slow cognitive decline.
What Should I Do if my Dog ate Chorizo?
If you suspect that your dog has eaten chorizo, you should contact your veterinarian.
Provide important details including how much chorizo he may have eaten. You should also take note of any symtpoms he is showing.
Your vet will recommend the best course of action.
This may mean getting your dog to the nearest emergency vet for supportive care.
If your vet feels that your dog can be cared for at home, make him comfortable. He is likely going to be feeling ill.
Offer plenty of cold, fresh water.
Your veterinarian may recommend offering something to help replace and balance electrolytes. A safe and readily available option is children’s Pedialyte.
Watch your dog carefully during recovery. If you notice any changes in his condition, consult with your vet.
Can Chorizo Kill Dogs?
Yes! In most cases chorizo will make your dog sick, but in the most serious cases it can be fatal.
The biggest reason for this is the high salt content.
Salt poisoning is a very serious risk for dogs that can have devastating results.
Not only should you not feed chorizo to your dog, you should keep it safely up and out of his reach.
Can Dogs Eat Sliced Chorizo?
Sliced chorizo is designed to be eaten raw. The thin slices are often used on sandwiches, wraps, or, more traditionally, tapas.
It has a soft texture with a spicy flavor.
When it comes to your dog, this level of spice can really make his stomach upset. This can lead to nausea, vomitting, or diarrhea.
Too much salt and spices can also cause more serious health issues.
The smaller slices will help to limit the amount that is eaten at any one time. But, you should still avoid giving it to your dog.
Can my Dog Eat Chorizo Salami?
Chorizo salami is a dry cured version of the meat, meaning that it contains high levels of salt.
If your dog eats chorizo salami, there is a high risk of salt poisoning. This can be fatal.
Excess salt can also lead to long-term health complications like kidney disease.
Keep the chorizo salami safely out of your dog’s reach.
Can Dogs Eat Soy Chorizo?
Do you prefer vegan options in your family? If so, you may be wondering if soy chorizo is safe for your dog.
This soy-based option means that you don’t have to concern yourself with the salts of cured meat.
But, that doesn’t mean that it’s a safe snack for your dog.
Soy chorizo is still full of unhealthy spices and seasonings. So, it’s unsafe to feed it to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Chorizo and Eggs?
Eggs are a healthy addition to a dog’s diet. But, that isn’t enough to make up for the risks of the chorizo sausage.
All the risks associated with chorizo on it’s own are still very present with chorizo and eggs. This includes the spices and seasonsings as well as high salt levels.
Chorizo shouldn’t be fed to your dog in any recipe.
If you’re making chorizo and eggs and want to share with your dog, stick to sharing eggs. But, make sure the eggs you feed him are free from salt and spices.
Can Dogs Eat Uncooked Chorizo?
Undercooked or raw pork sausage can be dangerous to your dog due to the risk of parasites.
More specifically, uncooked pork is known to carry trichinella spiralis larvae.
This parasite is the cause of the infection trichinosis. It’s also known as pork roundworm.
As these worms move through your dog’s body, they cause gastrointestinal distress.
They can also move through the muscles and tissues of the body. It can trigger muscle inflammation and, in the most severe cases, death.
Symptoms of trichinosis include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle Pain and Stiffness
- Muscle Inflammation
If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian. The infection can be treated with an antiparasitic drug.
For this reason, you should avoid feeding your dog raw chorizo.
Is There A Difference Between Mexican Chorizo and Spanish Chorizo?
The difference between Mexican chorizo and Spanish chorizo is the meat they contain.
Mexican chorizo is made from fresh sausage, and in general it’s a very fatty meat.
It is then served as cooked chorizo and prepared like typical ground meats. This gives it a softer texture.
Spanish chorizo is made from a dried, cured sausage.
The cured meat provides a harder texture and higher salt levels.
Can Dogs Eat Either?
No, you dog shouldn’t eat either type of chorizo.
Both Mexican chorizo and Spanish chorizo contain harmful spices and seasonings.
They also both have high salt levels, although Spanish chorizo is the higher of the two.
Final Thoughts – Can Dogs Eat Chorizo?
Going back to the original question, can dogs eat chorizo? The short answer is no.
Chorizo contains several harmful ingredients.
Larger amounts can lead to serious health problems. This includes kidney disease and salt poisoning. It may even be fatal.
Are you looking to treat your dog? There are many healthier dog treats available that you can you share with your dog.
Trade in the chorizo for a plain boneless boiled chicken breast or a crunchy dog-friendly vegetable.
