No, absolutely not. Dogs should never be allowed to consume even the tiniest bits of Chorizo, as they are highly seasoned. From salt to smoked paprikas and chillies, numerous things are added into the seasoning, making the pork meat toxic for canine consumption. Therefore, to ensure their safety chorizo isn’t something that should be given to the pup at any time.
But what exactly is chorizo???
What is Chorizo?
A delicious food item made for human consumption, chorizo is a type of pork sausage that comes seasoned with a lot of spices and herbs. Normally used in Spanish, Portuguese, and Mexican cuisine, this meat type is available both fully and semi cooked. And while it does make a delectable item for pork lovers, there are many risks associated with their consumption in canines.
Usually based upon the cuisine type, the final chorizo flavor may vary greatly. For instance, Mexican chorizo are made using vinegar and chile peppers, while Spanish ones have garlic and Spanish smoked paprika. The same also goes for their texture, as both the cuisines offer the dish in either semicured or fully cooked form.
What are the risks of offering Chorizo to my Dog?
The list includes:
Exposure to Toxic Spices
As we discussed previously, chorizo is often seasoned with spices, herbs, and sometimes even garlic (based upon the specific cuisine). So, when administered, these spices cause severe gastrointestinal disorders within the dog’s little body, resulting in severe pain and discomfort. The symptoms could be either mild or extreme, needing the pooch to undergo emergency vet care for their recovery.
High amounts of salt
Unlike a human digestive system, the canine stomach is not made for high amounts of salt consumption, and neither is it necessary for their taste. Several studies have also found large quantities of salt to increase the risk of sodium poisoning in dogs. Together all these factors make chorizo an inedible form of pork sausage for woofers.
Lots of fat
Apart from high salt concentrations and toxic spices, chorizo also have excessive fats. Thus, even if your dog doesn’t show instant reaction to the spices and salt, a prolonged administration is sure to increase their probability of gaining unwanted weight. This will then end up in obesity, eventually hampering the pooch’s quality of life making them unable to do even day-to-day activities. In extreme cases, heightened fat consumption may also lead to chronic ailments like canine pancreatitis.
Health Hazard
A health hazard for both humans and canines alike, raw or undercooked chorizo are at great risk of contamination. Deadly microbes may breed on the uncooked meat, infecting it with their larvae and other deadly toxins. As a result, when consumed, these microbes then transmit their toxicity to various organs within the body slowly leading to extreme health conditions.
Additionally, when inside, the microbes reproduce much faster, making the canine suffer tremendously and at an alarming rate. Such a dog will become increasingly ill, lethargic, lose his/her appetite, and may even require professional assistance and powerful medications for recovery.
What should I do if my Dog has consumed Chorizo?
As a responsible pet owner, it is our first and foremost duty to keep our pups away from anything that may severely hamper their life. But if your little canine has consumed one or two pieces of chorizo in your absence, the first wise thing to do is to visit a vet clinic.
At the clinic, the professionals will give the dog a full body examination. This typically includes blood and urine tests, although further advanced measures may be taken based upon the severity of signs and symptoms.
My Dog ate Chorizo, but is absolutely fine
Although it is a normal occurrence, this however doesn’t mean that the woofer is out of danger. Sometimes the side effects of having chorizo takes time to incur, and therefore this can be regarded as the silence before the storm.
The same is also possible if the dog has had a tiny piece of the pork type. Sometimes a few canines may escape unscathed out of such situations, but, no matter what pawrents should be extremely careful and keep on monitoring the pooch’s behavioral changes until further help is accessible. Some common side effects that may be seen includes:
- Nausea
- Extreme itchiness, swelling and rashes
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Vomiting with blood tinges
- Runny diarrhea
- Uncoordinated body movements
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness, etc.
In case the dog seems to exhibit any of these above symptoms, don’t waste any time procrastinating what may happen further. Take the pup to a qualified and experienced professional, before anything extreme happens.
What kind of pork meat is safe for canine consumption?
For canines with known allergies or sensitivities to chicken, beef or other commonly used meat types, pork loin or plain pork is the best protein substitute. They don’t bear any seasonings, and spices, thus they can be cooked and added to your woofer’s diet.
These pork meats are also high in many essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. So, when fed after a thorough cooking and in the right amounts, they aid in improving as well as maintaining Fido’s overall health. Moreover, regular consumption has been proven to support muscle growth and bone strengthening.
However, prior to introducing these pork meats, it is always advised to consult with a trained canine nutritionist or a vet. This way you will neither be risking their health, nor be compromising with their quality of life.
You may also like:
Should you Crack a Raw Egg Over Dog Food?
Reference:
- akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-pork/
- becopets.com/blogs/news/can-dogs-eat-pork#:~:text=Processed%20varieties%20of%20pork%20like,for%20dogs%20and%20very%20nutritious.
- epicurious.com/ingredients/what-is-chorizo-and-how-to-use-the-spicy-sausage-article
- masterclass.com/articles/can-dogs-eat-chorizo#what-to-do-if-your-dog-eats-chorizo
- rover.com/blog/can-my-dog-eat-chorizo/
- yourdogeats.com/can-dogs-eat-chorizo/
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