As you eat it, your pup will probably beg for a bite. So, can dogs eat liverwurst? Probably not. Read this guide for the full details about why this isn’t the best kind of food for your furry friend.
You might think that small amounts of liverwurst are probably safe. But dog owners, I want to share some warnings about giving your dog liverwurst so you can keep them safe.
For ultimate pet safety, I recommend consulting with your vet about all the questions you have about your dog eating liverwurst.
What Is Liverwurst
Liverwurst is a meat spread with liver as the main ingredient, but it also includes other ingredients. The texture resembles Spam, so it’s sliceable. But it’s softer than Spam, so it can be used as a spread on crackers, too.
It goes by other names, too. You might hear this German sausage called things like leberwurst or liver sausage.
Ingredients In Liverwurst
The two main ingredients in liverwurst are ground liver and pork, but it can also be made from beef. It’s spiced with a lot of onions. Other spices in liverwurst might include:
- Mustard
- Black Pepper
- Allspice
- Coriander
- Marjoram
- Salt
- Onion or Onion Powder
How Is Liverwurst Made
Liverwurst is made by boiling the pork liver and sausage with spices. Then, it’s all pureed together, put into a casing, packaged up, and sold.
Is Liverwurst Pork
Yes, most of the liverwurst sold in supermarkets is made from a combination of pork sausage and liver. Always read the labels, because some types of liverwurst are made from beef.
Is Liverwurst Healthy
It might not look like other healthy foods, but liverwurst is surprisingly good for you! Organ meat – like liver – is full of nutrients. It’s a great source of healthy fats, amino acids, and vitamins A and B12.
But this comes with a caveat. Be careful with how much of it you eat, because it’s also really high in sodium.
Now that you know more about it, let’s look at whether it’s a good idea to give your dog liverwurst.
Can Dogs Eat Liverwurst
Since the primary ingredient is organ meat, it’s a good choice for your furry friend, right? Maybe not. Sure, liver contains essential fatty acids, but liverwurst also contains a lot of other ingredients (including a high sodium content).
You see, liver sausages are ok for dogs in small quantities, but liverwurst is spiced with onions, pepper, and a lot of salt. These extra ingredients could cause health issues in some dogs.
Even though a moderate amount of liverwurst might not give your dog adverse effects right away, it’s better to give your dog cooked liver without other ingredients. It contains essential nutrients dogs need.
Is Liverwurst Good For Dogs
Just like other types of processed human food, there might be a few health benefits for humans, but they don’t apply to dogs.
Yes, liverwurst has vitamin B and might be good for our immune system, but the salt and fat make it not a good thing to share with dogs.
Unlike liverwurst, pure livers are a high-value treat for dogs. It’s better to cook pork liver for your pet than to give them liverwurst.
And what about a raw diet? Talk to your dog’s veterinarian before feeding your dog raw food.
Is Liverwurst Bad For Dogs
Even though small pieces might not hurt your dog, there are still some concerns about liverwurst and dogs.
The salt content could cause health problems – even in healthy dogs. There are 385 mg of sodium in 55 grams of liverwurst (1/4 a cup). Dogs should eat less than 1250 mg of sodium every day.
There could also be toxic ingredients in the liverwurst – like onions.
Watch out for liverwurst made with onions. If dogs eat too many onions, they could develop anemia due to their red blood cells bursting.
The high fat content in the sausage could contribute to heart disease or pancreatitis if your dog eats a lot of fatty food. Remember, don’t give your dog high-fat food.
Is Liverwurst OK For Dogs
Is liverwurst safe for dogs? Generally speaking, it’s better to keep liverwurst away from dogs. Even if it’s made with a type of sausage that’s safe for dogs, it will probably still have too much salt.
Cooked beef liver is a great way to give your dog nutrition from meat. But liverwurst that’s made with a lot of salt and spices could be bad for your dog’s health.
Can My Dog Eat Liverwurst
This is a personal choice that you should make with the help of your dog’s veterinarian.
How much liverwurst is safe for dogs to eat? It’s safest for you to keep it away from your dog entirely – it has too much salt and too much fat to be a good idea.
Some pet owners use a small amount of liverwurst as a pill pock for their dogs. This could work, but only if the liverwurst is made without onions and as long as you don’t let your dog eat any other salty or fatty foods that day.
Remember, introduce new foods to your dog slowly and watch for signs of indigestion or intolerance before giving them more.
Meaty Treats For Dogs
The best way to give your dog liver is to cook the liver and give them a little bit at a time. You might also be able to make dog-safe liverwurst recipes.
If you want some homemade dog treat recipes, make liver dog treats or peanut butter treats.
Final Thoughts
So, even though liverwurst products might seem like a tasty treat, it’s better to make sure your dog’s diet contains pure meat products without a bunch of unsafe spices and salt. Chicken liver, liver pate, and whole meat products (like chicken breast) are better choices. Read more about dogs and liver.
Pet parents, always talk to your dog’s veterinarian before using high-sodium foods like liverwurst as a way to give your dog pills.
It might seem like a great snack, but it’s better to give your dog pure animal protein.
More Dog Food Resources
Here are some more articles about human food and meat dogs can and can’t eat:
- Can Dogs Eat Chicken Feet
- Can Dogs Eat Corned Beef
- Can Dogs Eat Lamb
- Can Dogs Eat Ham
- Can Dogs Eat Turkey Necks
Find lots of articles on food dogs can and can’t eat here on Spoiled Hounds!
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