Liverwurst, also known as leberwurst, is a sausage usually made of pork or beef liver as the primary ingredient combined with meat, spices, and fats. Originally from Germany, liverwurst is very popular throughout Europe.
Although it counts as human food, its pungent smell can enchant a dog. You may be as tempted to give your furry friend the delicious edible as he is to eat it (we all love to see our dogs happy).
But as a responsible pet caretaker, you need to make sure your dog eats safe and healthy. So, can dogs eat liverwurst without any health concerns? Is liverwurst safe for dogs to munch on?
Can dogs eat liverwurst?
Yes, liverwurst is safe for dogs to eat. It is a nutrient-dense treat for dogs. However, you must give liverwurst in moderation as it is necessary as too much liverwurst can cause adverse effects on the dog’s health.
Liverwurst is rich in protein, iron, and vitamins essential for the development and growth of a dog’s body. But it also comes with high sodium and fat content. If consumed daily, liverwurst can cause several health problems in the canine.
Feeding your dog liverwurst occasionally as a treat is the best and safest route. It is also considered a great way to give your dog pills it refuses to take. You can take spreadable liverwurst and mold it around the pills. This way, the dog will ingest the medicine without even knowing it.
What ingredients does liverwurst contain?
Pork or beef liver makes up at least 30 percent of the total liverwurst’s composition. Secondary ingredients include meat and fats. The most commonly used ingredients in liverwurst are:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Mustard seeds
- Thyme
- Allspice
- Sage
- Marjoram
- Dry fruits
- Onion powder
When picking up liverwurst for your dog, read the product’s label carefully. Some ingredients like garlic, onion, and ginger, frequently used in packaged liverwurst, are toxic for dogs. Choose a variant that does not contain harmful ingredients to the pooch.
What are the health benefits of liverwurst for dogs?
Liverwurst offers a wide range of benefits for dogs. The liver sausage provides all the required nutrients that contribute to the health and well-being of the pooch.
- Source of Protein: Liverwurst contains around 12 grams of protein per 100g serving. A good intake of protein ensures stronger bones and muscles. It also strengthens the dog’s immune system.
- Source of Iron: The sausage packs 6.4mg of iron per 100g serving. Iron helps spread oxygen throughout the body and is also involved in the formation of red blood cells. Some enzymes in the body also require iron to function normally.
- Source of Vitamins: Vitamins are vital for your pooch. They provide various health benefits ranging from a healthy coat to an improved digestive system. Liverwurst contains vitamin A,B,D,K and E.
How much liverwurst can a dog eat?
Liverwurst, if fed frequently, can cause some severe health complications in dogs. Make sure not to give it more than 1 ounce per serving twice a month.
The sausage should not be a part of the dog’s daily food intake. You can give it to your dog rarely as a treat or reward for good behavior. It can also be used to train and discipline your dog.
What happens if a dog eats too much liverwurst?
Excess sausage consumption can lead to health problems ranging from obesity to even heart disease in dogs. It contains high amounts of sodium, fats, and carbohydrates. Ingesting a large amount of these nutrients can be dangerous for the canine.
Health issues that can occur due to immoderate consumption of liverwurst include:
- Diabetes: Liverwurst is rich in fats and carbohydrates. It has 25 grams of fats and 6 grams of carbohydrates per 100g serving. Such a large amount of fats and carbohydrates can lead to diabetes and even heart disease in extreme cases.
- Obesity: The high-fat content present can induce rapid weight gain. Obesity can cause hypertension, urinary disorders, arthritis, and even cancer in dogs.
- Vomiting and Diarrhea: If the liverwurst had even a tiny amount of garlic or onion present (both are toxic to dogs), it could cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in pooches.
- Pancreatitis: Eating a lot of liverwurst can trigger pancreatitis in some dogs. It is painful and causes extreme discomfort to the canine.
- Risk of kidney failure: Huge quantity of sodium present in liverwurst brings an increased risk of kidney failure in dogs. Avoid liverwurst altogether if your dog already suffers from kidney disease.
An easy-to-make liverwurst dog treat
Liverwurst dog treats can be the optimal way of feeding your dog the tasty sausage. You can give them the treats on special occasions. Here is a simple recipe for making a liverwurst dog treat from the cookbook “The everything cooking for dogs”.
- Take ¾ cup of wheat cereal
- Mix 3 ounces of liverwurst and 2 ounces of cream cheese together.
- Mix the wheat with the liverwurst and cheese mixture and mash them until the mixture turns into a paste
- Mold the mixture into small balls, place them in a plastic bag and refrigerate.
This will make around 1 cup of liverwurst treats for your furry buddy.
Related FAQs to liverwurst and dogs!
Can dogs eat liverwurst pate?
Dogs can eat liverwurst pate in moderation, but it is preferred that you do not feed it to your dog because liverwurst pate can contain ingredients like onions, mustard, and alcohol that are toxic to dogs.
Is liverwurst bad for dogs?
Liverwurst is not bad for dogs as long as it is given as an occasional treat because dogs that overeat liverwurst can develop health complications.
Do dogs like liver sausage?
Dogs love the taste of liver sausage. You can give liver sausages to your dog every once in a while if they are not cooked in harmful spices.
The pungent smell of liver sausages attracts dogs a lot. Despite the fido loving it, give your dog only a small portion of it as a treat for good behavior.
Can dogs eat braunschweiger?
Yes, like liverwurst, braunschweiger is safe to eat by your pooch as long as you give it in small portions. All in all, braunschweiger is considered a high-value treat for dogs.
There is not much difference between braunschweiger and liverwurst aside from the fact that liverwurst is not smoked while braunschweiger usually is.
Our final thoughts on feeding your dog liverwurst!
Liverwurst is a mouth-watering delight for both humans and dogs. There is nothing wrong with feeding your dog liver sausage in moderation from time to time.
Just ensure that the one you’re buying does not contain any toxic ingredients for dogs. You can also make liverwurst at home using ingredients best suited for your lovely pet.
