There is quite a bit of myth associated with liverwurst. When it comes to dogs, some believe that liverwurst can do more damage to canines than good.
It’s not a bad idea to offer your dog some variety in their meals. But is liverwurst a good choice?
Is liverwurst good for dogs? Fully cooked liverwurst is safe for your dog to eat as an occasional snack. However, you should always make sure the liverwurst you purchase is free of other ingredients that are toxic for dogs.
So, if you are wondering about the benefits of feeding your dog liverwurst, read on to discover what liverwurst consists of and whether or not you should incorporate this particular delicacy into your dog’s daily diet.
What Is Liverwurst?
Liverwurst is a sausage usually made from pigs’ or calves’ livers and sphincters. Many varieties are available in liverwurst, and other ingredients may include meat (usually veal), fat, and spices, including black pepper, marjoram, allspice, thyme, ground mustard seed, and nutmeg.
Some varieties of liverwurst are even spreadable. Liverwurst is eaten across European countries such as Denmark, Austria, Croatia, Bulgaria, Finland, and even South American countries such as Chile.
There is also braunschweiger, which is a spin on liverwurst. Braunschweiger and liverwurst are considered pretty much the same thing in the Midwest. But in other parts of Europe and the world, braunschweiger is pig’s liver that is almost always smoked, full of spices, and stuffed with bacon.
You should know that it is rare to come across a pooch that doesn’t love liverwurst or braunschweiger. But, you need to be careful about how much and the kind of liverwurst you feed your dog.
Is Liverwurst Safe For Dogs?
Many dog owners vouch that their canine will happily gobble up any prescribed medicine hidden inside the liverwurst. So, yes, liverwurst does serve an instrumental purpose. When you look at liverwurst and the added ingredients inside most varieties of liverwurst, you’ll find that liverwurst is safe for your dog.
Is Liverwurst Good For Dogs?
Liverwurst, as the name suggests, is made from pig’s liver. If you carefully peruse the ingredients of liverwurst and avoid specific spices or condiments, then an occasional treat of liverwurst can make your four-legged friend’s taste buds and body very happy.
Liver is a highly nutrient-dense protein that is full of vitamins and minerals. The liver is high in vitamin A and B, iron, copper, zinc, essential fatty acids, and folate. Now, vitamin A helps improve vision, immune function, and reproduction. Vitamin A also assists in normal heart and kidney function.
Folate contributes significantly towards cell growth and the formation of DNA. Iron plays a significant role in carrying the necessary oxygen throughout the body. Furthermore, copper activates many enzymes that regulate energy production, iron metabolism, and brain function.
So, if you are looking to give your dog a boost of nutrients, then a snack of liverwurst should do the trick. But, liverwurst should be fed to your dog with caution, as there are aspects of liverwurst that might prove harmful for your faithful companion.
Possible Risks Of Feeding Dogs Liverwurst
As mentioned earlier, liverwurst comes in a wide variety with many different ingredients. Many different countries have their unique twist on liverwurst. So, if you want to offer your furry friend a helping of liverwurst every once in a while, you should watch out for particular ingredients.
Now, liverwurst can be suitable for your dog so long as you make it a point to cook it. Yes, many pet parents advocate giving their fur babies raw meat. However, the CDC and American Kennel Club advise against serving your canines uncooked meat of any kind. The reason is relatively simple. Raw meat can cause Salmonella and Campylobacter.
There are many signs of salmonella, such as stomach cramps, fever, and diarrhea. It is an infection that can last anywhere from 4-7 days. And it can be a very painful experience for your beloved pet.
Campylobacter is a bacteria that can make your fur baby pretty sick too. The common indications of campylobacter are diarrhea (often bloody), nausea, vomiting, stomach aches, and fever. If the infection is too severe and your doggo is pregnant, it can even cause a miscarriage.
As you already know, liverwurst is made from pig’s liver, which can cause Trichinosis in dogs and humans. Eating undercooked or raw pork is not safe for dogs, as it contains a parasite known as trichinella spiralis.
Trichinosis can trigger weakness, fatigue, muscle pain, and diarrhea. If the infection isn’t treated promptly, it can even result in death.
Liverwurst can give a surge of minerals and vitamins to the body, and in general, that’s great. But, dogs can suffer from Vitamin A toxicity. There are many symptoms of Hypervitaminosis A, such as anorexia, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, convulsions, and paralysis.
Additionally, liverwurst does contain spices such as nutmeg. Some varieties of liverwurst have garlic powder, onion powder, or ginger powder. Nutmeg, onions, garlic, and ginger are toxic for dogs. So, if you want your dog to benefit from liverwurst, you will have to be extra careful about the ingredients present in the liverwurst that you give to them.
How To Safely Feed Your Dog Liverwurst?
If you want your pet to enjoy the health perks of eating liver and prevent your dog from falling ill, then you should only go for high-quality liverwurst from reliable sources. You should ensure that the liverwurst you feed your fur baby doesn’t include any component that might be toxic for your dog.
Many reliable dog sites offer gourmet liverwurst specifically prepared for canines. You can also buy liver treats for dogs.
If you feel that your pooch will genuinely appreciate a meal of liverwurst, then you can buy such high-quality meals for your pet without fear. These companies making top-notch meals for dogs guarantee toxic-free and nutrient-dense meals for canines.
If you prepare a liver-related meal for your dog yourself at home, you can even be careful about the meat source. Better yet, go with making something with no added spices, and make sure to cook it first. That way, you can avoid the dangers associated with feeding your dog liverwurst, and your pup will enjoy their meal and benefit from it too.
Also, you should understand that dogs can get sick not just by bad quality liverwurst or some toxic element present; they can fall sick by overeating a meal of liver.
So, it would be best to allow your pet a liver treat not more than once or twice a month. Considering the slimy nature of liver, it is essential that you also give your dog small bite-sized pieces so that you avoid a choking hazard.
Is Liverwurst Safe For Puppies?
Yes, liverwurst is safe for puppies. But, if you aren’t cautious about the ingredients in the liverwurst, then your poor fur babies will have a tough time with it. Many renowned vets recommend pet parents feed their puppies cooked liver instead of raw liverwurst.
It would be best if you remembered that when you feed puppies, you shouldn’t give them generous helpings. Instead, liver-related foods should be a rare treat given solely on special occasions to your dog or puppy to boost their overall well-being.
Final Thoughts
Bringing home a pet as adorable as a dog will surely fill your house and life with joy and laughter. But, becoming a pet parent isn’t just about fun. You have to understand that the well-being and your dog’s life depends upon your capacity to make responsible decisions as a pet guardian.
Your dog’s diet plays a major role in their overall health. So, if you are interested in increasing your pet’s nutrient base as well as palate, then liver is undoubtedly a good choice. But, when it comes to liverwurst, you will have to practice a lot of care regarding all of the other contents that may be found in liverwurst.
Many pet guardians find the allure of liver as a superfood to be irresistible. But, when they see the consequences their pets might have to face with a tiny oversight, they may decide against offering their doggos any liver at all. It is wise to err on the side of caution. But, you can have the best of both worlds if you give your dog a sample of cooked liver as a treat that you’ve prepared at home.
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