Can dogs or cats eat hot dogs?
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Can dogs eat hot dogs?
Yes, dogs can eat hot dogs in extreme moderation — they're not exactly the healthiest snack you could give them.
First, keep in mind: hot dogs are made from processed meat and contain additives like salt, preservatives, and artificial flavourings. While these ingredients may not be harmful in small amounts, they can cause health problems if eaten regularly or in large quantities. For example, feeding your dog too much salt can lead to dehydration or even kidney damage over time.
Plus, some hot dogs also contain garlic and onion powder, which are extremely toxic for dogs. These food items can damage red blood cells and cause life-threatening anaemia.
If you do feed your pup some hot dogs, don't give them any uncooked or spoiled meat, which could harbour dangerous bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli.
While none of this amounts to a recommendation that your dog enter a hot dog eating contest, feeding them small bits of hot dog as a very occasional treat is unlikely to do any harm. But healthier snack options do exist!
As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet, consult with your veterinarian first. If your dog eats hot dogs (or any food) and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating any unsafe foods, dog insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.
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Can cats eat hot dogs?
The good news is cats can eat hot dogs in very small quantities as an occasional treat. However, hot dogs are not healthy for them.
First, hot dogs are high in sodium and preservatives, which can be harmful if eaten in large quantities or regularly.
And while cats are carnivores by nature and require meat-based diets for good health, they may not find hot dogs particularly nutritious. Hot dogs often contain fillers like corn syrup and wheat flour, which offer little nutritional value compared to lean protein sources like chicken or fish.
Finally, remember that some hot dogs contain seasonings like garlic or onion powder, which are extremely toxic for cats.
The bottom line: feeding your cat small amounts of cooked hot dogs — minus any condiments, toppings, or seasonings — is generally safe as a very occasional treat. But hot dogs should never make up a significant portion of their diet, and you can almost certainly find a better treat for them.
As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet, consult with your veterinarian first. If your cat eats hot dogs (or any food) and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating any unsafe foods, cat insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.
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Information purposes only
The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian.
Pet poison emergency protocol
If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the Animal Poison Line (01202 50 9000).
Food safety statuses
Could be given almost daily without harm
Not toxic, but should not be given regularly
Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet