Can Dogs Have Sausage Gravy? Safety Tips and Recipe

Can Dogs Have Sausage Gravy?

Sausage gravy is a popular breakfast food for many people. This thick, savory sauce is often served over biscuits, potatoes, or other starchy sides. Some dog owners may wonder if it's safe to share a little sausage gravy with their canine companion or if they should avoid giving it to them altogether.

The answer isn't quite so black and white. Like many human foods, sausage gravy can be safely shared with dogs in moderation. However, there are also some potential risks to be aware of. Let's take a closer look at whether or not dogs can have sausage gravy.

The Ingredients in Sausage Gravy

To determine if sausage gravy is OK for dogs to eat, we first need to examine what it contains. The primary ingredients in basic sausage gravy are:

• Sausage
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Spices and seasonings

Let's explore each of these components in more detail.

Sausage

Most sausage gravy starts with cooked and crumbled sausage as its base. Sausage contains meat, fat, spices, and preservatives. In moderation, meat is perfectly fine for dogs. It provides protein and fat which are both key nutrients dogs need in their diet.

However, some sausages may contain excessive fat, salt, sugar or spices. These components can cause stomach upset, pancreatitis, and other issues if a dog eats too much. So it's best to use a lean, low-sodium sausage when making gravy you plan to share with your dog.

All-Purpose Flour

Flour helps thicken gravy and bind the ingredients together. All-purpose flour contains carbohydrates from wheat as well as small amounts of protein, fat, fiber and nutrients.

In small quantities, flour is unlikely to cause problems for dogs. But some pets may have difficulty digesting the gluten found in wheat flour. Signs of a gluten sensitivity can include diarrhea, vomiting, gas, and excess shedding or itching. If your dog has a sensitivity, you may want to avoid sharing gravy made with regular flour.

Milk

Milk adds creaminess, calcium, vitamins, and additional protein to gravy. Like humans, some dogs are lactose intolerant meaning they lack enough of the enzyme needed to properly digest milk sugars. This can result in diarrhea, gas, and abdominal pain if they consume milk.

To reduce the chance of stomach upset, you can use lactose-free milk or a milk alternative like coconut milk to make dog-friendly gravy. Or skip the milk altogether and use water or low-sodium broth as the liquid instead.

Seasonings

Sausage gravy flavored with herbs, spices, salt, and pepper. Small amounts of seasonings add extra taste but aren't harmful. However, too much can irritate a dog's stomach. Onion and garlic powders in particular can cause toxicity in dogs if consumed in large quantities.

To keep sausage gravy safe for sharing, use minimal seasonings or a pet-friendly seasoning blend. Avoid any gravy with onion or garlic.

Benefits of Sausage Gravy for Dogs

When made properly with dog-safe ingredients, sausage gravy can provide some benefits including:

Additional Protein

The sausage and milk in gravy add extra protein to your dog's diet. Protein is vital for building muscle, supporting immune function, and keeping your dog feeling satisfied between meals.

Healthy Fats

Fats like those found in sausage and milk provide fatty acids that help keep your dog's skin and coat healthy. Fat also plays an important role in hormone and vitamin production.

Flavors They Love

Savory, meaty gravy is difficult for many dogs to resist. Adding a bit of gravy can make an otherwise boring kibble meal much more enticing. This can encourage picky eaters to finish their food.

Mental Stimulation

Licking gravy from toys and dishes provides mental stimulation. This activity can help occupy and entertain dogs, which is especially useful for high-energy breeds.

Potential Risks of Feeding Dogs Sausage Gravy

While the right type of gravy is fine for canines, there are some potential downsides to keep in mind. These include:

Pancreatitis

Fatty foods like sausage gravy may trigger pancreatitis in some dogs. This serious condition causes inflammation and swelling of the pancreas. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and abdominal pain.

Weight Gain

Too much gravy can lead to weight gain in dogs. Obesity stresses the joints, cardiovascular system, and shortens lifespan. To prevent excessive calories, gravy should be fed in small amounts and accounted for in daily calorie limits.

Food Allergies or Intolerances

Dogs may have food allergies or difficulty digesting ingredients like wheat or milk. If your dog experiences signs like itching, ear infections, or digestive upset after eating gravy, an ingredient sensitivity could be to blame.

Toxicity From Onions/Garlic

Onion and garlic contain compounds that are toxic to dogs if enough is consumed. Signs of toxicity include lethargy, excessive panting and salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and pale gums. Always avoid gravy with these ingredients.

High Blood Pressure

Heavily seasoned gravy or deli types with lots of sodium may lead to or worsen hypertension in some dogs. High blood pressure can damage the heart, kidneys, and eyes.

Tips for Safely Giving Dogs Sausage Gravy

If you want to share some of your homemade biscuits and gravy with your dog, follow these tips to reduce risks:

Choose Dog-Safe Ingredients

Use a high-quality, lean meat sausage with minimal seasonings. Opt for lactose-free milk or skip altogether. Avoid onions, garlic, excessive salt, and other add-ins.

Serve Small Portions

Gravy is high in fat and calories. Limit portions to 1-2 tablespoons for small dogs and 1/4 cup or less for larger breeds.

Avoid Feeding Too Frequently

Occasional licks of gravy as a treat are fine but don't make it a daily indulgence. Overuse may lead to obesity or other problems.

Introduce Slowly

When first giving your dog gravy, only provide a small amount to ensure they don't have any allergic reaction or issues digesting it.

Don't Use as a Meal Replacement

Gravy shouldn't replace balanced dog food. It doesn't provide complete nutrition. Give it only as the occasional snack or sauce topper.

Avoid Gravy Made for Humans

Steer clear of ready-made sausage gravy from restaurants and brands marketed for human consumption, as these often have onion, garlic, excess salt and fat that could be harmful.

Can Puppies Have Sausage Gravy?

Growing puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. Here are some things to consider before feeding gravy to a pup:

Wait Until Fully Weaned

Puppies still nursing from their mother or bottle-feeding should not eat solid foods like gravy until fully weaned. This helps avoid digestive upset.

Introduce New Foods Slowly

Only introduce small tastes of new foods like gravy once your puppy is regularly eating solid food well. Take it slowly to check for allergies.

Avoid Fatty Foods

Too much fat from gravy may lead to diarrhea or pancreatitis in puppies prone to this condition. Stick to low-fat homemade versions.

Don't Exceed Treat Limits

Treats like gravy should make up no more than 10% of a puppy's daily calories, so serve very small portions. Too many treats may inhibit proper growth.

Prevent Rapid Growth

Overfeeding high-calorie foods like gravy can fuel excess growth. This puts puppies at risk for joint issues. Slow, steady growth is best.

Healthy Homemade Sausage Gravy for Dogs

Whipping up a dog-friendly batch of sausage gravy is easy. Here is a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground turkey sausage
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups lactose-free milk
• 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook sausage in olive oil over medium heat until fully browned, breaking up chunks as you stir. Drain excess fat.
2. Whisk in flour until a paste forms. Cook 2 minutes more.
3. Gradually whisk in milk, scraping any bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add sage, thyme, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes until thickened.
5. Let gravy cool before serving to your dog. Refrigerate leftovers.

This people-friendly recipe minimizes fat and seasonings to make it perfectly safe for your dog. You can add some to their dry kibble, put a dollop in a puzzle toy, or serve it in a bowl for licking as a special treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sausage gravy OK for diabetic dogs?

Sausage gravy is high in carbohydrates, so it's best to avoid giving it to diabetic dogs. The fat and sugar content can cause blood sugar spikes. Stick to low-carb treats formulated for diabetic pets instead.

Can puppies have gravy?

Gravy should only be given to puppies once fully weaned and eating solid foods well. Even then, servings should be tiny and high-fat, seasoned varieties avoided to prevent digestive upset or excessive growth.

Is milk gravy safe for dogs?

Yes, milk-based sausage gravy is fine for most dogs in moderation. To reduce the risk of lactose intolerance issues, use lactose-free milk or opt for a milk substitute like coconut milk.

Can dogs eat turkey sausage gravy?

Turkey sausage gravy is safer than pork-based since turkey is lower in fat. Just be sure to avoid onion, garlic, excess salt and limit portions. Plain turkey or chicken broth also works well as an alternative.

Is sausage gravy better than bacon grease?

While small amounts of bacon grease are OK, sausage gravy is typically safer. It has added protein and other nutrients versus pure bacon fat, which is very high in saturated fat and sodium.

The Bottom Line

Dogs can have sausage gravy in moderation as an occasional treat. Homemade varieties are best to control the ingredients. Be sure to introduce new foods slowly, stick to dog-safe recipes, and serve tiny portions to avoid adverse effects. While gravy shouldn't be a regular menu item, the occasional small serving is fine for most healthy dogs.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.