Can dogs eat brisket? Maybe you’ve thought about sharing some with your dog while preparing slow-cooked brisket for a celebratory weekend barbecue. If humans can eat brisket, can dogs safely eat it too?
There is no short yes or no answer to whether dogs can eat brisket safely. Technically, brisket is made from beef, and beef is not toxic to dogs. But the way that brisket is prepared with additional spices and seasonings usually means that it could present a risk to your dog.
Additionally, brisket is a food that is high in sodium and high in fat. So while you don’t need to panic if your dog sneaks in a bite of brisket, it’s not really a suitable food to feed to them on a regular basis.
If your dog manages to eat a lot of brisket, call your veterinarian for advice. Here’s what you need to know about brisket and dogs.
When Is Brisket Okay For Dogs To Eat?
The beef that brisket is usually made out of is not poisonous to dogs. Protein like beef should form a large part of a dog’s diet, so brisket could provide your dog with a decent amount of protein.
Beef also contains a good amount of the minerals selenium, zinc, and iron plus a number of beneficial B vitamins.
However, to safely serve a decent amount of brisket to your dog, you’d have to cook the meat so plainly and without any of the seasonings that usually give brisket its characteristic taste, that you really wouldn’t be serving brisket to your dog at all.
When Is Brisket Bad For Dogs?
First of all, brisket is usually prepared with seasonings and rubs that include a lot of garlic, salt, and spices. Depending on the precise seasoning, there’s a good chance that the brisket will end up containing ingredients that could be toxic to your dog.
Secondly, brisket is a high fat and high sodium food. Both of these rule it out as a smart food to feed to your dog.
High fat foods can lead to canine obesity, plus increase the risk of your dog developing pancreatitis. High sodium foods can cause heart disease and high blood pressure along with the chance of actual salt poisoning.
So while you don’t need to worry too much if you notice your dog has sneaked in a small bite of brisket from your barbecue platter, it’s a food that is best kept safely out of your canine’s reach.
Has your dog ever tried to eat brisket? What alternatives do you serve to your dog instead? Let us know in the comments below!
