Can cats eat hot dogs and sausages?
Hot dogs and sausages are salty and fatty, and neither is good for cats. RSPCA advises against giving pets processed meats such as pigs in blankets because they’re extremely high in salt. Fat from meat can predispose cats to pancreatitis (Cornell, FDA).
Good to know: Many sausages contain onion or garlic powder, both toxic to cats (ASPCA). Raw sausage isn’t cooked, and Cornell advises against uncooked meat for cats.
Better choices, for example
Questions
Can dogs eat hot dogs and sausages?
Better not. Hot dogs and sausages are salty, fatty and often seasoned with garlic or onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs. Dogs Trust lists hot dogs as usually fine in moderation, but AKC says half a hot dog can put a 33-pound dog way over its daily sodium limit.
Sources
- RSPCA – How to keep your pets safe from Christmas dangers
- Pet Poison Helpline – Can Cats Eat Salt?
- Cornell Feline Health Center – Beware of Holiday Hazards
- U.S. FDA – Keep Your Dogs and Cats Safe From Holiday Hazards
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control – People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
- Cornell Feline Health Center – Feeding Your Cat
Last checked: October 2026