Can Dogs eat Black Pudding?

The truth is, black pudding is an indulgence for us humans, so it could wreak havoc with a dog’s sensitive digestive system and possibly make them ill. Read on for the full lowdown on why black pudding isn’t good for dogs

Are dogs allowed black pudding as a treat?

No - it isn’t really considered a safe treat for dogs as it has high levels of fat and sodium, not to mention any extra ingredients that are often included in the process of making. If a pooch eats a small piece when you’re not looking, it could have no effect on them - but just make sure they don’t eat it again.

Why is black pudding bad for dogs?

Black pudding is considered a treat for humans, an indulgence we usually reserve for the full ‘fry up’ breakfast plate. Dogs have sensitive tummies in comparison, so aren’t able to digest such a rich food. 

• Its high fat content is bad for a dog’s internal organs, leading to weight gain, sickness or triggering health conditions such as pancreatitis or diabetes. 
• High salt. Ingesting too much salt can be harmful to dogs, causing dehydration, sickness and diarrhoea or worse.
• Risky extra ingredients. Black pudding might contain garlic or onions, which is likely to trigger a reaction in your dog’s sensitive tum.

What to do if your dog eats black pudding?

If your dog snaffles a small piece of black pudding from your plate, it should hopefully not cause them much harm. They may suffer from a tummy upset, potentially diarrhoea or toilet trouble later. Keep an eye on them for any more severe reactions - if they seem very sick, or out of sorts, get in touch with a vet. 

How much black pudding is safe for dogs?

Black pudding isn’t safe for dogs to eat. Don’t let them have any black pudding, even for a treat, as it offers no nutritional benefit to your dog and could make them very ill. If they’ve sneaked a piece though, they’ll probably be okay - just keep an eye on them.

When to visit the vet

As said above, if your pooch somehow gets their snout into black pudding and exhibits signs of sickness or an unusual change in behaviour, call your vet right away. If they’ve eaten a large amount of black pudding, it could be worth getting to your vet for advice, even if they haven’t yet shown signs of sickness.

How to stop your dog eating black pudding? 

To stop your dog eating black pudding, don’t ever let them try it. If they’ve never tried it, they won’t associate the sight and smell of it with anything tasty. If you’re eating a meal with black pudding, keep it well out of sight and reach of your pooch, and store it safely when it isn’t being cooked or served.

Other types of black pudding

Here are a few examples of the different kinds of black pudding your dog might be interested in munching:

Can dogs eat black pudding raw?

Nope - raw black pudding isn’t healthier than cooked black pudding. In fact, it’s even more of a risk. Black pudding’s made of animal products which, when raw, are at a higher risk of carrying bacteria. Don’t feed your dog black pudding either cooked or raw. 

Can dogs eat cooked black pudding?

No - black pudding isn’t healthy for dogs due to its high level of salt, fat, and risky added ingredients such as onion. Keep cooked black pudding to your human plates, and keep out of reach of curious paws. 

Can dogs eat white pudding?

White pudding is made with grains, so isn’t deemed totally safe for dogs who have sensitive stomachs, as it’ll be hard for them to digest. Although it doesn’t contain blood, white pudding is similar to black pudding in that it’s high fat and high sodium. It’s best to avoid and stick to healthy dog treats. 

What other foods are toxic to dogs?

If you didn’t know about black pudding and are wondering what else might be toxic to dogs, the following foods should always be kept away from the dog’s bowl:

• Avocado. Though a superfood for humans, avocado contains a compound called persin which is toxic for dogs. 
• Chocolate. Probably the most well-known no-no for dogs, chocolate is extremely toxic due to its theobromine content and should be avoided at all costs. 
• Grapes and raisins. Avoid grapes and raisins, their sundried cousin. They contain tartaric acid which can be toxic to some dogs and can cause kidney issues, though some may eat them without issue. 
• Tomatoes. Tomatoes contain a compound toxic to dogs called solanine, though this is present in much lower amounts in ripe tomatoes.
• Onions and garlic. Allium is the toxic substance found in onions and garlic - it impacts red blood cells in dogs which can lead to anaemia or even cause a dog to collapse.
• Xylitol/artificial sweetener. The artificial sweeteners found in a lot of human foods are poisonous to dogs - specifically Xylitol. Eating it can cause a sharp drop in blood sugar which can result in liver dysfunction in dogs.

Try our healthy treats for dogs that they won’t be able to resist, packed full of nutritious ingredients intended to support their physical and mental health.