Although dogs can eat brisket, there are always some things to be mindful of. 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 a suitable food to feed them regularly.
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 my dog 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 beneficial B vitamins.
However, to safely serve a decent amount of brisket to your dog, you’d have to make sure you’re sharing parts of the brisket that don’t contain any of the spices or rub that typically go on the meat. If you plan to give your dog some brisket, also be sure to give them the leanest parts of the meat. Too much fat can cause gastrointestinal problems or pancreatitis.
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 risk 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.
