While you may love pepperoni and who doesn’t, you have probably been tempted to share some of your pepperonis with your favorite four-legged friend; however, is this a good idea for your dog? Can dogs eat pepperoni? As a responsible dog owner, you must be aware of what and what not they can eat. In most cases, dogs are off-limits when it comes to people’s food, however, there may be some exceptions. So, if you’ve ever wondered can dogs eat pepperoni? Today we’ll tell you all about it.
First of all, you need to keep in mind that dogs do not process food the same way we do. Dog food and treats exist for a reason; it is because their food is packed with the nutrients they need to stay healthy. As you have probably heard, it is widely recommended that dogs shouldn’t eat people’s food. A dog’s diet isn’t something to mess with, if your pooch eats the wrong food, it may result in scary symptoms and even damage their digestive system.
Some of our favorite snacks, including sweets, can be fatal for dogs, there are however certain foods that are safe to share with them only if handled properly. We get it, it’s hard not to give in and share a piece of your food when they look at you with those big puppy eyes. If you aren’t sure what not to feed your pooch, doing some research is always the smart thing to do. Learn all about, can dogs eat pepperoni below.
Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni FAQs
What is pepperoni?
Pepperoni is a highly processed and cured mix of beef and pork. It is seasoned with chili peppers and paprika, giving it a spicy tinge. Pepperoni is characteristically red and soft and has a tinge of smoky flavor, giving it its characteristic smell and taste. Lovers of spicy foods find pepperoni to be irresistible.
Are pepperoni slices safe for dogs?
Since dogs are carnivorous, the bulk of their diet should consist of meat. However, not all meats are ideal for dogs, especially those that are highly processed. Like sausages, the same is the case for pepperoni, as it also bears high amounts of fat, which are unhealthy for dogs.
Is pepperoni healthy for dogs?
No, pepperoni is unhealthy for dogs. All types of pepperoni and other highly processed meats are bad for dogs, including turkey pepperoni, pepperoni jerky, pepperoni sticks, salami, and hot pepperoni. In addition, dogs should not eat pepperoni pizza.
How often can dogs eat pepperoni?
Try to keep pepperoni away from your dog. Dogs should only eat a few thin slices of pepperoni once in a while. In other words, dogs can eat one slice of pepperoni every few months. They should not eat it regularly.
Why you shouldn’t feed pepperoni to dogs?
- Calorie-Count: Pepperoni is a high-calorie food, which can be dangerous for your dog’s diet. It’s unhealthy to feed your dog large amounts of calorie-dense human foods, as it can lead to rapid weight gain and long-term health issues.
- Garlic and onion: Many pepperoni recipes use garlic and onion, or garlic powder and onion powder for added flavor. These ingredients are toxic for dogs in large quantities and can cause red blood cell damage. The amount of garlic or onions in a small piece of pepperoni may not cause significant health problems for dogs, but if a small dog breed ingests a large amount of pepperoni, consult a veterinary professional.
- Excessive amounts of salt: Pepperoni, a type of salami, is high in sodium. Too much salt in your dog’s diet can dehydrate them, and in severe cases, it can lead to kidney damage and sodium ion poisoning (or “salt poisoning”). Symptoms of too much sodium in your dog’s diet include excessive thirst, little to no urination, loss of appetite, dry gums, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- High-fat content: Your dog’s stomach can’t efficiently digest large amounts of fat, so foods high in saturated fats like pepperoni can lead to an upset stomach, bloat, and other digestive problems. Long-term problems include an increased risk of heart disease and pancreatitis or the swelling of the pancreas.
- Spices: Many pepperonis contain peppers, paprika, cayenne, black pepper, fennel seeds, and other seasonings and additives to increase the spicy flavor of the meat. Spicy foods can irritate your dog’s digestive system and cause abdominal pain and gas, so you should avoid giving your doggy even one piece of pepperoni.
What symptoms can a dog present after eating pepperoni?
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
What to feed your dog instead of pepperoni?
- Chicken: Chicken is a great option because humans love it, it is easy to find, and it is affordable. Dogs also love chicken, but avoid adding too much oil when preparing it for your dog.
- Fish: Fish is another meat that dogs love immensely, especially when cooked. The benefit of fish is that you do not have to add spices for your dog to find it tasty.
- Liver: It is not only good for your dog’s health, but it is also quite tasty. Liver treats can go a long way in helping you train your dog, as they love this meat.
- Dehydrated Meat: If you happen to have a dehydrator lying around, you can use it to make various kinds of meat jerky treats for your pet. The benefit of making these treats yourself is that you can decide what ingredients to add.
Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni Summary
- Hot Pepperoni: Dogs can not eat hot pepperoni. Spicy foods will upset their stomach and give them digestive problems. Do not let your dog eat hot pepperoni. If your dog eats some hot pepperoni, give them plenty of water and watch for any signs of lethargy or dehydration.
- Pepperoni Jerky: Do not give your dog pepperoni jerky more than once every few months. Avoid any flavors that have garlic or onion powder since that is toxic for dogs.
- Pepperoni Sticks: Do not give your dog entire pepperoni sticks to munch on. That is far too much sodium and fat for your dog to eat all at once. Instead, give your dog a small part of a pepperoni stick.
- Turkey Pepperoni: Dogs can safely eat small amounts of turkey pepperoni, just like traditional pepperoni. The type of meat doesn’t matter, it’s the amount of salt, fat, and the types of spices it has. If the turkey pepperoni is just as high in salt and fat, then only give them a little bit of it. If it has garlic or onion powder, don’t let them eat any of it.
- Pepperoni Pizza: Dogs should never eat pepperoni pizza. Pizza crust and sauce usually have garlic and onion powder – both are toxic for dogs. Pizza is also really high in sugars, fats, and sodium. It will give your dog an upset stomach and could lead to long-term health effects if they eat it regularly.
- Pepperoni Slices: Pepperoni isn’t recommended for your dog as it contains an unhealthy amount of sodium and fat, and it may contain seasonings that are unsafe for dogs. If your dog regularly consumes a large amount of pepperoni, your dog is at risk for digestive issues, salt poisoning, kidney damage, or pancreatitis.
- Avoid feeding your dog any kind of meat that contains garlic or onion powder as they are toxic to your dog.
Safe Pepperoni Treats for Dogs
Pup-Peroni Dog Snacks Original Beef Flavor
Packed with more real beef and a mouthwatering aroma, Pup-Peroni Original Beef flavor dog Snacks have a taste dog simply can’t resist.
Flavorful and moist with real Beef as the #1 ingredient. Pup-Peroni slow-cooked treats are made with real Beef and have a mouthwatering aroma.
Tender & chewy treat with a flavor they’ll love. Perfect to break into smaller pieces.
Features:
- All Life Stages
- Original Beef Flavor
- Slow-Cooked
True Chews Pepperoni Style Beef Flavor
True Chews 100% Natural Pepperoni Style Dog Treats are a delectable treat created by pet parents for pet parents. These treats contain no corn, wheat, soy, animal by-products, artificial preservatives, and absolutely no artificial flavors.
Just premium, tender, REAL beef as the first ingredient, 100% made in the USA. Our four-legged friends give us their best every single day, and we are committed to giving them our best in return.
Show your dog some love with a soft and chewy Beef flavored snack. These Pepperoni-Style dog treats are made in the USA with Beef as the #1 ingredient.
Features:
- All Breed Sizes
- No Corn
- All Natural Ingredients
What other can dogs eat? Can Dogs Eat Steak or maybe fish bones and lobster?
