Can dogs eat pepperoni? People with pets often wonder, is it safe for them to do so?” Sure, a delivery of pepperoni pizza sounds great, especially if it’s still very hot. If you were going to feed your friend the leftover pepperonis, stop right there. Read on before you give this treat to your dog. Most of the time, you wouldn’t think twice about giving your dog meat.
They do eat meat, after all. But did you know that dogs shouldn’t eat processed meats? Your pet could get sick from the spices in pepperoni and other cured meats. Find out why dogs shouldn’t eat certain kinds of meat and what you should do if your dog eats pepperoni.
Can Dogs Have Pepperoni?
So, can dog eat pepperoni? Maybe not. Pepperoni isn’t good for your dog because it has too much sodium and fat and might also have spices that are bad for dogs. If your dog eats a lot of pepperoni on a regular basis, it could get stomach problems, salt poisoning, kidney damage, or pancreatitis. Garlic and onion powder are poisonous to dogs, so don’t give them any kind of meat that has them in it.
What Is Pepperoni?
Pepperoni is a tasty mix of pork and beef that people cure first. It is like Italian salami, but it is made in the United States. It is usually red and chewy. Chili peppers and paprika add more flavor to the cured meat. The mixture is then cured with nitrites and phosphates to keep the meat from getting sick from bacteria like botulism.
The pepperoni gets its red color from being cured, too. Moreover, can dogs eat pepperoni pizza? After you cure the meat, smoke it and hang it to dry for a few days. Pepperoni is a popular pizza topping, so you probably know about it.
Is Pepperoni Safe For Dogs?
There are many reasons why dogs shouldn’t eat pepperoni. You might think that only a lot will make your dog sick, but a small amount can do the same thing.
Pepperoni is not only high in salt and fat, but it is also spicy. Ingredients like paprika, fennel seeds, black pepper, and garlic powder, which make it taste better, can make your dog very sick.
Pepperoni can make your dog sick to his stomach and make him throw up or have diarrhea.
Related: CAN DOGS EAT PASTA?
Isn’t Pepperoni A Good Source Of Protein?
Most pepperoni has protein in it because it consists of meat. But it is not a good source of protein because you would have to eat so much of it to meet your daily needs. Every bite of pepperoni has a lot of salt, calories, and spices that can be bad for your dog.
Your dog will get the most protein from a complete and balanced diet. Giving your dog a commercial diet with an “adequacy statement” on the label is a great way to make sure it gets all the protein and nutrients it needs.
Can A Dog Be Allergic To Pepperoni?
So, now you know can a dog eat pepperoni. One of the protein sources in pepperoni can make a dog sick. Beef is one of the most common foods that give dogs allergies.
Since beef is in pepperoni, a dog allergic to or sensitive to beef could have a bad reaction if it ate it. Dogs can also be allergic to other types of meat, but this is less common.
Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni In Moderation?
So, again can dogs eat peperoni? Even though it’s best not to give your dog any kind of pepperoni, giving your dog one piece of pepperoni every few months shouldn’t hurt.
“With this small amount, it would be better not to do it at all. Why take the chance when there are so many safe, healthy treats for your dogs?”
Even though pepperoni is very tasty, it’s best to keep those slices for yourself.
FAQs: Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni?
Is It OK To Give Dogs Pepperoni?
Due to its high sodium and fat content and the possibility that it may include harmful ingredients, pepperoni is not a good choice for your dog’s diet. Dogs who ingest significant amounts of pepperoni on a regular basis might develop gastrointestinal problems, salt poisoning, kidney damage, and pancreatitis.
How Much Pepperoni Can A Dog Eat?
An occasional slice of pepperoni (once or twice a year) is OK for dogs to consume. If they consume more than that, they could develop stomach pain, salt toxicity, pancreatitis, or renal damage.
Is Pepperoni Pizza Toxic To Dogs?
Not only that, but pepperoni, sardines, and sausages are all loaded with salt and fat. Your dog’s blood pressure or already existing heart disease could be affected by a diet high in salt. The final line is that pizza is not appropriate for canine consumption under any circumstances.
Does Pepperoni Upset A Dog’s Stomach?
Pepperoni is not only salty and fatty but also somewhat hot. To improve the flavor, humans often add paprika, fennel seeds, black pepper, and garlic powder, all of which can make your dog very sick. Your dog may experience gastrointestinal distress after eating pepperoni, manifesting as diarrhea and vomiting.
Parvaiz Yousuf is a senior SEO writer and editor with an experience of over 6 years, who also doubles up as a researcher. With an MSc zoology degree under his belt and possessing complete Search Engine Optimization (SEO) knowledge, he works as a science journalist for a US-based website and Asian Scientist (A Singapore-based magazine). He also works as Director of Wetland Research Centre, Wildlife Conservation Fund YPJK since 2018. Besides, he has several publications to his name on cancer biology and biochemistry in some reputed journals such as Nature & International Journal of Molecular Sciences, & magazines such as Science Reporter, BUCEROS BNHS, and has an abiding interest in ornithology. He also worked as a Research Associate for JK Policy Institute.