We love our pepperoni and eat a lot of it. We put it on our pizzas. And we put it on our, well, pretty much we just put it on our pizzas.
And as we’re gobbling down slices from our favorite local pizza joint, it’s a good bet that our dogs will take an interest. If they do, is it okay for us to give them some? Can dogs eat pepperoni? Or is is another type of food that’s best to avoid?
That’s the question we answer for you below so you know how to keep your dog(s) safe.
Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni?
Unfortunately, the answer to that question is no. Pepperoni is generally not a healthy or safe food choice for our doggos.
Yes, we know. Pepperoni is meat. And dogs love meat. And meat generally isn’t a toxic or harmful food for our dogs. So what gives? Why is pepperoni not a good food choice for them?
Well, one reason why is that pepperoni contains a huge amount of fat and sodium. And that’s a big no-no for our dog’s health. In fact, feeding your dogs food like pepperoni that is high in fats and salt can result in salt poisoning and kidney damage. Not good at all.
Letting your dog eat too much pepperoni can also result in developing other health conditions such as pancreatitis and digestive problems.
Aside from salt, some pepperonis may also have other seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder. And we all know that both garlic and onion are bad for dogs. Which are two foods high on the “do not feed these to your dogs” list.
Another issue is that pepperoni can be a little spicy at times. And spicy foods can cause digestive problems and dehydration.
Signs To Watch Out For If Your Dog Eats Pepperoni
What happens if your dog gets to that pizza box and downs some pepperoni before you can stop her? Well, if your dogs eat a little too much pepperoni, you’re going to want to keep a close eye on them. In particular, you’ll want to watch out for these symptoms:
- Increased urination
- Increased thirst
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
If you notice any of these, please call your vet immediately and ask what to do or see if your vet wants you to bring your dog in for a visit.
What To Do If Your Dog Has a Few Pieces?
At the same time, you don’t need to overreact. Let’s say your dog gets a hold of a piece or two of pepperoni. What then?
In this case, there is probably nothing to worry about. If your dog gets a piece or two and it only happens every few months or years, your doggo should be just fine. But, just keep an eye out for any change in behavior. And be on the lookout for any of the symptoms mentioned above.
So the final verdict for pepperoni as part of a dog’s diet… it’s a bad food choice for your dog and one that you want to avoid.
Learn More About What Human Foods Are Healthy or Harmful for Dogs
This article is part of our special series of articles about “What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?”
What happens if you drop a banana on the floor? Find out here “Can Dogs Eat Banana Peels?”
