Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
It’s a fact—dogs love meat—all different kinds of meat. They especially enjoy human food, including pepperoni.
Do you enjoy a pepperoni pizza every now and then, and share a piece of the meat with your fur baby? Or do you keep pepperoni as snack to enjoy? Changes are that if you love pepperoni, so does your dog!
While it’s OK for him to have it once in a while, eating pepperoni on a regular basis could make your dog sick.
What is in Pepperoni?
Pepperoni is type of salami that’s highly processed and is usually made from a mix of beef and pork. It’s most often a bright red color, and is soft, with a somewhat smokey flavor. Many people like the crunchiness of pepperoni on a pizza or in other dishes.
If are wondering is Pepperoni bad for dogs, Pepperoni also includes many additives, preservatives, fat and salt, none of which are good for dogs to eat.
In addition, this great-tasting meat also contains seasonings that can be toxic to dogs, including garlic and onion powders. It also contains paprika, chili peppers and more.
The Problem with Pepperoni & Dogs
While pepperoni given once in a while and in small servings are OK for your dog, regular consumption of pepperoni can lead to obesity, pancreatitis, heart disease, diabetes, acid reflux, kidney damage, and the list goes on.
If your fur baby eats a large amount of pepperoni at one time, then you’ll need to call the vet immediately to get his advice on how to handle the situation. In most cases, your canine companion will be OK, but he could develop some of the symptoms below:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Acid reflux (can damage your dog’s esophagus)
The symptoms will vary depending on your dog’s weight and size, and whether or not he has a sensitive stomach, and your dog’s health overall.
Hot pepperoni is a common food for dogs to eat. However, many dogs are allergic to hot peppers, so they may have difficulty digesting it. In addition, there is no reason to feed pepperoni to your pooch if you don’t want them to eat it.
A high amount of fat in the pepperoni may cause your dog to become obese, so dog owners should make sure that the dog doesn’t have a high fat diet. Some dogs may even develop allergies to pepperoni if they are sensitive to certain chemicals.
Processed meat, such as pepperoni, is generally not good for dogs to eat. In addition, it’s full of chemicals and additives that can be toxic to your dog. Spicy foods may cause abdominal pain in dogs, and some dogs may have difficulty digesting it.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live NowWhat Happens When Your Dog Eats Pepperoni?
A few slices of pepperoni in your dog’s daily diet can lead to an upset stomach. This can be due to the fat and salt in the pepperoni. But most likely, your dog will develop diarrhea, vomiting, and/or an upset stomach after eating pepperoni.
Dogs with a sensitive stomach may develop vomiting and diarrhea because of the salt in the pepperoni, which may cause irritation to his digestive tract.
In addition, there are a number of additives that are used in making this type of salami. Some of these additives include: paprika, chili peppers, garlic powder, onion powder and others. These additives are not good for dogs to eat as they can irritate their digestive system and lead to other health problems such as pancreatitis or other issues with their pancreas or liver. If you notice your dog is drinking more water than usual and he’s not acting like himself – call your vet immediately!
Turkey pepperoni is high in fat content and it is very difficult for dogs to digest fat – especially if they don’t have the right enzymes or enzyme inhibitors present in their body to help them break down this type of food into smaller pieces that they can easily digest. The fact that pepperoni is high in fat content means that your dog will have a hard time breaking down this food.
Pepperoni jerky is a favorite treat for dogs, but it can be dangerous to your dog if you don’t know what’s in it. A dog’s stomach can’t handle all of the chemicals in pepperoni, so the jerky can cause an upset stomach or worse. Digestive problems can also result from eating pepperoni jerky.
Bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting are some of the symptoms that you may see when your dog eats pepperoni. Your dog may also have a fever or act lethargic. It’s important to monitor your dog’s health closely if you suspect he’s eaten pepperoni.
Weight gain is another possible symptom of eating pepperoni. Dogs who eat too much pepperoni can put on a lot of weight, and this can cause serious health problems for your dog. Dogs that have consumed a large amount of pepperoni may experience constipation, because the food is hard to digest.
Symptoms of Salt Poisoning in Dogs
What are the symptoms of salt poisoning in dogs?
Some digestive issues can be easily confused with other conditions, so you should always consult your vet if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Lethargy or a decreased appetite
If your dog is showing signs of having stomach issues, he may be suffering from salt poisoning. This can be very serious and requires immediate veterinary attention. You should also watch for vomiting and diarrhea, which are signs that the salt content in your dog’s body is getting too high.
The digestive system in dogs is very different from that of humans. Some health problems that can occur in dogs can be very dangerous and even life-threatening. These health issues may be signs of serious problems in your dog’s body, so you should always seek medical attention if you notice any of the symptoms.
FAQs
How much pepperoni is too much for a dog?
One small piece of pepperoni as an occasional treat may be safe for a dog. But it ultimately depends on the dog’s size and weight. A large dog may be able to eat several pieces of pepperoni without becoming sick. However, a small dog who eats the same amount of meat could become very ill.
No matter what, pepperoni is not considered safe for a dog to eat.
What if my dog eats a lot of pepperoni?
If your dog eats a lot of pepperoni, it’s best to call the vet right away. Calling immediately means the vet can treat your fur baby sooner to keep him from developing complications.
Is pepperoni pizza bad for dogs?
Yes, pepperoni pizza is bad for dogs. The pizza not only has lots of pepperoni on it, but it also has other ingredients that can make a dog sick. These include cheese (too much fat), onions & garlic (these are highly toxic to dogs), etc.
If your fur baby happens to eat a very small amount of pizza, he will probably be OK. But pepperoni pizza (or other types of pizza) is not recommended for dogs.
What happens if a dog eats moldy pepperoni?
Any moldy food, including moldy pepperoni, can be extremely dangerous for a dog. The mold puts off substances called mycotoxins that are poisonous to dogs. If a dog eats mold food, the mycotoxins can make him very sick, or it can cause a life-threatening illness.
Can dogs eat turkey pepperoni?
No, all types of pepperoni are bad for dogs. The problem is that these meats (including turkey pepperoni) are processed and contain unhealthy ingredients for dogs, including some that are toxic to our canine companions.
Pepperoni Alternatives for Dogs
As long as your fur baby tolerates it OK, giving him a small piece or two of pepperoni as a rare snack is probably OK. However, if he has a penchant for pepperoni, then it’s better to find a safer alternative that dogs are sure to enjoy.
You might consider a treat such as Nudges Natural Dog Treats Grillers. This is a completely safe, natural treat your dog is sure to enjoy! Made with USA beef, this dog treat doesn’t contain any artificial flavors, preservatives, and no animal by-products. It’s completely made in the USA.
While doggie snacks can make a great alternative to pepperoni, it’s still best to only give the treats occasionally. Any treat can be unhealthy if eaten in large quantities.
It’s certainly OK to give your dog a small piece or two of pepperoni as an occasional treat. He should be OK!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now
