My Dog Ate Pepperoni Will He Get Sick?

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.

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 his overall health.

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!