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Don’t you just love the smell and taste of salami? It’s a treat that many pet parents enjoy. As you eat salami, you may notice your dog’s nose has brought him running, too. Why not? Dogs love to eat meat! But can salami make a dog sick?
Has your dog eaten salami? Are you worried the salami will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about salami and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Salami?
Salami is a type of cured sausage that is made with dried meat and spices. The meat is usually pork, though other types of meat can also be used in salami. Salami has long been popular in Central & Eastern Europe.
Traditional salami can include the following ingredients:
- Garlic
- Minced fat
- Salt
- Spices
- Herbs
- Vinegar
- Wine
The specific ingredients will vary, however, depending on the type of salami. Once the meat has been processed, it is then placed into natural casings (made from pork intestines) or synthetic casings (made from cellulose) and is then hung up to dry.
While salami can be safely enjoyed by humans (in moderation), what about dogs? Can dogs safely eat salami?
Salami & Dogs
Unfortunately, dogs can’t eat salami. The meat contains high amounts of fat and salt that are not safe for dogs.
Another problem is that salami contains garlic, which is highly toxic to dogs. What’s more, some types of salami may also contain onion powder, another ingredient that’s very toxic for our canine companions.
In addition, the herbs used in salami can be toxic to dogs. And salami, if not properly cured, may become moldy or contain parasites and harmful bacteria.

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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Salami Ingestion in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten salami:
- Increased thirst & urination
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
If your dog eats a large amount of salami, you may also see other symptoms. Call the vet immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in your dog. This is an emergency.
If your dog has eaten only a small piece of salami, he will probably be OK. Some dogs with sensitive stomachs could experience some gas, diarrhea, and vomiting. These symptoms should pass within 12 to 24 hours. If not, then do call the vet.
Prevention is Best
It’s best not to feed your dog salami. It’s not always easy to tell the ingredients used in the meat, and salami usually contains too much fat and salt for dogs. So, it’s best to keep salami out of your dog’s reach. Prevention is always the best medicine!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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