What is your idea for a perfect evening snack? If you said pepperoni pizza, we wonder what your furry friend would eat! So before you toss your dog pepperoni off the pizza, you should know all about “can dogs eat pepperoni?”

In short – No. Pepperoni is not at all suitable for dogs. Below are all the BIG reasons why you should never give your dog pepperoni, on or off the pizza!

Why is Pepperoni Bad For Dogs?

Other processed human foods like ham, salami, hot dogs, and bacon have similar drawbacks. In the case of pepperoni, we see how this particular food is not only consumed on its own but also as a part of other food items like pizzas and subs. So before you feed your dog pepperoni or any such food item with pepperoni, you should know about the risks involved:

1. Unhealthy fats

Pepperoni is soaked with fats and oils even in its making and when you cook them at home. With the amount of fats it contains, there is no way to say that pepperoni will not affect your dog’s health. Especially if your dog has obesity issues, giving them a high-fat meal can eventually lead to pancreatitis (article). 

2. Seasonings

Another reason why your dog should NEVER eat pepperoni is because it has tons of spices to make it more palatable for humans. And if you know us well, you would know the beef we have with spices when it comes to our furry friends!

Most seasonings for pepperoni include toxic ingredients like garlic, onion, and other spices. It can be a nightmare and even life-threatening for dogs to consume these spices. 

3. High salt content

Have you heard of sodium poisoning in dogs? If not, then here is your sign to know that pepperoni is one of the foods where salt is in humungous amounts. If your dog ate too many pepperonis, you should consult your veterinarian immediately. Too much salt or sodium content can dehydrate your dog and make them lethargic (article). 

4. Processed

Last but not least, pepperonis are made out of pork or beef. This complex process involves turning lean beef into these delicious treats for humans. But when it comes to our dogs, we do not recommend serving them any processed food. It does not hold any nutritional value and will. Instead, pepperonis deteriorate your dog’s health over time. 

Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For

If your dog ate pepperoni, you must monitor them for showing the signs and symptoms mentioned below. Every dog breed has a different tolerance for toxicity, which means the symptoms may not even occur in some dogs, while in others- it may become a nightmare. 

So, to be sure, you should look out for these signs:

  1. Increased thirst
  2. Weakness or lethargy
  3. Uneasiness
  4. Breathlessness or rapid breathing
  5. Loss of appetite
  6. Vomiting
  7. Skin allergies like swelling or redness
  8. Excessive drooling
  9. Fever
  10. Abdominal pain

If your dog shows any of the mentioned signs, get in touch with your veterinarian immediately.

a dog sitting behind a pepperoni pizza on a kitchen counter

Alternatives of Pepperoni For Dogs

Now comes the most interesting part of it all! “If not pepperoni, then what?” We know you may have the same question, and so here are the alternatives to pepperoni:

1. Crabs

If your dog loves meaty textures, which is the reason why they crib about pepperonis, then crabs will be a perfect alternative for them. De-shelled crabs are meaty and also suitable for health if consumed in moderation. You should always cook and serve the crabs plain to your dog, that too- as a treat!

2. Fish

Another alternative to pepperoni is fish! You can cook or fry the meaty fish in coconut or sesame oil to maintain its nutritional value. Tilapia is one of the fishes that dogs can eat in moderation and is far better than serving your dog processed pepperonis. 

3. Fruits

Here are the fruits that you can feed your dog as a snack or topping instead of pepperoni:

Conclusion

Our final thoughts on “can dogs eat pepperoni?” is NO. You should never feed your dog pepperoni or any other food item that includes pepperoni. It can be a health hazard for dogs, as well pepperoni does not hold any nutritional value. 

Lastly, you should always have dog supplies and medical kits for dogs in case of emergencies. If you want to stay away from any vet visits, you better keep them away from pepperonis. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can pepperoni kill a dog?

The pepperoni itself does not have any toxins, but sodium toxicity can be life-threatening in dogs. This is why you should never feed your dog pepperoni as a regular treat.

Can dogs eat turkey pepperoni?

Any pepperoni, be it from beef, pork, turkey, or any form like slices, sticks, etc., is unsafe for dogs. You should seek alternatives like fruits, fish, chicken, scallops, etc.

Is pepperoni safe for dogs?

No. Pepperoni is not safe for dogs. Its drawbacks include high-fat content, high sodium, and seasonings. Also, processed human foods are neither safe for humans nor dogs. Hence, they should be avoided at all costs.

Can dogs eat pepperoni pizza?

No. Both pizza and pepperoni are harmful to dogs. It would be best not to feed your dog pepperoni pizza in any amount. They are very high in calories and fats, which can lead to pancreatitis in dogs.

How many pepperonis can my dog eat?

Even though one bite into a pepperoni slice will not cause any harm to your dog, the seasoned ones can be a nightmare. However, please consult your veterinarian before serving your dog pepperoni or any other human food, as it can impact your dog’s health.

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