Most of us love munching on pepperoni on our pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches. However, are pepperonis good, bad, or just OK for dogs? The whole truth is, dogs can eat pepperoni, they just should not have this fatty type of salami. Since pepperoni is a fatty processed meat, it’s definitely a treat you should avoid giving to your dogs as all processed meats are unhealthy for them. Pepperoni, even turkey pepperoni which is touted as a healthy alternative, includes a ton of ingredients that are not good for dogs and can cause them to feel quite sick. The same goes for all variations, including a pepperoni pizza and other kinds of salty greasy meats, whether they are raw, cooked, grilled, or smoked.
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What To Do If Your Dog Ate Pepperoni Slices
While a tiny bite of pepperoni on occasion is unlikely to hurt your dogs, it is definitely not a treat that they should eat on a regular-basis. Too much pepperoni can lead to a lot of digestive issues, including vomiting and diarrhea.
One of the biggest problems with pepperoni is the fact that it is so spicy. Pepperoni is made with a variety of seasonings including fennel seeds, mustard seeds, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Garlic in any form is toxic to dogs, so this is a pretty good reason in itself not to give pepperoni to your dogs.
Another problem with pepperoni is that it has a very high fat content. This is not good for dogs, particularly dogs that already have problems with their weight and are on diets. Just a couple of slices is going to have a lot of fat and calories, making it a very unhealthy treat for most dogs.
It’s even more dangerous for small dogs and puppies as it can lead to higher risks of developing pancreatitis since they are not able to digest greasy foods as easily.
Can I Give My Dogs Salami?
Salami is another deli meat that you should shy away from when it comes to choosing treats for your dogs. Just like pepperoni and bologna, it is loaded with fat and calories, and made with seasonings that can be dangerous for dogs.
A good rule of thumb to remember is that if meat comes from the deli counter, chances are that it is not a good treat for your dogs. Give them something else instead that is healthier and that they will enjoy just as much.
Healthy Treats For Your Dogs
Fortunately, there are other options available that you can give to your dogs besides pepperoni. Dogs love meat, so give them some real meat that hasn’t been processed or overly seasoned, such as fresh beef or chicken.
You can also give them eggs or salmon in moderation. In addition, you can find special treats that are made specifically for dogs that look and taste like pepperoni but don’t have all of the ingredients that can be bad for them.
No, Dogs Can’t Eat Pepperoni
There are plenty of healthy treats that you can give to your dogs that don’t come from the deli counter. Sure, your dogs probably sit and beg you for a bit of that pizza you are eating but don’t be tempted to give them a pepperoni slice. Instead, find treats that are healthy, such as fruits and vegetables, and stay away from deli meats that are high in fat, salt, and other harmful ingredients.
Be sure to also review the type of nutrition your dogs are getting from their usual dog food to determine whether you need to supplement their diets. Given how important they are to your family, you should definitely opt to get them the best dog food you can!