C’mon, that stuff is poison to your dogs. Do you want to know what my advice is? Dogs and cold cuts shouldn’t be in the same sentence. That’s a big no from me.
Why Cold Cuts Are Bad for My Dogs
There are a billion reasons I can think of but I won’t bore you with all of them. So, let’s just discuss a few:
- They are high in salt: Cold cuts have so much sodium that if your dogs were to nibble on it, you’ll be witnessing episodes of severe thirst and urination. If that were just it, I’ll probably shrug off the notion of cold cuts being a bad treat. The excessive sodium content in cold cuts also causes dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, and the infamous salt poisoning. Trust me, that last one is life-threatening.
- They are high in fat: As if being rich in sodium wasn’t enough, cold cuts had to just add excess fat to the mix. And that, my friend, will not just make it hard to digest, it will also lead to pancreatitis, a condition that comes with vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain in dogs. This is all shades of nasty.
- Seasonings and spices: I really don’t know how cold cuts are pulling it off, but it’s apparent that each reason is worse than the other. Many cold cuts contain seasonings such as garlic and onion powder which are very toxic to your dogs. Even a few innocent bites will cause gastrointestinal issues and mess up their red blood cells.
- Nitrates and nitrites: Whenever you see any treat that has these, run for the hills. Why? I’m super glad you asked. Nitrates and nitrites are buddies with an increased risk of certain cancers in your dogs. Although more research is needed to help us fully grasp the risks, that’s no consolation whatsoever. Run and never look back.
Are there any additional risks of eating cold cuts for dogs?
If those reasons I gave are not scary enough, perhaps this might turn the tide. Because of the fat and casings in cold cuts, there’s a fat chance it can block your dog’s airway or their intestines if your pooch swallows them.
What are the symptoms of cold cut poisoning?
There’s no shortage of symptoms when it comes to cold cut poisoning, but these are some of the common ones:
Weakness
Excessive thirst
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy
What to do If your dog eats cold cuts
If you’ve already fed your dogs cold cuts before reading this or they probably got to it in your absence and you get wind of it from the symptoms they’re exhibiting, please sweep into action and give your vet a call. If you don’t have one on speed dial (which will be silly of you), please contact the animal poison control center.
Safe Alternatives to Cold Cuts for Dogs
Who cares about cold cuts when there is a small army of safer alternatives?
Instead of feeding your dog cold cuts, which can be hazardous, consider offering these safer alternatives as occasional treats:
- Lean cooked meats like boiled chicken or turkey (without seasonings please)
- Dehydrated meat treats made specifically for dogs
- Commercially-prepared dog treats with limited ingredients and low salt/fat content
- Plain, unsalted peanut butter (in moderate amounts)
- Fresh fruits and vegetables like carrots, green beans, or apple slices
Please remember this – when it comes to new foods, you’ve got to introduce it real slow and in small amounts to your dog’s diet.
FAQs
Can my dogs eat turkey cold cuts?
Not in this life or the next. Everything about turkey cold cuts is harmful to your pets.
Can my dogs eat ham cold cuts?
Ham cold cuts are also a big red flag for your dogs. So, the answer remains no.
Can my dogs eat roast beef cold cuts?
Although roast beef itself is not a bad treat for your pets, the cold cut version is another story – fat, salts, and preservatives for days, everything your dog should avoid.
Can my dogs eat pastrami cold cuts?
Pastrami is a cured and smoked meat that contains what I like to call “dog poisons.” Your pets should be nowhere near them for their safety.
Conclusion
There’s nothing remotely healthy about cold cuts as a treat for your dogs and consuming it comes with all sorts of complications ranging from dehydration to certain cancers. Even the smallest amounts in your dog’s system can do damage and this isn’t just cold cuts alone, but other processed meats as well.
So what do you do? Simple – steer clear of cold cuts and go for healthier alternatives instead. Trust me, your dog will thank you (in their own way). Until next time!
Read More: Can Dogs Eat Scallops?
