Are you kidding? That’s like asking me if dogs can munch on cold cuts. Thanks, but no thanks.
Why is Lunch Meat Bad for My Dogs?
Oh, I can think of a lot of reasons why lunch meat is a horrible treat:
- It’s high in salt: Like most processed meats, lunch meat is rich in sodium, and no, that’s not a good thing for your pooch. What this means is that when your dog takes a few bites, they’re going to vomit, be extremely thirsty, and feel dehydrated and I’m even speaking of the mild effects. In extreme cases, they could suffer from sodium poisoning, and trust me, you don’t want that for them.
- It’s high in fat: Reminds me of a lot of cold cuts, the fat lunch meats contain can cause pancreatitis in your dogs. And when that happens, you’ll see symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.
- It has seasonings and spices: For humans, this is the perfect meat. But for dogs, not so much. Seasonings and spices like garlic or onion powder are toxic to dogs because they can cause gastrointestinal issues and tamper with their red blood cells, leading to anemia.
- Nitrates and Nitrites: These preservatives are good for meat, but bad for dogs. And I don’t mean slightly bad, I mean nasty bad. Nitrates and nitrites are linked to an increased risk of certain cancers in dogs and this makes lunch meats your pet’s worst nightmare.
Are there any additional risks of lunch meat for dogs?
You bet that there are. The mildest one is on a nutritional level and then there’s also the risk of choking thanks to the fat, casings, or tough pieces that could get stuck in their throats.
What are the symptoms of lunch meat poisoning in dogs?
If your pet consumes too much lunch meat or ingests ingredients that are toxic to them, they may experience the following symptoms:
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
What to do if your dog eats lunch meat
As unfortunate as that may be, you have to be prepared to save the day when your dog nibbles on some lunch meats. The first thing to do is contact your vet (if you have one on speed dial) and if you don’t (which is weird), give the animal poison control center a ring. While you do that, you should be ready to describe the type and quantity of lunch meat your dogs are eating as well as the symptoms they’re showing.
You should also be ready to follow the instructions they will give to the letter. Your vet may advise you to induce vomiting or bring your pet in for examination and treatment. And please, do not try to induce vomiting on your own if you haven’t been instructed to do so, that could do more harm than good.
Lastly, be ready to provide samples of the lunch meat just in case they will need to test it for contaminants or toxins.
Safe alternatives to lunch meat for dogs
Instead of giving your dogs lunch meats and unknowingly subjecting them to torture, why not try your hands on these options:
- Lean-cooked meats (chicken, turkey): It could be chicken or turkey, boiled or baked, that’s solely up to you. But it’s my job to tell you this – don’t add any seasonings or spices. Just serve it plain.
- Dehydrated meat treats: Look for dehydrated meat treats made from high-quality, lean meats with no added salt, preservatives, or seasoning.
- Commercially-prepared dog treats made with healthy ingredients: Go for dog treats made with wholesome, natural ingredients like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Conclusion
Let’s wrap this up, no lunch meat for your dogs, not even the tiniest bit. The health risks it poses is simply not worth the sweet taste of the meat. If you want to spoil your dog with a tasty treat, go for the options I mentioned, or do your research to get other alternatives. Your dog will love you for it. Bye for now.
Read More: Can Dogs Eat Scallops?
