I’d strongly not recommend pepperoni for your pup, it is unhealthy due to the high fat, salt, and spices content. This is me just putting it lightly, but in actual sense, pepperoni can give your dog pancreatitis, obesity issues, and all sorts of digestive problems.
This is why I strongly advise against it, but my advice is not limited to pepperoni, it includes other processed meat. But I feel your pain here because you might think why on earth shouldn’t my dog have this tasty pepperoni? Well, fear not; this guide is for you.
Is Pepperoni Unhealthy For Dogs?
The pepperoni” is a type of dry and spicy cured salami made out of 100% beef, pork with paprika or other chili. On the other hand, many of those ingredients can be healthy for us but harmful to our dogs. Here is a short summary of them:
Obesity: It comes as no surprise when one ounce of pepperoni is 12 grams of fat. The high-fat content in this meal can cause unhealthy weight gain in your dog and may lead to other health problems such as joint issues, diabetes, pancreatitis and even breathing difficulties.
Heart disease: As tasty as this snack is, it can be part of the heart disease problem if your dog was already previously diagnosed with that due to its high sodium content.
Salt poisoning: Since pepperoni is high in fats, it also contains a lot of salt which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and even seizures or coma in severe cases.
Digestive problems: Your dog can get stomach pain, or even worse vomit and have diarrhea because of the spices and seasonings used in making the snack.
My dog ate pepperoni what should I do?
If perhaps your dog ate this meal by mistake without you knowing it, please monitor him or her very carefully for any symptoms of the disease. However, since this is a dicey situation, here are the steps you should take :
- Remove any remaining pepperoni from your dog’s reach to prevent him from eating it.
- Keep an eye on your puppy if they start exhibiting signs of vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, and excessive thirst.
- If your dog shows any of these signs — you should contact the veterinarian for advice as soon as possible.
- Your vet may ask you to induce vomiting, provide medication, or bring your dog in for examination and treatment, especially if pancreatitis or salt poisoning is a concern.
- Make sure you follow your veterinarian’s instructions and give your pup as much fresh water as possible to help flush the system
So, what does healthy pepperoni look like?
If you are searching for some better options to feed your dog instead of pepperoni, then don’t worry I’ve got you:
Dry meat: They make a wonderful chewing experience, plus they are healthy. However, to get the best of both worlds, look for the ones made from Turkey, chicken, or beef.
Sweet potato Fries – Slice sweet potatoes into thin fries when you have some downtime, drizzle them with a bit of olive oil, and bake away until crispy. Your pooch will thank YOU.
Lean Jerky: While shopping for jerky meats, go for the ones made from turkey and ensure they come with no seasoning to be on the safe side.
Vegetables- Veggies such as carrots, green beans, broccoli, and spinach are great treat options for your dogs making sure they get all of their necessary nutrition which keeps them healthy.
Cooked eggs: Yes you can give your pup either boiled or scrambled. But I’d advise you to go for the former because you won’t have to add oil or any seasoning to it. Plus eggs provide protein and other nutrients so why not share some with your four-legged pal?
Can dogs eat Pepperoni pizza?
No dear, any pizzas with pepperoni are bad for your pup. Moreover, the ingredients in pizza apart from the pepperoni may cause problems for your dog. Here’s a look :
Pizza dough: The dough can make it difficult for your dog to digest and cause bloating or obstruction.
Pizza sauce: A lot of pizza sauces contain garlic, onions, and other seasonings that are harmful to your dog causing gastrointestinal upset or worse damage to their red blood cells.
Cheese: while some dogs are okay with small amounts of cheese, most pizza cheeses have a lot of fat and salt which can also contribute to pancreatitis, weight gain, and other health issues.
So rather than feeding your puppy pepperoni pizza, if you just can’t resist their innocent little faces while they waggle their tails innocently and look up with big brown eyes staring wantingly at the delicious treat… so then why not make a healthier alternative for them to enjoy without missing out on a delectable meal experience:
- Go with a regular dog biscuit or dry sweet potato slices as the “crust.”
- Swap the cheese for plain yogurt
- Then, add small pieces of protein (like chicken or turkey) for flavor
More dog-friendly pepperoni alternatives
If, however, you are always pressed for time then purchase them from the dog treat store.
Some of the popular options include:
Pupperoni: It is similar to Pepperoni but without the salt, and flavorings used in traditional one
Benny Bully’s Pepperoni Dog Treats – This is probably my favorite because my dog enjoys it so much. They are made from beef and flavored with paprika and other safe spices to mimic the taste of the traditional pepperoni.
Final words
While Pepperoni is one tempting treat that is hard to resist, it is better to be on the safe side and avoid it altogether because your dog’s health is your top priority. Go for snacks and treats that are safe for them and don’t compromise their health
However, if you’ve any concerns or questions about your dog’s needs, consult your veterinarian. He/she can give you advice and recommend meals that are perfect for your dog’s breed, age, activity level, and health.
Read More: Can Dogs Eat Cheerios? What You Need to Know
