No, I’d strongly not recommend pepperoni pizza for your pup. Because of their smaller bodies, this pizza is too high in fat, salt, and spices which can cause digestive problems, pancreatitis, and other health problems too. That’s not all, the high sodium content can also cause excessive thirst, sodium ion poisoning and may damage their kidneys if they eat it in large amounts.
Facts About Why Pepperoni Pizza Is Bad for Dogs
So, why should dogs not eat pepperoni?
High-Fat Content: Pepperoni is a high-fat processed meat and this kind of fatty content can cause serious problems for your pup. I’m talking about pancreatitis, which in most cases can be a painful, life-threatening condition.
High Sodium: As I mentioned earlier, the sodium content in this pizza is quite high and it can lead to salt poisoning. Trust me, you don’t want a scenario where your dog is struggling with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, or even seizures.
Spices and Additives: The spices and additives in pepperoni like garlic, paprika, or nitrites can all be dangerous to dogs. They can trigger allergic reactions, indigestion, and cause other health crisis
What you need to know about your dog’s digestive system
Our furry babies are not built like us, which means their digestive systems do not process food the way we do. That’s why we can eat stuff like pepperoni and get away with it and they cannot. Their bodies can not handle foods high in fat, salt, and spice. It is better suited for processing lean meats and a plant-based diet.
How dogs digest meat products
Dogs are carnivorous, so their digestive systems have been designed to absorb and digest meat proteins efficiently. Unfortunately, processed meats such as pepperoni tend to be very high in fat, salt, and other harmful additives which can present a challenge for your dog’s digestive system.
Pepperoni is not fresh, lean meat like chicken or turkey— it’s processed and cured with preservatives, nitrites (which are also in bacon), colorings, etc., to keep it from going bad and enhance its flavor. These additives can be difficult for your dog to digest and may not be processed well.
Also, the high fat levels in pepperoni are too much for your dog’s digestive enzyme to handle resulting in indigestion. This can cause digestive problems like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Furthermore, the high salt content of pepperoni can upset your dog’s electrolyte balance and if eaten in large amounts possibly lead to dehydration or kidney problems.
What are the risks of giving your dog pepperoni?
Here are the serious health complications your pup stands to face when they eat this pizza:
Obesity and Heart Disease: The high fatty content can cause obesity, especially when they eat it regularly. This weight gain puts a strain on your dog’s body and increases their risk of getting heart disease, and joint issues
Pancreatitis: This is an inflammation of the pancreas, which is life-threatening and is brought on by foods high in fat, such as pepperoni. Symptoms of this condition include:
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Dehydration
Note: please understand that pancreatitis to some extent can cause organ damage, bleeding disorders, and other complications. It is a condition that calls for quick veterinary attention, which might mean rushing your pup to the nearest hospital.
What can I give my dog instead of pepperoni?
Instead of pepperoni or other processed meats, try your hands on these healthy snack options:
- Lean, cooked meats like chicken, turkey, or beef
- Snacks for dogs (e.g., peanut butter, oat treats, sweet potato chews)
- Moderate commercial dog treats approved by your vet
There are also tons of healthy treat recipes online or you can consult your vet for recommendations based on your dog’s diet needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up our guide, I’m sure I’ve established that pepperoni pizza is a poor snack choice for your pup because of its high fat, salt, and additive content that can lead to serious health problems.
So, instead of feeding your dog pepperoni or other processed meats that may be harmful, opt for better and healthier treats. However, if your dog does happen to get his paws on some pepperoni, keep an eye out for any worrisome symptoms and consult your vet.
Read More: Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni? Here’s What You Need to Know!
