For many people, pepperoni is a favorite pizza topping and a delicious addition to a charcuterie board. This meaty treat is rich in flavor, but can dogs eat pepperoni? No, and here’s why it’s not safe for your pet.
Pepperoni is a popular pizza topping and snack for humans, but is it safe for dogs to eat? Many pet owners wonder, can dogs have turkey pepperoni? The short answer is no. Pepperoni, even turkey pepperoni, is not good for dogs. Keep reading to learn why pepperoni can be dangerous for dogs and what to do if your dog accidentally eats some.
Why Pepperoni is Bad For Dogs
There are a few reasons why pepperoni, including turkey pepperoni, is unhealthy for dogs:
High Fat Content
Pepperoni is very high in fat. The high fat content can cause pancreatitis which is inflammation of the pancreas that can be life-threatening. Excessive fat can also lead to obesity, diabetes and other health issues in dogs.
Sodium Content
Pepperoni contains a lot of sodium, which is used heavily in the curing and processing of the meat. Too much sodium can cause sodium ion poisoning in dogs, leading to vomiting diarrhea depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death.
Spices and Preservatives
Pepperoni contains lots of artificial preservatives, spices, and flavorings like garlic, onion, paprika, celery, mustard seeds, and more. Onions and garlic are toxic to dogs. The other spices and preservatives can also irritate dogs’ stomachs and digestive systems.
So even though turkey pepperoni sounds healthier than traditional pepperoni, it really isn’t good for dogs. The high sodium, fat, and seasoning content make it a risky choice.
Can Dogs Have Small Amounts of Turkey Pepperoni?
It’s best to avoid giving any pepperoni to dogs, even just a little bit, because the high sodium content poses a real risk of sodium ion poisoning.
However, if your dog accidentally gets a small scrap of turkey pepperoni, like a crumb or two, it likely won’t cause any major issues. Still, monitor your dog closely for signs of upset stomach or other symptoms just to be safe.
Definitely do NOT purposefully give your dog turkey pepperoni thinking a little won’t hurt. The dangers are too great, and it’s just not worth the risk.
How Much Turkey Pepperoni Can Dogs Eat?
Experts recommend not feeding any pepperoni at all to dogs. If for some reason you really want to give your dog a tiny taste of turkey pepperoni, the absolute max should be about 1/2 a slice once every few months.
Even tiny amounts should be avoided though, especially for small or elderly dogs. The sodium content makes even a small quantity potentially dangerous. It’s better to be safe than sorry and avoid pepperoni altogether.
Signs of Pepperoni Poisoning in Dogs
If your dog accidentally eats too much pepperoni, watch for these symptoms:
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Shaking
- Seizures
- Breathing issues
- Elevated heart rate
- Disorientation
If you notice any of these, or your dog seems sick after eating turkey pepperoni, take them to the vet immediately as it can be life-threatening.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Pepperoni
First, try to determine how much pepperoni they ate and when. If it was a large amount or recent, go to the emergency vet right away for treatment.
If it was just a small scrap and over an hour ago, you may be able to monitor at home carefully. Restrict food and water for a few hours then slowly reintroduce small amounts of bland food.
Watch for any symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or restlessness. If you notice anything abnormal, go to the vet. Otherwise, just keep an eye out over the next day or two for delayed symptoms.
Healthy Alternatives to Pepperoni for Dogs
Instead of pepperoni, try these healthy meat-based treats for dogs:
- Lean chicken or turkey, no skin or bones
- Plain boiled egg whites
- Low-sodium deli meat, like ham or roast beef
- Unsalted peanut butter
- Beef or chicken liver
- Salmon or tuna, water-packed
There are also many commercial dog treats made with healthy ingredients without excess fat, spices or sodium. Avoid any processed, smoked or cured meats like pepperoni.
With so many great alternatives, there’s no reason to take a chance on something as unhealthy for dogs as pepperoni. Keep your pup happy and healthy by sticking to dog-safe people foods and treats.
The Bottom Line
While pepperoni may seem like a tasty treat, it’s absolutely not safe for dogs to eat. The high sodium content makes even small amounts potentially toxic. Other dangers include high fat, spices, additives and preservatives.
No form of pepperoni, including turkey pepperoni, is healthy for dogs. Avoid purposefully feeding any pepperoni. If accidental ingestion occurs, monitor for symptoms and call your vet with any concerns. Stick to dog-friendly proteins like chicken, beef, eggs and more for a healthy treat. With a little care, you can keep your furry friend happy, healthy and pepperoni-free!
Choosing The Right Breed
For many people, pepperoni is a favorite pizza topping and a delicious addition to a charcuterie board. This meaty treat is rich in flavor, but can dogs eat pepperoni? No, and here’s why it’s not safe for your pet.
Is turkey pepperoni safe for dogs?
FAQ
Is turkey pepperoni okay for dogs to eat?
What should I do if my dog ate pepperoni?
Will one piece of pepperoni hurt my dog?
Is turkey pepperoni OK to eat?
Can dogs eat turkey pepperoni?
Dogs can safely eat small amounts of turkey pepperoni, just like traditional pepperoni. The type of meat doesn’t matter, it’s the amount of salt, fat, and the types of spices it has. If the turkey pepperoni is just as high in salt and fat, then only give them a little bit of it. If it has garlic or onion powder, don’t let them eat any of it.
What happens if a dog eats pepperoni?
Some of the most common include: If your dog regularly eats pepperoni, the high fat content can lead to obesity. The high salt content can lead to increased blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease. Since pepperoni’s so high in fat, it can cause pancreatitis, which is when a dog’s pancreas becomes inflamed.
Can dogs eat pepperoni pizza?
No, dogs should never eat pepperoni pizza. Pizza crust and sauce usually have garlic and onion powder – both are toxic for dogs. Pizza is also really high in sugars, fats, and sodium. It will give your dog an upset stomach and could lead to long-term health effects if they eat it regularly. What about other pizzas?
Can dogs eat salami & pepperoni?
Salami is another cured meat that is not good for dogs. The seasonings that are included in salami and its high fat content pose many of the same health risks as pepperoni. Thus, it’s best to avoid feeding salami and pepperoni to your dog.