Pepperoni pizza and Friday night go hand-in-hand.
Pepperoni is a common and versatile ingredient used in cooking and tastes well.
I like to have pepperoni pizza occasionally, and my dog loves the smell of pizza. So, I also have to deal with drool on the floor and whining.
But, sometimes, giving in isn’t a good idea.
A lot of common foods in our kitchen can prove to be fatal to our furry companions.
That’s why you should always look a dog food up before you feed it to your furry friend.
After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
In this article, I will answer the question, “Can dogs have pepperoni?” in as much detail as possible.
Let’s get into it.
Can Dogs Have Pepperoni?: Yes or No
Pepperoni is not toxic to dogs and is safe for them to eat.
But, this doesn’t necessarily mean that it is healthy for them to have, either.
Dogs get all the essential nutrients they need from the kibble or dog food. So, you don’t need to feed them something extra on the side.
You should avoid giving pepperoni to your furry friend, even if it isn’t a pizza topping. And, no, you shouldn’t give your dog pizza, either.
Pepperoni is heavily processed meat and contains a mixture of various ingredients and spices that may not be safe for your dog to have.
After all, it is prepared to keep humans in mind, not dogs.
While I do feel that pepperoni isn’t the healthiest food for your dog, giving your dog small amounts of the meat on occasion won’t do much harm, either.
If your furry friend eats too much pepperoni, he might start vomiting or have diarrhea.
Your dog can also experience heart problems, acid reflux, or other health conditions.
There are a lot of safe pepperoni-flavored dog treats available on the market.
If you give too much pepperoni to your dog frequently, it will have adverse health effects which may even be long-term.
Pepperoni is also spicy, and your dog can have the following symptoms after eating spicy foods:
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Too much of spice can even damage your dog’s food pipe.
Pepperoni Contains a Large Amount of Fat
Pepperoni is a fatty meat.
So, if your dog is on the heavier side, it is not safe for your dog to consume as it’ll make your dog gain more weight and be more lethargic.
Even small amounts, like a few slices of pepperoni high in fat, will lead to making your dog sluggish and overweight.
There are better treats available on the market that won’t have such effects.
Pepperoni is Spicy
Pepperoni contains a large number of spices and seasoning which make it tastes so incredibly good.
This may be good and savory for you, but, that’s not the case with dogs.
The spicier the food, the more it will affect your dog’s stomach and lead to gastric issues. Following are some ingredients in pepperoni:
Fennel seeds
Mustard seeds
Black pepper
Paprika
So, while this pizza topping is a delicious treat for humans, it’s not too good for their best friends.
Better Treats for Your Furry Friend
A lot of dog owners give their dog pepperoni as a treat. However, it’s not something that should be given so generously.
Giving your pepperoni is a good idea when you’re trying to give your dog a pill he doesn’t want to eat.
Otherwise, there are a lot of options available on the market.
In fact, some pepperoni-flavored treats are safe for your dog.
You can also give your dog some good and healthy veggies like carrots, cucumber, etc. as a treat.
Smaller Dogs and Pepperoni
If you have a puppy or a small dog then, you shouldn’t even think about feeding your dog some pepperoni!
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Since they are small in size, even the smallest quantities of the meat can cause problems.
Pancreatitis is one of the most common conditions that occur as dogs can’t process this oily, greasy, and calorie-rich meat.
Bloody diarrhea is one of the most common signs of this condition.
It is best if you keep pepperoni as far away from your miniature or toy breed dog as possible and look for better and healthier treats.
Final Words: Can Can Dogs Have Pepperoni Without Any Problems?
No, you shouldn’t feed your dog pepperoni.
It’s true that pepperoni isn’t toxic to dogs but, that doesn’t mean that it’s completely safe either.
Pepperoni is a highly processed meat product that contains some added preservatives and seasonings that may not be good for your dog’s health.
It is also high in fat and sodium.
So, you should invest in other dog treats instead of giving your dog some pepperoni.
I hope this article is helpful in answering the question, can dogs have pepperoni.