Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni? 5 Health Risks for Dogs

No, pepperoni is unhealthy for dogs. All types of pepperoni and other highly processed meats are bad for dogs, including turkey pepperoni, pepperoni jerky, pepperoni sticks, salami, and hot pepperoni. In addition, dogs should not eat pepperoni pizza.

While pepperoni isn’t immediately toxic to dogs, it contains high amounts of sodium, fat, calories, and preservatives. Dogs that eat pepperoni can be at a higher risk for obesity, digestive issues, and pancreatitis. Avoid giving your dog pepperoni; opt for store-bought or homemade dog food and nutritious dog treats instead.

Even a few slices of pepperoni can be detrimental to your dog’s health. A few of the reasons why you should avoid feeding your pet this kind of meat include:

1. 1. Number of calories: Pepperoni is a high-calorie food, which can be dangerous for your dog’s diet. It’s unhealthy to feed your dog large amounts of calorie-dense human foods, as it can lead to rapid weight gain and long-term health issues.
2. 2. Garlic and onion: Many pepperoni recipes use garlic and onion—or garlic powder and onion powder—for added flavor. These ingredients are toxic for dogs in large quantities and can cause red blood cell damage. The amount of garlic or onions in a small piece of pepperoni may not cause significant health problems for dogs, but if a small dog breed ingests a large amount of pepperoni, consult a veterinary professional.
3. 3. Excessive amounts of salt: Pepperoni, a type of salami, is high in sodium. Too much salt in your dog’s diet can dehydrate them, and in severe cases, it can lead to kidney damage and sodium ion poisoning (or “salt poisoning”). Symptoms of too much sodium in your dog’s diet include excessive thirst, little to no urination, loss of appetite, dry gums, vomiting, and diarrhea.
4. 4. High fat content: Your dog’s stomach can’t efficiently digest large amounts of fat, so foods high in saturated fats—like pepperoni—can lead to an upset stomach, bloat, and other digestive problems. Long-term problems include an increased risk of heart disease and pancreatitis, or the swelling of the pancreas.
5. 5. Spices: Many pepperonis contain peppers, paprika, cayenne, black pepper, fennel seeds, and other seasonings and additives to increase the spicy flavor of the meat. Spicy foods can irritate your dog’s digestive system and cause abdominal pain and gas, so you should avoid giving your doggy even one piece of pepperoni.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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