There are various types of pepperoni, but the majority are made with turkey and pork. You might ask, “Which of the various types of pepperoni is safe for my dog’s consumption?”
The simple answer is none of them is safe. It is highly advised that you avoid giving your dog pepperoni completely. Keep reading to find out why this is so.
Is Pepperoni Bad For Dogs
Pepperoni is basically a highly seasoned sausage that is made from dried or fresh pork or a mixture of beef and pork, cut into thin slices and mostly used as toppings on pizza. Pepperoni is usually soft and red and is one of the human foods that is not suitable for canine consumption.
Pepperoni has a high level of sodium and other ingredients like onions and garlic, that can be harmful to dogs. Pepperoni also has a high amount of fatty content.
Pepperoni is contained with sodium, garlic, onions and other seasonings that are harmful to your dog and this makes pepperoni unhealthy for your dog’s consumption.
Nutritional Value Of Pepperoni
Although pepperonis have more disadvantages than benefits for your dog, there are couple of elements that can benefit your dog. They include:
- Calcium: (helps build strong bones in your dog)
- Vitamin D: (reduces the risk of heart or kidney disease in your dog
- Magnesium: (maintaining metabolism in your dog).
- Protein (for your dog’s healthy hairs, nails, tendons and muscles)
- Vitamin B-12: (improves your dog’s nervous system and enhances blood cell formation)
- Vitamin B-6: (generates glucose and regulates hormones)
- Vitamin C: (aids detoxification and inflammation decrease).
However, these elements are in very low quantities, hence, their benefits to your dog is minimal. For this reason, it is highly advised that you do not feed your dog pepperoni as your dog is better off without it.
Some Pepperoni Ingredients That Are Toxic To Your Dog
Giving your dog pepperoni beyond moderation could lead to kidney disease, obesity, indigestion, salt poisoning, pancreatitis, or more life-threatening illnesses.
This is because the ingredients used to make pepperoni can very well cause any of these health problems for dogs. Some of these ingredients are so harmful and toxic that they could lead to high blood pressure, coma, or death.
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Some pepperoni ingredients that are toxic to your dog:
Sodium: Pepperoni has a very high level of sodium and would most likely cause sodium toxicity in dogs, if consumes in excess. Sodium toxicity could give way to failure of vital organs, dehydration, high blood pressure and possible death.
Saturated Fats: These are neither good for dogs nor anyone else. Feeding your dog more pepperoni than you should, equals feeding your dog more fat than he needs per day.
Seasonings
- Garlic is one of the common seasonings in pepperoni that are highly toxic. Due to its high level of toxicity, it is highly unadvised to feed your dog with any food containing garlic. Garlic and onions are noticeably more effective as powder, as the powdered form are usually more concentrated.
- Cloves are less toxic than garlic and onions but will be affected by the garlic and cause toxicity with time.
- Peppers are not toxic nor harmful to your dog but can cause irritation for your dog. Some of the signs of pepper irritation in your dog may include diarrhea, excess gas, heart or throat burn, and stomach upset.
Symptoms Of Pepperoni Poisoning In Dogs
Some signs and symptoms that your dog ate too much pepperoni include:
- Weakness
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
These symptoms, as time goes by, could degenerate into more severe symptoms, such as:
- Drooling
- Seizures
- Muscle tremors
- Change in body temperature
- Difficult breathing
- Dehydration
- Arched back
What Can I Use As A Substitute For Pepperoni?
Even though it is advised that you do not feed your dog pepperoni, there are still delicious treats that are healthy and safe for your dog’s consumption. Some of the substitutes are:
- Cooked Plain Meat
As a reward for being of good behavior, you can give your dog some beef, pork or chicken, after you must have removed the bones and fat. Resist using additives while boiling the meat. Remember to cut the cooked meat into sizes small enough for your dog to easily swallow.
- Meat Jerky
You can also prepare your own meat jerky as this is cheaper than buying it from a store.
- Meat-Flavored Treats
Decide on either natural or organic treats as they are your dog’s safest choices. These natural or organic treats would provide your dog with just enough or even less calories needed for the day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Much Pepperoni Is Too Much For A Dog?
Dogs should not be given Pepperoni. If for any reason, you have to give your dog pepperoni, go for pepperoni without garlic and onion or extra seasoning and feed your dog one or two slices in every three months is a safe amount to give him.
This should not cause harm to your dog, unless he is allergic to it. Feeding your dog any more than the recommended amount would be toxic and harmful to your dog.
What if My Dog Eats Pepperoni?
Consuming lots of Pepperoni puts your dog at risk of suffering from weight gain (obesity) and salt poisoning, due to the high levels of sodium and fat present in pepperoni.
If it so happens that your dog consumes more pepperoni than is appropriate, be sure to pay an immediate visit to your dog’s veterinary doctor for him to carry out tests on your dog. This will be able to control the situation before it worsens. Your vet is likely to recommend antidotes for food poisoning and stomach related issues.
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Can Dogs Eat Hot Pepperoni?
Certainly not. The temperature of the pepperoni is really of little or no relevance as dogs would find it difficult to digest spicy foods, cold or hot. In fact, consuming hot pepperoni may lead to dehydration in your dog and so, you may need to get him enough water to keep him hydrated.
Conclusion
Dogs might have a naturally high resistance to heart disease, however, they are not all so resistant to obesity or diabetes, which are triggered by consuming excess fats. Pepperoni is rich in fat, sodium onion and garlic; all of these are toxic and harmful to your dog.
Dogs on a diet to manage their weight should be kept away from pepperoni as it is very easy to slip into weight gain as pepperoni contains a high amount of calories and fat that could lead to diabetes, obesity, or more severe conditions.
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