Often we people like to season food with various sauces and spices. Some of us are lovers of exceptional spicy food. But how about spicy food for dogs? For example, can dogs eat pepperoni? My Australian Shepherd just can’t get away from the smell of steaming pepperoni pizza! In this guide we will talk about pepperoni and if it is suitable for dogs.
Can dogs eat pepperoni? In short, dogs should not eat pepperoni. They contain unhealthy amounts of sodium and fat. Also may contain spices that are not safe for dogs. Eating large amounts of hot peppers can lead to indigestion, salt poisoning, kidney damage or pancreatitis.
What Is Pepperoni?
Pepperoni is a variety of Italian sausages with a spicy taste. These sausages are savory and exclusive due to the hot peppers (pepperoni) included in it.
A spicy Italian dry sausage, called pepperoni, is one of the most popular pizza toppings in America. So it‘s no wonder if the question arises as to whether one pepperoni sausage slice can be given to your pet. Every pepperoni producer uses a different mixture of ingredients, but the peppers are essential. As well as garlic, mustard, various peppers are often also used. This is the main reason why dogs should not be given this.
If your dog eats too much pepperoni, he is likely to experience gastrointestinal symptoms ranging from diarrhea to abdominal pain. However, reactions may be worse. He may even be at risk for more serious health problems, such as pancreatitis, when inflammation occurs in the pancreas.
There Are Different Types Of Pepperoni. Which Ones Are Suitable For Our Australian Shepherd Dogs?
Pepperoni can be of different species. So let‘s talk about which are more or less dangerous to our dogs.
Hot Pepperoni
The hot pepperoni stands out with a special spicy taste. So hot pepperoni really cannot be given to dogs. If the dog accidentally grabs a piece of hot pepperoni, observe its behavior. Be sure to give him plenty of water and consult a veterinarian in case of unusual behavior.
Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni Slices
Probably the most common type of pepperoni in the house is slices. Mostly used on pizzas or various sandwiches and snacks. The good thing is that the slices are usually very thin. So if a dog accidentally grabs a few slices in a few months, nothing serious would happen. Of course, even a large amount of thin slices can cause bad reactions for the dog.
Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni Sticks
Also a fairly common snack on the people‘s table is pepperoni sticks. The composition is similar, but one stick will be a much larger amount for the dog than one slice.
Even if these are not particularly spicy pepperoni sticks, you cannot give the whole stick. One bite shouldn‘t hurt, but of course it‘s better to look for more suitable alternatives.
Can Dogs Eat Turkey Pepperoni
Pepperoni is made from a mixture of dark turkey and an exclusive spice. Turkey pepperoni is thought to be healthier than plain because it has less fat. But as always, you should check the composition of the food before giving it to the dog. If turkey pepperoni does not contain garlic or onions, a small bite should not harm the dog.
Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni Pizza
Unfortunately, dogs should not eat pizza, especially pepperoni. Food like pizza in the first place would be quite heavy food for the dog and could upset stomach. And also, toppings on the pizza case are often unsuitable for our dogs. Spices, onions, garlic and so on.
Is Pepperoni Bad For Dogs
As you have already realized, pepperoni is not a suitable food for dogs. One random bite shouldn‘t hurt, but would be better to avoid this. Too much pepper is harmful to dogs and can cause a serious problem:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Pancreatitis
- Bloating
How Often Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni
The correct answer on how often the dog should can eat pepperoni – probably never. It is much better to choose an alternative such as salami. You can find better snacks for dogs in special stores. There are snacks even with a very similar looks as salami and the composition will not be harmful.
Final Thoughts
Your Australian Shepherd is a member of the family and you want to do everything you can to keep them safe and healthy. Avoid health problems by not giving your dog spicy foods. So, in summary, the dog should not eat pepperoni.
People Also Ask
Can dogs eat salami?
Salami is also not a recommended food for dogs due to its inappropriate content. However, it is easier to find variants that do not contain substances such as garlic powder and so on. It is very important to check the composition, read more here.