Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni? Is It Safe for Dogs?

Pepperoni is one of the world’s favorite pizza toppings. A little spicy (or a lot depending on how you like it!) and full of flavor, it can be used in pasta sauces, as an accompaniment to cheese, or simply as a snack.

And while it might be tempting to share your food with your pup, it’s not always good for them. In fact, in some cases, it can be toxic. But what about pepperoni? Can dogs eat pepperoni? What bout pepperoni made from different meats?

In general, the answer is no. Dogs shouldn’t eat pepperoni. And here’s why…

The Short: Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni Slices?

Dogs shouldn’t eat pepperoni, however much they turn on those puppy dog eyes. Pepperoni is full of potentially toxic flavorings, has a high-fat content, and is full of salt. All of which are not beneficial to your dog.

Spicey pepperoni also contains lots of extra ingredients such as paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and chili. Spicey food can cause your dog to have an upset stomach, including diarrhea, painful gas, and vomiting.

Why Is Pepperoni Bad for Dogs?

Pepperoni doesn’t have to be toxic to dogs, but it isn’t healthy for them either. There are a couple of reasons why you shouldn’t feed your dog pepperoni:

High-Calorie Count. One of the main reasons why you shouldn’t feed dogs pepperoni is because it contains too many calories. A high-calorie diet can lead to weight gain and obesity-related diseases – which is also why you shouldn’t feed your dog french fries.

High Salt Levels. Dogs don’t need salt in their diet. If dogs eat too much sodium often, it can lead to salt poisoning and even kidney damage. Even if your dog eats a moderate amount of pepperoni, it can lead to dehydration.

Garlic and Onion. These are two very common flavorings that often appear in pepperoni. Unfortunately for dogs, they’re both toxic. You should never feed your pup anything with garlic or onion in it. Consult your vet if your pup does eat either of these.

High-Fat Content. As well as lots of calories, pepperoni is also high in fat. Dogs can find it hard to digest fat which can lead to stomach problems including bloat, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

Spices. Another reason why humans love pepperoni is that it contains so many yummy spices. Apart from garlic and onions, other spices such as chili and pepper can upset your pup’s stomach.

Is Pepperoni Toxic to Dogs?

Pepperoni isn’t necessarily toxic to dogs (although it can be) but it isn’t healthy either. Just like bacon and hot dogs, there’s too much fat and salt in it for it to be part of your pup’s diet.

Some of the added spices, however, can make it toxic for dogs. So it’s best not to share your pepperoni with your pup.

Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni In Moderation?

Eating pepperoni (as long as it’s just a small slice and doesn’t contain anything toxic) isn’t likely to cause any problems for your dog. But it also doesn’t contain any benefits. The problems come if your pup regularly eats pepperoni or other fatty foods.

If you want to give your pup human foods, try healthier options such as a little plain pork, apple, or beef jerky (in small amounts).

Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni Pizza?

How good does pepperoni pizza smell? And it’s not just us who think it – our furry friends do too. But, unfortunately for them, dogs can’t eat pepperoni pizza. Not only is pepperoni full of fat and salt, but so is cheese and dough.

The combination, therefore, isn’t a healthy one for our dogs and can cause health problems.

Can Dogs Eat Turkey Pepperoni?

Turkey pepperoni isn’t any healthier than other types of pepperoni. Even a few slices contain lots of fat and salt and might contain flavorings and spices. Spicy food can upset your dog’s digestive system and cause them to feel unwell.

Can Dogs Eat Hot Pepperoni?

You’ve probably guessed it, but no. Dogs can’t eat hot pepperoni. Spicy foods can really upset your dog’s stomach. The risk of that, combined with the high-calorie content and salt content makes hot pepperoni a bad choice of snack for dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni Jerky?

No! Although it’s a yummy snack and your pup will really want some pepperoni jerky, it’s not a safe treat for dogs. It’s full of calories, salt, and extra ingredients which are not healthy for dogs to eat.

The texture of pepperoni and pepperoni jerky can also make it a choking hazard for dogs.

What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Pepperoni?

If your dog eats a small amount of pepperoni that doesn’t contain any toxic ingredients, they should be OK. It’s best to monitor them for any signs of an allergy and contact your vet if you’re concerned.

If your dog eats a large amount of pepperoni or pepperoni that contains onion and garlic call your vet immediately. They’ll be able to advise you on the best steps forward.

Alternative Treats To Give Your Dog

Just because you shouldn’t share pepperoni with your dog, doesn’t mean that all human food is off limits. Check out the BarkingTalk Food Page for more treat inspiration.

You could also consider healthy dog jerky as an alternative. Ollie Fresh Dog Food, for example, does both chicken and apple jerky and beef and sweet potato jerky. These don’t contain too many calories or salt and your pup will love them!

Sum Up, Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni?

No, dogs should not eat pepperoni. It just contains too much salt, too many calories, and a lot of fat to be part of a dog’s healthy diet. Too much pepperoni can lead to rapid weight gain and other health problems.

Pepperoni also contains spices and ingredients which are toxic to dogs or can cause an upset stomach.

There are plenty of other alternative treats that are a much better choice for dogs to eat. Just because they can’t have pepperoni doesn’t mean you can’t reward your pooch with some other favorite food!