Can My Dog Eat Pizza?

Did you leave your pizza box unattended for a moment, only to return to find your dog devouring this Italian delight?

Despite our relentless love for pizza, it has long been recognized as one of the most unhealthy foods for our bodies. So you must also be wondering, can my dog eat pizza?

Is It Safe For Dogs To Eat Pizza?

Simply put, no. But if your dog just had a small bite of pizza and you’re wondering, can pizza kill dogs? then we assure you that it is not going to harm your dog in any way.

Unless your dog is eating one slice a day, the chances of your dog getting seriously ill from a small bite of pizza are pretty slim. However, make sure you consult a veterinarian if your dog has gobbled up a slice or two all at once.

In any case, the real question should be, can a dog get sick from eating pizza? To which the answer is, yes.

Why Is Pizza Harmful for Dogs?

Pizza is a digestive nightmare for dogs, and if eaten in excess, it can cause them a great deal of pain and discomfort. It can also prove to be a choking hazard if the crust is too hard and overcooked.

Let’s look at some of the other ingredients closely:

Cheese

When you consider the best component on a pizza, it’s undeniably the cheesy deliciousness that makes it so appealing. But the truth is that most dogs are lactose intolerant, which makes it difficult for them to digest any kind of dairy, be it cheese or milk.

Read More: Can My Dog Eat Cheese?

Onions & Garlic

Then, there’s onions and garlic for that extra flavor, but I know what you’re thinking: are these ingredients safe for dogs? No, onions and garlic are not good for dogs. This is because dogs lack the enzymes required to digest and break down the Thiosulfate components found in garlic and onions. It can even lead to oxidative damage and result in anemia.

Read More: Can My Dog Eat Onions?

Meat

Even the spices used in meats, as well as the oils and aromatic herbs, are not good for your dog’s digestive health. Not only that, a lot of processed meats used in pizzas such as sausages undergo a lengthy manufacturing process where they are seasoned with spices such as garlic and onion powder, all of which can seriously harm your dog’s gut health.

Sodium Content

Pizza also contains a large amount of sodium which is not good for dogs. In fact, owners are strictly advised to keep their dog’s diet free of salt or stick to a minimum level of 0.3%.

Dough

Almost 40% of a pizza is made up of dough. It’s the foundation for a great pizza. So, what effect do they have on dogs? We all know how susceptible dogs are to yeast infections.

Yeast is the “magical” ingredient that makes bread or crust rise, but it’s not so great when it gets into your dog’s stomach and causes discomfort and bloating. In extreme situations, the inflammation may even lead to death.

Not only that but fermenting yeast generates alcohol, which can make your dog feel woozy. So, the next time your gifted hands want to make pizza at home, make sure that your energetic puppy is nowhere near you.

What Happens If My Dog Eats Pizza?

If your dog ate a full slice of pizza and you’re wondering, can a dog get sick from eating pizza you’ve come to the right place.

This is an extremely plausible situation given how much Americans love pizza. A simple Google search about this topic will bring up a list of queries from owners frantically looking for answers to, “my dog ate a slice of pizza” and “my dog ate pizza and is throwing up.” This shows that it is highly likely that your dog will show signs of discomfort shortly after eating pizza.

Look for these prominent signs and symptoms if your dog has accidentally eaten a slice of pizza:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Swelling in the stomach
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain

If symptoms worsen, and your dog experiences extreme pain and discomfort, please seek immediate medical attention from a veterinarian near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dogs Eat Pizza Crust?

Yes, your dog can eat pizza crust. But there’s a catch: it’s only allowed to eat a bite of it. Eating the toppings and cheese on a pizza may have far more dangerous repercussions, but it is not fatal if your dog eats a small bite. The same logic applies to the pizza dough. However, make sure that your dog never eats uncooked pizza dough. As discussed above, this can prove to be fatal for your dog.

Can I Feed My Dog Pizza Rolls?

If not pizza, maybe you’re wondering, “can dogs eat pizza rolls.” Yet again, the answer is no. There isn’t much of a difference between the two as they contain the same ingredients — gluten, spices, herbs, cheese, onions, and garlic.

Can My Dog Eat A Pepperoni Pizza?

For anyone wondering, can dogs have pepperoni pizza, as delicious as it is, your dog should not be eating any kind of pizza, be it Pepperoni or Margherita unless it’s an occasional bite.

Does Pizza Benefit Dogs?

No, pizza offers no additional health or nutritional benefits to a dog. It does quite the opposite and causes more harm than good.

Although a bite of pizza may not pose a serious health risk to your dog in the short term, making it a habit to feed them pizza regularly is bad for their health. As discussed, pizza contains several ingredients that are not healthy for dogs.

Instead, switch to doggie treats or natural foods that dogs love such as cooked chicken, carrots, and peanut butter. Or, cook up a safe “doggie pizza,” with healthy alternatives such as whole wheat flour, chicken, and tomato puree.

If you want to make it healthier, you can use raw coconut oil or olive oil. Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.