Can Pizza Kill Dogs? What Every Dog Owner Should Know

As a dog owner, you want to give your furry friend treats and foods they’ll love. But should you ever give your dog pizza? Unfortunately, pizza can be dangerous and even fatal for dogs. While your dog may go crazy for a slice of pepperoni, the truth is you should never give pizza to your dog.

Pizza contains many ingredients that can kill dogs or lead to severe illness. The seasoned dough, fatty meats, onions, garlic, and other pizza toppings can cause serious health issues in canines. While some dog breeds or individual dogs may tolerate small amounts of pizza better than others, it’s best to avoid feeding pizza to dogs altogether. Your vet will tell you that pizza can kill dogs.

In this article, we’ll cover whether dogs can eat pizza, what ingredients in pizza are harmful to dogs, and what to do if your dog accidentally eats pizza. We’ll also provide healthy dog food alternatives so you can still spoil your pup without putting their health at risk. While your dog may give you puppy eyes when he smells pizza, remember that the popular food can be deadly for dogs.

Understanding Pizza and Dogs

To understand why pizza can be dangerous for dogs, it helps to first understand what pizza is made of. After all, pizza ingredients like dough, cheese, and meat sound pretty tasty to our canine companions! Let’s break down the common components of pizza so we can see why it doesn’t always “deliver” the right nutrition for dogs.

Pizza is made of bread dough, tomato sauce, cheese, and various meat and vegetable toppings. Traditional pizza starts with a crust made from wheat flour, yeast, oil, and water. It gets topped with tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and proteins like pepperoni, sausage, or chicken. Veggies like mushrooms, onions, peppers, and olives are also popular pizza toppings.

The ingredients in pizza can vary widely depending on where you get it from. Some pizza places load up the cheese or pile on fatty meats like bacon and sausage. Gourmet pizzas may have novel toppings like barbecued chicken, plant-based meats, or unique sauce combinations. The crust may be thin, thick, or stuffed with cheese. So when we talk about whether dogs can eat pizza, we have to consider the huge variability in pizza ingredients.

Do Dogs Love Pizza?

You bet they do! Dogs have an excellent sense of smell, so the yeasty, tomatoey, garlicky aroma of hot pizza drives them wild. Plus, pizza provides a flavor bonanza with its combination of bread, meat, dairy, vegetables, herbs, and spice. Both the smell and taste of pizza make your dog beg for a bite.

While humans savor this savory treat, we need to look at pizza’s ingredients critically to decide whether it’s actually good for dogs. Common pizza toppings like onions, garlic, processed meats, and even the dough itself can be unhealthy or toxic for canines. So let your pup get a whiff, but don’t feel guilty about not sharing your slice.

How Much Pizza Is Enough For Your Dog?

We’ll go into more detail shortly about which ingredients make pizza risky for dogs. But to provide a general rule of thumb:A small piece of plain pizza crust once in awhile is probably fine, but you should never feed your dog a whole pizza or even large amounts of standard pizza.

A few nibbles here and there of bland crust shouldn’t hurt. But foods like onions, uncooked dough, and high-fat meats that come on pizza should be avoided. When in doubt, call your vet and ask if your particular dog can handle small sampling of basic crust components.

Some key things to consider:

• Ingredient sensitivity: Some dogs may have allergies or intolerances to grains, yeast, dairy, or other pizza ingredients.
• Body size: Small dogs obviously can’t handle a whole pizza. But even large dogs should only have small portions.
• Breed disposition: Some breeds prone to obesity, pancreatitis, or other conditions need extra care with fatty, rich foods.
• Overall diet: Pizza shouldn’t make up a meaningful part of any dog’s diet. At most it should be an occasional treat in an otherwise balanced regimen.

So use common sense when it comes to sharing pizza with your dog. Just because your Lab ate most of a pizza once without getting sick doesn’t make it a safe, regular indulgence. Talk to your vet if you have any doubts.

Why Pizza Is Bad For Dogs

Now that we understand what pizza is made of, we can dig into why exactly pizza can be bad for dogs. While our furry friends may beg for a slice, there are some ingredients in pizza that can seriously harm your dog. Let’s go through the main problems so you can make informed choices about sharing pizza with your pup.

The main problem with pizza for dogs is that it’s unhealthy and potentially toxic. Pizza contains a lot of fat, salt, and oils that dogs have trouble digesting. And ingredients like onions, garlic, uncooked dough, and certain spices can actually be dangerous. Let’s look at some specific pizza ingredients that are harmful for dogs:

Processed Meat

One of the most enticing parts of pizza for dogs are all the meat toppings like pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham. But feeding your dog these processed meats by eating pizza is not a good idea.

These fatty meats are already risky for humans in terms of cancer risk and heart health. For dogs, they can lead to pancreatitis – a serious condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed. Processed meats are also loaded with sodium which is unhealthy for dogs.

So while your dog will love chomping on the piles of sausage and pepperoni, resist giving in. The seasoned and cured meats on pizza are too hazardous for dogs.

Onions And Garlic

Here’s a surprising fact about pizza: those tasty onions and garlic in the sauce can be toxic for dogs!

Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives contain compounds called thiosulfates that are safe for humans but dangerous for canines. They can cause conditions like hemolytic anemia by damaging red blood cells.

So even pizza sauce spiced up with garlic powder or bits of onion can put your dog’s health at risk. Keep those vamps away from pizza night!

Spices

Beyond garlic, pizza often contains other spices like chili flakes, paprika, oregano, fennel, or black pepper that enhance the flavor. These salt-heavy spices can irritate your dog’s stomach and even cause intestinal issues in some cases.

While we humans love our pizza topped with zesty seasonings, dogs would be better off with unseasoned, plain ingredients.

Pizza Toppings Safe For Your Dog

Now you may be wondering – are there any pizza toppings that are great for dogs and healthy for dogs to eat? A pizza good for dogs would skip the problem ingredients and stick to dog-friendly foods.

Some examples of pizza toppings safe for your dog include:

• Plain mozzarella cheese
• Lean proteins like chicken or shrimp
• Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, zucchini or tomato
• Fruits like pineapple, apple, or banana

So if you really want to share a special pizza moment with your dog, ask for a simple pie with dog-safe ingredients. Just be sure to check any seasonings, skip the fatty meat, limit the cheese, and watch the portion size.

The bottom line: standard delivery pizza tends to be hazardous for dogs. But with some adjustments, both of you can enjoy a dog-friendly pizza night!

What Can You Feed Your Dog In Place Of Pizza?

So instead of pizza, what kinds of food can dogs eat that will satisfy their cravings without the health risks? There are many nutritious options for dogs that can take the place of pizza.

While your dog would likely love chowing down an entire pizza, he can get the flavors and textures he craves through dog-friendly foods. Here are some ideas:

Pizza That A Dog Can Eat

Believe it or not, there are some pizza options a dog can eat safely and happily! For example:

• Make a mini pizza for dogs using a plain whole wheat crust with dog-safe tomato sauce, a sprinkle of low-fat mozzarella, and veggie toppings like spinach and mushrooms.
• Give your dog a small piece of plain pizza crust as an occasional treat. Avoid spicy, oily or seasoned pizza crusts.
• Order a dog-friendly pizza made with healthy ingredients from a pet bakery or restaurant. Some pet stores even sell frozen pizza for dogs!

The key is keeping the pizza very simple and limiting unhealthy fats, spices, onions, garlic, and processed meats. A plain pizza crust in small amounts can satisfy your dog’s pizza craving safely.

Healthy Dog Food

Of course, pizza shouldn’t make up a significant portion of any dog’s diet. Here are some examples of nutritious food for adult dogs that make great daily meal options instead of pizza:

• Dry or wet dog food balanced with protein, carbs, veggies, vitamins and minerals
• Home cooked meals like chicken and rice, beef and sweet potatoes, turkey and green beans
• Dehydrated raw food with raw meat and whole food ingredients
• Frozen raw food like Primal or Stella & Chewy’s products

Talk to your vet about the best everyday dog food for your pup based on their age, size, and health needs.

The bottom line is most dogs don’t need pizza – regular nutritious dog food will give them the energy and nutrition they require. An occasional dog-friendly pizza substitute can give your pup the experience without the risk. But skip feeding Fido slices of standard pizza delivery whenever possible.

What Happens If Your Dog Eats Pizza?

Uh oh. Despite your best efforts, your dog managed to eat some pizza. Now you’re worried about what happens if a dog eats pizza and frantically googling can dogs have pizza crust. Before you panic, let’s break down the possible effects of your pup sneaking some pizza.

The effects of a dog eating pizza can vary based on the amount eaten, the particular ingredients, and your dog’s own sensitivity. Some dogs gobble pizza with no issue. But others may experience:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Weight gain
• Bloating

Let’s look at each of these common side effects in more detail so you know how to respond if your dog gets into the pizza.

Diarrhea

One likely result of your dog eating pizza is some diarrhea or upset stomach. Dogs’ digestive systems aren’t designed to handle the refined dough, high fat content, and spice levels in pizza.

Your dog’s body may react to this abrupt diet change by flushing things out quickly via loose stools. If it’s a one-time pizza incident, the diarrhea will likely pass within a day or so as their digestive system rebalances. Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water to stay hydrated.

Frequent diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, or other concerning symptoms after eating pizza may indicate a bigger issue, so call your vet. But in mild cases, the dog’s system just needs time to right itself again after the pizza insult. Monitor your dog’s symptoms and offer bland foods like rice until the diarrhea improves.

Vomiting

Along with diarrhea, another common reaction to dogs eating pizza is vomiting. This is the body’s way of quickly ejecting the problem food before it can cause more damage.

Vomiting after eating pizza indicates your dog’s system recognized the unusual junk food as a foreign invader. Usually the vomiting subsides within a day as the irritation passes through the digestive tract. Make sure your dog stays hydrated and call the vet with concerns.

One or two isolated instances of vomiting from eating pizza shouldn’t harm an otherwise healthy dog. But repeated vomiting can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and other issues – so know when to seek help.

Weight Gain

Dogs love pizza for a reason – all that delicious fat, carbohydrates, protein, and sodium is basically engineered to promote overeating! So beyond digestive issues, eating pizza may cause weight gain in dogs due to the calorie load.

This is especially true if your dog managed to eat a large amount of pizza. The high calories and fat content in pizza can easily push your dog into a quick weight gain.

To mitigate this, watch your dog’s portions carefully after a pizza incident and get in some extra exercise. If the weight gain persists, chat with your vet about a reduced-calorie diet plan. With vigilance, your dog can still maintain a healthy weight despite the occasional slice.

Bloating

That feeling of uncomfortable fullness you get after one too many pizza slices? Your dog can experience it too. Eating rich, fatty foods like pizza may give your dog a visible bloating in their belly.

This bloating occurs when the stomach expands from gas, fluid, or food building up faster than the body can digest. It can cause discomfort, nausea, lack of appetite, or even vomiting.

Make sure your dog takes it easy after eating pizza and doesn’t do vigorous exercise which can worsen bloating. Call your vet promptly if you notice severe abdominal bloating or non-productive retching. Otherwise, it should resolve on its own as the tummy upset passes.

Diarrhea, vomiting, weight gain, and bloating are possible outcomes of your dog sneaking pizza. But in most cases these effects are temporary and resolve with time and care. Stay alert for signs of distress, and try not to share pizza in the first place. Your dog will thank you!

What To Do If Your Dog Eats Pizza

Oh no!, you turn around for a second and suddenly Pizza Bandit has struck! Now your dog is happily chowing down a slice that was meant for you. What should you do?

First, don’t panic. While you now know that pizza can be dangerous for dogs, a single slice likely won’t cause lasting harm. Here are tips on how to respond:

• Monitor your dog closely. Watch for signs of stomach upset like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or lethargy. Call your vet promptly if symptoms persist more than 24 hours.
• Prevent access to more pizza. Make sure no more tempting pizza is within your dog’s reach for their safety. Restrict access to the trash if needed.
• Transition back to dog food. Gradually reintroduce your dog’s normal balanced diet and avoid other fatty human foods until their digestive system recovers.
• Provide plenty of water. Make sure your dog stays hydrated, especially if they experience vomiting or diarrhea after eating pizza.
• Exercise caution. Avoid strenuous exercise that could worsen digestive issues. Take walks gently.
• Chat with your vet. If you’re ever unsure about your dog’s symptoms or what to feed them, give your vet a call. They can provide tailored advice.

While that slice of pizza isn’t reason to rush your dog to the ER, you do need to take caution. Follow the steps above and monitor closely. Call your vet with any lingering concerns.

Above all, be extra careful to keep pizza and other unhealthy scraps out of your dog’s reach in the future. Dogs don’t understand pizza can be dangerous. As a responsible pet owner, you have to protect them from their pizza-loving instincts. Their health depends on you making smart choices about what they eat.

With care and vigilance, one accidental pizza incident won’t harm your dog long-term. Use it as a learning experience to improve your dog’s diet and avoid processed human foods moving forward. Your dog will feel their best eating dog food, not people food!

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s wrap up with some common questions dog owners have about feeding pizza to their pups:

Final Thoughts

While pizza night is a fun indulgence for us, pizza can be dangerous for dogs. Fatty crust, seasoned sauces, onions, garlic, and processed meats often found in pizza can cause gastrointestinal, heart, and other problems in canines.

However, the occasional small piece of plain crust without toppings may be fine for some dogs. Talk to your vet about whether your dog can tolerate limited amounts of basic pizza crust components safely.

Overall, it’s best to avoid feeding dogs pizza regularly. Instead, give your dog quality kibble, canned food, or home-cooked meals tailored to their nutritional needs. But the truth is, eating a bit of pizza crust won’t kill your dog as long as you take precautions.

Your dog gives you those begging eyes when pizza arrives because it smells irresistible to them. While you don’t have to deprive your pup entirely, be very conservative about sharing from your plate. Prioritize your dog’s health and feed them regular dog food most of the time. But the occasional nibble of plain crust is unlikely to cause long-term harm.

With some common sense about ingredients and portions, you and your dog can both enjoy the pizza experience. Just be mindful of the risks and talk to your vet with any concerns. Stay informed and your pup can maintain a healthy diet in spite of stealing the odd pizza bite.