Whenever I bring the salami out, my dogs will drop whatever they’re doing and gaze into my eyes for a sliver of meat! We know that dogs find lunch meat irresistible, but are these protein sources a safe treat? Flavored meats are certainly convenient to give to our canine companions, but over time, they can lead to digestive upset and contribute to weight gain. To help you and your pooch, this guide will shed some light on whether dogs can safely eat deli meat.
Dogs Should Avoid Deli Meat
When you have turkey meat, salami, or deli sausages, these meaty products might seem like a quick and easy treat to feed your dogs. The truth is that deli meat, whether as a once-off snack or an ongoing treat, is packed with ingredients that aren’t healthy for pets.
It’s easy to see why our dogs are obsessed with lunch meats because they’re full of flavor and meatiness. However, most of these meats are processed and have a significant amount of seasoning that will upset your pooch’s stomach. Some of these ingredients can lead to vomiting and even veterinary emergencies.
The truth about deli meat is that it isn’t good for pets. Sharing a small piece of meat on the odd occasion is not the end of the world, but deli meat should be avoided. There are simply too many synthetic ingredients and fats that can make your furry friend ill, even when consumed in small quantities.
Why Is Deli Meat Potentially Unsafe for Dogs?
Deli meat is full of sodium, preservatives, and additives that do more harm than good for our pets. Many types of lunch meats contain garlic and onion powder that are simply incompatible with dogs. Garlic is toxic to dogs, as it can kill their red blood cells.
The American Kennel Club states that dogs must eat more than 15 grams of garlic for each kilogram of body weight before it becomes toxic. This might not be a significant amount of garlic, but sensitive dogs may have severe reactions whether consumed in powder or raw form.
Of course, the amount of deli meat consumed, relative to body weight, must be considered when determining the effects these products have on pet health.
Why Some Spices Don’t Agree with Dogs
Unseasoned deli meat in small quantities shouldn’t adversely affect your dog’s health. So, if you find unsalted turkey breast in the grocery aisle, small bits can be used as high value treats during training. It’s when other spices get added to deli meat that these products pose a problem.
Some spices you’ll find in deli meat include:
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Wormwood
- Garlic powder
- Table salt
- Cinnamon
- Red pepper
Ingredients such as wormwood may have a toxic effect when consumed by dogs, and even salt can cause uncomfortable symptoms if eaten in excess. Dogs don’t do well with seasoning because most spices are derived from herbs that pets cannot digest.
The problem with intolerances to seasoning is that dogs don’t have to consume a large amount of spicy food to trigger an allergic or uncomfortable reaction. To avoid unnecessary discomfort, simply avoid giving your dogs processed meats with spices and herbs that irritate their gut. Always consider any possible allergens your dog has before giving them new treats.
The Hidden Dangers of Deli Meat
Many people think that if a product is safe for humans, it’s safe for dogs. The problem is that most processed lunch meats aren’t healthy for people, and they’re not ideal to give to pets. Some types of deli meats include artificial preservatives, such as nitrates, that have adverse effects on humans. Some studies have even connected nitrates to an increased risk of cancer in dogs.
Because lunch meats, including bacon and ham, are extremely high in sodium, this can lead to a condition known as salt poisoning. If you were to substitute your pet’s regular meals with a mixture of lunch meat, you would be placing them at a high risk of salt poisoning. Feeding a fair amount of salty and greasy tidbits daily will lead to discomfort and obesity in pets. If a dog has eaten too much salt, they’ll be lethargic, extremely thirsty, and vomit. In more severe cases, they’ll develop tremors and poor coordination.
When to Consult a Vet
You should always be on the lookout for signs of common health problems in your dog––especially after eating new foods such as deli meat.
Symptoms such as tremors, severe vomiting, lack of appetite, and seizures require emergency veterinary attention. If your dog has consumed lunch meat and shows signs of abdominal discomfort and lethargy, it’s time to visit your animal clinic.
Not every dog will react to eating specific types of deli meats; however, it is best to avoid giving them high-sodium and fatty foods. Healthier alternatives range from dried and natural treats to fresh fruits and vegetables for dogs. If you are looking to increase meat and protein sources in your pet’s food, consider a raw food diet over regular kibbles. Pay attention to what you feed your canine companion, and you can avoid the risks of illness or an emergency visit to your vet.
