No, dogs cannot eat pizza. Pizza does not provide any health benefits to your dog. Now, you might ask, do dogs like pizza? Put anything on your pet’s platter; he will eat it with all his curiosity. Pizza is filled with toxic ingredients, which can cause harm to your dog and lead to his death. So, be cautious before placing the pizza on your dog’s plate!
Table of Contents
What Is Pizza?
Pizza is Italian cuisine, enjoyed around the world. They are round and flat with mouthwatering toppings. They were traditionally made on a wood fire and are now made in the oven. The cooked flatbread makes it undeniable with its spicy, cheesy, and juicy texture coming in various combos. Vegetables, fleshy meats, and condiments make pizza palatable, served hot and tangy, making them the most preferred fast food in America.
Is Pizza Safe For Dogs?
No, pizza is not safe for dogs to consume. All the ingredients in pizza are unsafe for dogs. Therefore one should not provide pizza to dogs.
Why Is Pizza Bad For Dogs?
Pizza is bad for dogs due to the ingredients present in it. Let us take a look at the hazardous elements present in it:
Pizza Crust
Sugar: Sugar is added in pizza crust, making pizza harmful to dogs. The consequences of consuming sugar are:
Diabetes
Obesity
Weight gain
Heart issues
Joint issues
Arthritis
Salt: Salt is an essential component in pizza crust which is not safe for dogs’ consumption. It results in salt poisoning and its consequences are:
Dehydration
Frequent urination
Convulsion
High heart beat
Lack of coordination
Coma
Death
Oil: Pizza crust has excess oil, affecting the dog’s pancreas. The fat in oil causes:
Pancreatitis
Kidney issues
Obesity
Weight gain
Liver disorders
Lethargy
Fatigue
Sauce
Garlic and Onion: The pizza sauce is the most crucial ingredient in pizza. They have garlic and onion as the main component. Both these components are toxic for dogs to consume. The consequences of consuming pizza sauce are:
Bloody diarrhea
Unstoppable vomiting
Convulsion
Lack of coordination
Restlessness
Hyperactive
Dehydration
Excessive thirst
Frequent urination
Increased heart-beat
High respiratory rates
White/pale gums
Weakness
Anemia
Red /brown urine
Muscle tremors
Coma
Kidney failure
Liver issues
Multi-organ failure
Death
Dough
Raw pizza dough is lethal to your dogs. Suppose you found that your pet grabbed a bite or a whole slice of pizza. In that case, take him to the vet immediately. ASPCA suggests that uncooked yeast contains ethanol and carbon dioxide, consuming which your dog suffers from:
Stomach upset
breathing difficulties
Tissue tearing
Intoxication
Pizza Toppings
Cheese: Cheese is overloaded in pizza. It is usually placed on top of the pizza sauce, with customized toppings, followed by cheese. The amount of cheese used in a pizza is toxic for dogs and the condition is worse if they are lactose intolerant. The consequences are as follows:
Allergy
Indigestion
Diarrhea
Gas
Vomiting
Obesity
Weight gain
Pepperoni: Dogs are intolerant to pepperoni. Also, it is harmful to their entire digestive system. The consequences are:
Burning sensation
Throat irritation
Diarrhea
Intestinal inflammation
Tongue inflammation
Sneezing
These are the main ingredients used in pizza. Apart from these comes the toppings. Some of the toppings are good for dogs individually but not when added to pizza due to the basic ingredients. However, toppings like the following are harmful to your dogs:
Serving pizza in any amount to your dog is unwise and the last idea. Pizza is not a food that a dog should have. Furthermore, having pizza can be unhealthy and deadly to your furry friend.
What If My Dog Ate Pizza?
If your dog ate pizza accidentally, take him immediately to the doctor. The vet will diagnose the issue and prescribe accordingly. You will have to follow the vet’s prescription regularly for quick recovery.
However, the symptoms you will notice after your dog had pizza are:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Convulsion
Dehydration
Sneezing
Whining
Panting
Restlessness
Fits
Muscle tremors
Alternatives To Pizza
Your dog must not have pizza in any circumstances as it’s an unhealthy option. Remember, only healthy food must make your dog’s diet. Here is a list of human food your dog can moderately consume:
Finely slice the sundried tomatoes and basil. Also, grate cheese and keep them aside.
Take a bowl, blend the flour, and add the sliced and grated components. Mix them well.
Add water till the mixture forms a dry sticky dough and the desired consistency.
With the help of a rolling pin, flatten the dough. Then, using a glass rim, cut the dough into small circular pieces.
To replicate the pizza slices, cut them accordingly using a knife.
Take a cookie sheet and transfer these pieces.
Bake for 20 minutes (appx.) or till they turn golden brown.
Let the crusts cool, and then serve it to your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can puppies eat pizza?
No, pizza is not ideal for dogs of any age. This is because puppies have a vulnerable digestive system that does not allow them to consume any human food.
Can dogs eat pizza crust?
No, dogs cannot eat pizza crust as it comprises oil, salt, and sugar. These three ingredients are toxic to dogs. The health issues can range from diabetes to death.
Final Thoughts
Let me conclude by asking the reader if you would like to offer your dog pizza? No, right? The reasons are straight – pizza has all the ingredients strictly prohibited for your canine. Even accidentally, your dog should not consume pizza. The outcomes can be shallow and disheartening. Ensure a healthy and happy life for your dog!
