Can dogs eat salami or pepperoni?

Cured salami can contain around 1.5 to 2 g of sodium per 100 g, and a third or more of its weight is fat. For a small dog, a handful of slices is a heavy load of both. Excess salt makes dogs very thirsty, and the fat can set off vomiting, diarrhea, or pancreatitis.

Pepperoni is usually even spicier, which adds stomach irritation.

Many salamis are made with garlic, sometimes in noticeable amounts, and some pepperoni blends include garlic powder. Allium ingredients like garlic can harm a dog's red blood cells, and the effect may not show for a few days. Check the ingredient list if your dog ate a lot.

Salami sticks and snack packs also come with plastic casings or wrappers that can cause blockages if swallowed.

If you want a savory treat to hide a tablet or reward a trick, a small piece of plain cooked chicken or a cube of lean cooked beef gives the same excitement without the salt. Keep charcuterie boards on a high surface when guests are over; they are a classic target for a counter-surfing dog.

A single pepperoni slice weighs only a couple of grams, which is why one slice seems harmless. A dog that licks the topping off an unattended pizza, though, can swallow several dozen slices plus garlic-rich sauce and cheese. Store takeaway boxes on a high shelf or in the oven until the evening is over.