If you own a dog, you know what they mean to you. They are like just another family member and want to participate in all family activities, including watching TV and having dinner.
When having dinner, they will continuously look at you with those cute eyes and wagging tails, asking for a bite of whatever you are having, and it is hard to resist.
But there are certain foods that humans may enjoy but are unsafe for dogs, including pizza rolls.
Pizza rolls are said to have toxic traits for dogs as they contain toppings like garlic and onion, which causes trouble for dogs and poses a health risk.
In this article, we will discuss what’s in the pizza rolls, their potential risks for dogs, what you should do if your dog eats a pizza roll, and many other related topics to provide you with full exposure to this topic.
Let us begin the read.
What’s in Pizza Rolls?
Pizza rolls are a very popular snack in the United States, and they came into existence in the mid-1960s. These pizza rolls are generally baked or fried until it gets a little crispy.
They have toppings of cheese, tomato sauce, onion, or garlic. Depending upon the brand making these pizza rolls, ingredients may vary, but some basic ingredients are used, which are mentioned below.
- Dough: Made up of flour mixed with salt, water, and sometimes yeast to create a malleable mixture for making bread.
- Cheese: The most basic and important ingredient of pizza rolls is cheese, which is basically mozzarella cheese baked or heated to get a melted feel of the cheese.
- Sauce: Any flavored paste or sauced is used to add flavors. Usually, it is tomato sauce or tomato paste.
- Toppings: Another main ingredient that is used in pizza rolls is toping of any kind, be it mushrooms, basil, or any other you want.
- Seasoning: Many brands use seasoning to improve the flavor and provide distinctiveness; onion or garlic powder is added to improve seasoning.
Potential Risks of Dogs Eating Pizza Rolls
Humans enjoy pizza rolls, and it is not very harmful to them, but it is advised not to give pizza rolls to dogs as it does not contain any nutritious elements but can be harmful by the presence of some toxic food substance.
Pizza rolls contain high amounts of fat, seasonings, and sodium in them, which can be harmful to dogs, not to forget the damage excessive salt in pizzas can do.
Ingestion of fatty or high amounts of any seasonings in pizza rolls can damage a dog’s regular bowel movement and cause gastrointestinal issues resulting in vomiting and diarrhea.
Some major concerns about dogs eating pizza rolls are:
1. Digestive Problems
Pizza rolls contain fat which can be a problem in a dog’s digestive system. A high-fat food can create problems in a dog’s internal organs, including inflammation of the pancreas.
Loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea are some of the symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs.
2. Dehydration
Yes, pizza rolls can cause dehydration in dogs as the high amount of sodium present in the pizza rolls can have side effects. The dogs may feel thirsty and dehydrated if they ingest high sodium.
Excess consumption of sodium can result in higher blood pressure and other health issues related to the heart.
3. Anemia
The seasoning in dogs, even if used in very small quantities, can cause pain in the digestive tract.
Pizza rolls use a large amount of garlic or onion powder to prepare their seasonings which are very toxic to dogs and can cause anemia.
4. Choking
Eating pizza rolls have a danger of choking in dogs, as many small breed dogs have smaller throats and they swallow many things without chewing properly, posing a risk of choking.
Bread, toppings, and other seasoning pose a threat of choking in dogs as mushrooms or bread crust can clog their throat or the air tact.
Specific Ingredients in Pizza Rolls to Avoid
There are many ingredients in pizza rolls that should be avoided when giving them as a treat to dogs.
Some of the ingredients that can be toxic to dogs are:
1. Garlic and Onion Powder
There is no surprise seeing the allium combo in this list. Garlic and onion powder are used in the seasoning of pizza rolls and pose a risk of anemia if eaten in high quantities.
2. Cheese
This entry to the list might surprise you, as cheese are not that harmful to dogs, but when given in pizza rolls, it is known to upset the gastrointestinal tract of dogs.
3. Dough
This can cause obesity in dogs as they have a high content of carbs and calories, increasing a dog’s weight and leading to many other health issues.
It also has a potential risk of clogging the air tract in dogs, especially small breed dogs, as the crust can be hard and small dogs do not chew it properly before swallowing.
4. Spices
The spices, along with different toppings, can harm a dog’s digestive system. Spices like red pepper, chili flakes, or oreganos are known to upset a dog’s tummy.
5. Toppings
Toppings of mushrooms, black olives, and meatballs are known to cause choking by clogging the throat or airways of small breed dogs.
What to do if Your Dog Consumes Pizza Rolls?
As said earlier that consuming pizza rolls can be harmful to dogs; if your dog eats a pizza roll, there are a few steps you should take to prevent any disease or health issues occurrence.
1. Look out for any Irregularities
If your dog has eaten a pizza roll, it will show some comforting signs, like loss of appetite or lethargy.
After consuming a pizza roll, if they vomit or diarrhea starts more than once, contact your veterinarian immediately.
2. Provide Fresh Water
Provide fresh water to your dog to keep them hydrated, as they won’t eat if they are feeling sick, and it is important for them to stay hydrated as it will help them fight any probable disease pizza rolls may cause.
3. Examine the Ingredients
You should examine the ingredients your dog has ingested from pizza rolls, as the veterinarian will want to know what has caused the issue.
Generally, the onion, garlic, and other toppings or seasonings of the pizza roll trigger illness in dogs. Also, note how much quantity they consumed in order to have a quick resolution.
Can Dogs Eat Pizza Rolls as an Occasional Treat?
It is safe to say that pizza rolls can be hazardous to dogs, and pet owners should refrain from giving them as occasional treats.
As many pizza rolls contain substances that, if served to dogs, even in a very small quantity, can cause health issues.
And even if those toxic substances are removed from the pizza rolls, crust, cheese, and other basic ingredients have lots of calories and fat, which can cause obesity in dogs which can lead to a lot of health issues in the future.
How many Pizza Rolls can Your Dogs Eat?
Ideally, a dog should not eat even a single pizza roll, as they contain harmful ingredients like garlic, onion, and other spices. Even if these substances are removed, it still has a lot of calories and carbohydrates to offer, which is not good for your dog.
The crust and cheese both contain lots of fat, and it can boost weight and obesity in dogs, and such food should be avoided given to dogs, even once.
Safer Alternatives for Treats
If pizza rolls are being given to dogs as a treat, it should be stopped right away.
As it can cause health issues in the longer term, starting from anemia to many others.
Alternative healthy treats can be given, which will prevent obesity and other major health issues in dogs. A vegetable treat with carrots or sweet potatoes is a healthy option.
Fruits like apples, mangoes, watermelons, and bananas are also good alternatives to treats and can be given in place of pizza rolls.
Other safer alternatives include dental chews for dogs, which improves oral hygiene and removes any plaque or tartar while offering a good treat to enjoy.
FAQ’s
The answer to this question is yes; sadly, the consumption of pizza rolls is not advised by any experts, and if consumed frequently, it can cause severe illness and health issues, leading to death.
Yes, pepperoni pizza does not suit dogs, as it contains high amounts of sodium, sugar, and fat, all of which are itself to a dog’s digestive system.
Absolutely no; diabetic dogs and pizza should be kept miles apart. Pizza has a lot of sugar in them, which can be dangerous for diabetic dogs.
Conclusion
Dogs should not ever eat a pizza roll as it contains ingredients that are harmful to a dog’s system. After reading this article, you will understand the harmful ingredients a pizza roll has and what are the potential risks of a dog eating a pizza roll.
If you think your dog has consumed a pizza roll, follow the above-listed steps to prevent occurring of any major health issues. Choose from the above list to give your pooch healthy treats alternative to a pizza roll.
Dr. Lillian is a D.V.M. passionate about promoting awareness of dogs. She shares her expertise through her blogs on canineweekly.com and provides animal care services, including internal medicine, dermatology, and emergency care. Dr. Lillian is committed to contributing to animal welfare.