ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FEEDING PUPPIES LUNCH MEAT?

Intro

Loving pet owners care about their dog’s health and happiness. Having complete knowledge and responsibility for your dog’s diet is crucial. Feeding your dog food that is unsafe for their digestive tract can lead to various health problems.

Generally, the rule of thumb is to avoid giving your dog table scraps, but some human foods are perfectly safe to feed your pup. This is why it is key to be aware of foods that are and are not approved for your furry friend! 

Many dog owners have asked the question: “Can puppies eat lunch meat?” Although lunch or deli meat may seem like an excellent source of protein, it can have too much salt for your dog to eat, especially regularly.

Large amounts of processed meats with high levels of sodium can lead to a very upset stomach for your best friend. Puppies have even more sensitive stomachs than full-grown dogs, so sandwich meat is not a good idea for a young puppy. 

Let’s Begin

In this article, we will discuss whether or not to feed your dog lunch meat, the side effects of feeding your dog deli meat, and other good options to feed your pet! Keep reading to learn more. 

What is Considered Lunch Meat? 

Lunch meat, also known as cold cuts, luncheon meats, cooked meats, sliced meats, cold meats, sandwich meats, and deli meats, is commonly purchased at a local deli or deli section of your grocery store. It is a ​pre-cooked or processed meat that usually includes salami, prosciutto, pepperoni, mortadella, pastrami, turkey breast, and roast beef. The meats are seasoned, preserved, sliced, and served cold or hot on a sandwich or tray. 

Can Dogs Eat Deli Lunch Meat? 

Should you feed your dog deli lunch meat? The short answer to this question is no. Some people might believe this is a healthy option for their dog because the meat is a good source of protein. 

With this in mind, you may be wondering how meats could be unhealthy for dogs, considering lean protein is one of the most popular ingredients in commercial dog food. While this is a common ingredient in their diet already, the way regular meat and lunch meat are prepared varies greatly. 

Deli meats contain a high amount of sodium, spices, and preservatives. High doses of salt are added to lunch meat to preserve the meat and result in a longer shelf life. The sodium content, along with flavorful spices such as onion, garlic, and paprika is the biggest issue for your dog’s digestive system. 

It is also important to note that lunch meats are classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Additionally, deli meats can contain harmful bacteria such as listeria, salmonella, and E. coli. This means that lunch meats are not the best choice for humans, let alone our precious dogs.

Sandwich meats that you buy at the deli such as cold cuts, slices of turkey deli meat, or even hot dogs are generally not safe to feed your dog in large quantities. These contents can be hard on your dog’s digestive system and cause health problems. As with most people’s food, a small piece as an occasional treat will usually not lead to any adverse effects, but it is best to stay on the safe side and avoid feeding these fatty meats to your dog to keep them as happy and healthy as possible!  

Side Effects of Feeding Your Dog Lunch Meat 

Feeding your dog fatty foods or foods that are high in sodium can lead to medical conditions and digestive problems such as allergic reactions and abdominal pain. In extreme cases, your dog could face kidney problems, pancreatitis, or heart disease. To keep your best friend happy and healthy, it is best to avoid these “bad foods” and opt for better options.

See below for the full list of possible side effects of feeding your dog lunch meat: 

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Kidney Disease 
• Kidney Damage
• Kidney Failure 
• Pancreatitis
• Heart Disease
• Vitamin Deficiency Causing Weight Loss or Lack of Appetite

Other Foods You Should Avoid Giving Your Dog 

Now that we know to avoid lunch meat in your pup’s diet, you might be wondering if other foods are unhealthy for your furry companion to consume. To be on the safe side, we’ve gathered a list of foods that are considered harmful or toxic to a dog’s digestive system. If your dog does happen to consume one of these items, you should contact your emergency vet clinic immediately. 

1. Alcohol
2. Apple Seeds
3. Avocado
4. Candy, Chewing Gum, Toothpaste & Mouthwash
5. Cat Food
6. Chocolate
7. Coffee, Tea & Other Caffeine
8. Cooked Bones
9. Corn On The Cob
10. Fat Trimmings
11. Garlic
12. Grapes & Raisins
13. Hops
14. Human Vitamins
15. Liver
16. Macadamia Nuts
17. Marijuana
18. Milk & Dairy Products
19. Onions & Chives
20. Peppers
21. Persimmon, Peaches & Plum Pits
22. Raw Meat & Fish
23. Rhubarb & Tomato Leaves
24. Salt
25. Sugar
26. Tobacco
27. Xylitol
28. Yeast

What Should I Feed My Dog? 

The best thing for your dog’s digestive system is consistent meals containing dog food that is designed for their needs. There are plenty of great dog food brands that cater to puppies, senior dogs, sensitive stomachs, etc. There are even foods that are developed for your specific dog breed! When it comes to the ingredients, it is best to stick to all-natural ingredients and high protein, and low-fat percentages. 

Here are some of our favorite dog foods: 

• Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food – Great overall dry food that has a high protein content. This brand also creates other good recipes such as Senior, puppy, large breed, small breed, whitefish and sweet potato, lamb and barley, turkey, and oatmeal. 

• The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food – We love this brand because it was created by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist! The recipes contain human-grade food with lots of lean protein and veggies for your pup to maintain tip-top shape. 

• Ollie Dog Food – This is one of the best natural dog foods on the market. Their formulas are crafted specifically for your dog’s age, weight, breed, activity level, and allergies. 

• Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Formula for Adult Dogs – If your dog suffers from a sensitive stomach, finding a good dog food brand for them can be difficult. Diamond care is a great choice because the protein source is a digestible dried egg.

Best Type of Meat for Dogs to Eat 

As we mentioned before, traditional meat and lunch meat are prepared and served in different ways. While lunch meat is not the best dog treat, traditional meat can be a better choice when it comes to giving your dog a tasty and healthy meal or treat. 

The best way to incorporate meat into your dog’s diet is through lean meats. This includes chicken, turkey, lean ground beef, and chuck steak or roast. Most veterinarians will recommend a diet of boiled chicken breast and rice to any dogs dealing with digestive issues or those who need to lose weight. 

When preparing the meat for your dog, be sure to fully cook and never serve raw meat. (Your dog can get salmonella just like humans!) Also, you shouldn’t add any spaces, condiments, or toppings to the meat. These can be harmful to your dog and even toxic in some cases. 

Healthy Human Foods that are Safe for Dogs 

We understand wanting to give your pup a tasty treat. Who can resist those sweet puppy eyes that are locked into yours? As soon as you open the fridge, your dog is standing next to you waiting to see if any of your snacks can be shared! If this is the case for you and your dog, there are plenty of dog-friendly human foods that can be given in moderation as a treat or reward safely. 

Pro Pup Tip: give these foods in small amounts to your dog. When incorporating a new food into their diet, it is always best to start small to ensure they have no stomach issues following eating the food. 

Here is a list of the best human foods to give dogs: 

1. Asparagus
2. Apples
3. Bananas
4. Bell Peppers
5. Blueberries
6. Broccoli
7. Brown Rice 
8. Brussels Sprouts
9. Cantaloupe
10. Celery
11. Carrots
12. Cauliflower
13. Corn
14. Cucumber
15. Green Beans
16. Honeydew
17. Kale
18. Lettuce
19. Oatmeal
20. Pumpkin
21. Peas
22. Peanut Butter 
23. Pears
24. Spinach
25. Sweet Potatoes
26. Strawberries
27. Raspberries
28. Watermelon

IMPORTANT POINTS

When you bring home a brand new puppy, you might not realize how much they depend on you to keep them safe, in good health, and provide a happy living situation. Pet owners have a responsibility to their animals to be knowledgeable about harmful substances and situations to avoid keeping their furry friends safe. This notion can also be applied to your dog’s diet. Knowing which foods can lead to digestive problems and other medical conditions is an essential part of being a dog owner. 

For example, many people believe that lunch meat is a healthy treat for dogs because the meat is one of the most common ingredients in dog food. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Dogs, especially young puppies, have sensitive gastrointestinal tracts that do not do well with certain foods. Lunch meat, also known as cold cuts, luncheon meats, cooked meats, sliced meats, cold meats, sandwich meats, and deli meats, contain harmful bacteria such as listeria, salmonella, and E. coli.

Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies this food as a carcinogen. On top of that, lunch meats contain high levels of fat, sodium, preservatives, and seasonings that can damage your dog’s entire immune and nervous system. 

It’s a Wrap

The side effects of feeding your dog large quantities of lunch meat can include dehydration, abdominal pain, kidney damage, and even heart disease. For meals, it is best to stick to their traditional dog food, as this is formulated just for their tummies! If you are looking for a healthy and tasty treat to give your dog, try carrots, boiled chicken breast, or blueberries! We hope you learned a lot and enjoyed this article, “Can puppies eat lunch meat?” 

Sources:

https://midogguide.com/maintenance-and-care/frequent-question-can-dogs-eat-sliced-deli-turkey.html

https://www.anythinggermanshepherd.com/can-dogs-eat-lunch-meat/

https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slideshow-people-foods-your-dog-can-eat#:~:text=Chicken%2C%20turkey%2C%20lean%20ground%20beef,serve%20it%20raw%20or%20undercooked