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Humans feel a basic need to eat together and to feed each other. The term “break bread” means so much more than breaking a loaf of bread into smaller chunks — it means sitting down with members of our tribe and bonding. You consider your animal companions to be part of your tribe. So, can dogs eat pepperoni?

As meaningful as it is to share the same “loaf,” sometimes it isn’t safe. For example, loving parents don’t give taffy or peanut butter toast to their infants. Out of love, they share a safer food. That’s exactly how it is with pepperoni for your beloved pooch.

Is Pepperoni Bad for Dogs?

One of the best habits you can develop is reading labels. Not only does it gets easier with time, but you’ll be surprised what you learn about products you used to feel safe using. Labels make it much easier to choose more healthful foods to feed your furry buddies.

As tasty as it is, pepperoni and many other processed types of meat contain a large amount of sodium. Sodium chloride is the chemical way of describing table salt. It can raise blood pressure which increases the risk of heart and kidney damage.

Without available water, too much of it causes salt poisoning, an often fatal condition of severe dehydration. Pepperoni also contains preservatives that are known carcinogens. Other ingredients include artificial coloring, fat, sugar, and spicy seasonings that irritate dogs’ digestive systems.

To avoid diarrhea or even pancreatitis, steer away from hot chilis, paprika, mustard, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, black pepper, onions, and garlic. So, can dogs eat pepperoni? You know they’d LOVE to eat it, but it is definitely bad for them. Now, on to sharing some nutritional alternatives.

Can Dogs Eat Cheese Pizza?

If you substitute some of the ingredients, then yes! Dogs’ digestive systems and nutritional needs are different from ours, as we’ll discuss in a moment. When you learn to substitute the milk products in the cheese, the carbs in the crust, the acid in the tomatoes, the spices and sugar in the sauce, and the fat and salt and chemicals in the pepperoni, then it’s all systems go.

Great “cheese” substitutes for your dog’s pizza:
Don’t say “Eeewww!” You know some of the things dogs eat. . . . . .

• Bananas
• Carrots (cooked or raw)
• Cauliflower
• Eggs
• Oatmeal (cooked)
• Peanut butter (without toxic xylitol sweetener!)
• Pumpkin
• Salmon
• Sardines
• Squash of all kinds (Read our Happy Tails post on zucchini.)
• Sweet potato
• A coarse or smooth mash made of one or more of the above

Check out some great recipes at the end of this post.

Can Dogs Have Milk & Cheese?

Although nursing puppies need their mother’s milk, their bodies stop producing the enzyme lactase. Lactase enables them to digest the milk sugar lactose, which they no longer need once they begin eating solid food. In addition to being lactose-intolerant, many dogs are allergic to the proteins in cow’s milk. Equally, important an allergy often extends to other dairy products such as cheese.

Cheese loses much of its lactose during the ripening or fermentation process, so different types contain different amounts. For dogs without milk allergies, eating small amounts of cheese is good as long as it’s free of acquired mold, sugar, toxic artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, and other additives. Plain organic yogurt is best.

Cottage cheese is less processed but contains more lactose. Some types have added milk. Mozzarella is an acceptable choice because it contains less fat and sodium (salt) than most other types of cheese.

Parmesan cheese, common on pizza, is very high in sodium. What’s more, the yellow powdered crumbs commonly sold as grated Parmesan cheese are usually manufactured with the addition of salt, cellulose powder (refined wood pulp to provide an inert bulk filler), and potassium sorbate (a chemical salt used as a preservative in foods, cosmetics, and other products). Furthermore, the labeling is unclear as to whether “100% Grated Parmesan” indicates “100% Parmesan” or “100% grated.”

What’s Wrong With Cheese?

What are the signs of lactose intolerance & milk allergy? Any or all of the following within about twelve hours of consuming milk products:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Vomiting

Plant-based milk and cheese can provide a safe and nutritious substitute for cow and goat milk. You always want to read the label to avoid added sugar and other unnecessary ingredients. The artificial sweetener xylitol is toxic, as are macadamia nuts and chocolate. Given that, acceptable milk substitutes in moderation include:

• Coconut
• Hemp
• Rice
• Cashew
• Almond

Why no peanut milk? According to the National Peanut Board, peanut milk is in the works.

Train Your Dog that Pizza Means to Wait for a Reward

Don’t ever feel obligated to give your dogs everything you eat even though they want it. Instead, offer them a substitute treat. Since you’re their pack leader, it’s your responsibility to oversee their health and to teach them manners. They understand that they don’t always eat the same food you’re eating at the same moment you do. At least they understand if you train them. Foods dogs shouldn’t have:

• Avocados: A fatty acid called persin is toxic to many animals.
• Caffeine: The stimulant that humans love is toxic to many animals.
• Chocolate: Even small amounts contain stimulants.
• Fat in excess: Contributes to obesity and even pancreatitis.
• Grapes and raisins: Cause kidney failure in many animals.
• Macadamia nuts: The exact cause is unknown but these nuts are toxic to dogs.
• Milk products: Certain sugars and fatty acids are difficult for canines to digest.
• Onions: In the same family as garlic, they can cause anemia.
• Sodium: Not only causes dehydration but can lead to sodium poisoning.
• Sugar: Leads to weight gain, tooth decay, and even diabetes.
• Yeast dough: Eaten raw, it rises, ferments, and not only can bring about alcohol poisoning but also painfully bloats and blocks your pet’s digestive tract.

Let your pizza and other meals become a cue for them to wait for a delicious reward of another kind of treat. Can dogs eat pepperoni? They don’t need to.

Training Yourself

Most professional dog training programs emphasize consistency, repetition, and positivity. Your dog will pick up on what to expect from you as the pack leader. Resist being manipulated! You MUST train yourself to be consistent no matter how cute or demanding your pooch is. You are the Top Dog.

Train yourself to get in the habit of repeating rewards of small healthful treats, affectionate petting, or toy play immediately after your dog exhibits the desired behavior. And make the training fun so your furry student will enjoy training sessions. Something else: you love your dog or you wouldn’t even be reading this post.

It’s only natural that you’d want to share your pizza ecstasy with your best buddy. But dog psychology is a little different from human psychology. Let’s explore that a little more.

Dog Psychology 101: How Dogs Think

Dogs’ ancestors survived through teamwork and strengthening pack relationships. This meant repeatedly sharing meals and engaging in activities together to reinforce the pack bond. Today you can enjoy mealtimes together without sharing specific foods. You can engage in such activities as brushing, taking walks, playing, sleeping, and providing emotional support to each other during times of crisis.

Modern canines have evolved to become very observant and communicative with their human companions, so you don’t need to resort to aggressive alpha methods of training. So, can dogs eat pepperoni? The pepperoni itself won’t be as meaningful to your fur pal as it is to you: no happy memories of family get-togethers, social outings, celebrations, and so on.

What’s meaningful to your pup is that you provide love, inclusion, and food . . . . The Right foods for him or her.

The Meaning of Sharing

Do dogs want to eat everything you eat? You know they think they want everything you eat. Can dogs eat pepperoni? Not exactly but sort of. You can offer safe meat alternatives such as homemade jerky. You can make a pooch-perfect red sauce to substitute for pizza sauce by pureeing a few edibles such as red bell peppers, carrots, strawberries, and beets.

To learn more, read our Happy Tails post on beets. You can enjoy any of these same foods alongside your own pizza. Smelling them on your breath will make your dog happy because you’re both eating the same thing.

What Is the Natural Canine Diet?

In the days before dogs separated from their wolflike ancestors — the days before partnering with humans — their natural diet was very different from the way it is now. Depending on the season and location, individuals caught and ate a wide variety of small animals including rabbits, beavers, rats and other rodents, birds, reptiles, fish, eggs, insects, and earthworms. They also ate carrion.

When the pack hunted together, they brought down any available larger game. In addition to the muscle flesh, most organs were consumed as well as stomachs and stomach contents. The offal, along with fecal material, provided extra nutrition. Bones were always part of the meal. Our dogs’ ancestors also ate herbs, vegetables, grasses, and fruits such as blueberries, apples, and pears.

When pups were weaning off their mother’s milk, their first solid food consisted of what she regurgitated from her own stomach. Foraging for food was an ongoing job. The pack members burned a lot of calories searching for food, sometimes not eating for days. You wanted to know “Can dogs eat pepperoni?” Wolves didn’t.

What Foods Are Best for Dogs?

In light of revelations about processed pet foods, many pet lovers are turning to natural diets. One is called “BARF:” Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. It recommends a balanced formula of fresh, clean ingredients sourced from animals and plants that meet each pet’s known nutritional needs.

The ideal BARF diet for dogs contains 70% muscle meat, 10% raw bone, 7% vegetables, 5% liver, 5% other secreting organ, 2% seeds or nuts, and 1% fruit. Using raw ingredients, the food is nutrient-dense without any fillers, dyes, preservatives, or other unnecessary additives.

There is no “one size fits all” dog food recipe: puppies, pregnant and nursing females, older dogs, underweight or overweight individuals, and the presence of certain medical conditions mean that a specialized nutritional balance is necessary. Remember to introduce any new food to your pet slowly to prevent digestive upsets. Buy fresh, organic ingredients from local sources.

A note about raw bones: in the wild, canines and other carnivores gain many nutrients from eating the bones of prey. We’ve been taught from childhood that bones are dangerous for dogs. The fact is that COOKED bones are very dangerous because they’re brittle and prone to splinter. Raw bones, especially the bones of young animals, offer many benefits:

• Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous
• Amino acids and protein
• Fatty acids
• Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E
• Blood-forming minerals in the marrow including iron and copper
• Prevention of plaque formation and tooth decay
• Emotional enrichment by satisfying the natural instinct to chew

When you provide a BARF-type diet the right way, you’ll notice that your buddy will have more energy and feel more satisfied because proper nourishment affects every organ system. Now you know the answer to your question, “Can dogs eat pepperoni?”

See our post on Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken Bones!

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni Made With Turkey?

Dogs can safely eat very small amounts of turkey pepperoni occasionally, just like traditional pepperoni, but it is bad for them. Although turkey pepperoni contains less fat, it contains much more sodium. The type of meat won’t matter, but the amount of salt, sugar, fat, spices, preservatives and artificial colors will. Therefore, baloney, hot dogs, salami, and even homemade sausage are all bad for dogs.

What Is The Difference Between Cured And Processed Meat?

Cured meats have been fermented to prevent spoilage and preserve nutrients. You might be familiar with other fermented foods such as cheese, wine, sauerkraut, tea, chocolate, sourdough bread, kombucha, and miso. Pickling is another method of preservation using brine, or saltwater.

On the other hand, industrial processing involves the speedy addition of chemicals to extend the shelf life of the product, make its appearance more appealing to customers, alter its texture, and add to its bulk.

Can Dogs See The Red Color Of Pepperoni And Pizza Sauce?

Canine vision is different from ours in several ways. Red appears as dark brown or dark gray to them. In terms of color, the world to them appears in hues of blue and yellow. However, they have sharper vision in dim light than humans do, they notice motion more quickly, and they have wider peripheral vision. They rely much more on their sense of smell to identify things including pepperoni and pizza sauce.

What’s The Difference Between Cannelloni And Cannoli?

Originating in Sicily, cannoli are tubular shells of deep-fried pastry dough filled with a mixture of ricotta or mascarpone cheese, sugar, marsala wine, and sometimes orange or lemon zest, then dusted with powdered sugar.

Canneloni are thick lasagna pasta tubes stuffed with ricotta cheese and spinach, covered in tomato sauce, and baked. Can your dogs have them? Sure, if you substitute dog-friendly ingredients to make “canine-elloni” and “canine-oli.”

Recipes for Dogs

Can dogs eat pepperoni? They won’t need to with these healthy and mouth-watering recipes!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 medium organic sweet potato, slightly cooked and chopped.
• 1 medium organic red bell pepper
• 1-1/2 cup organic cauliflower
• 1/4 cup organic spinach
• 1 organic chicken breast
• 1 egg from a free-range source
• 1 tsp organic canola Oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Bake chicken breast, then shred and set aside.
3. Increase heat to 400F.
4. Combine oats, egg, canola oil, and sweet potato, then blenderize or use food processor.
5. Roll sweet potato dough in a round shape 1/2 – 1/4 inch thick On parchment paper.
6. Bake 15-20 minutes.
7. Chop and blenderize red bell pepper until smooth to make pizza sauce. Drain excess water and set aside.
8. Blenderize cauliflower to make “grated cheese.”
9. Microwave cauliflower for 5 minutes and set aside.
10. Do the same with the spinach.
11. Remove baked dough from oven, then create pizza with the red bell pepper sauce, cauliflower, spinach topping, and then chicken.
12. Bake another 15-20 minutes until edges are browned and cooked through.
13. Cool the pizza and serve!

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 slices

Humans only: If desired, add salt, pepper, and garlic for a delicious and healthy pizza!
Check out our Happy Tails post on Peppers For Pooches.

https://holisticpetwellness.co/recipe/pupizza-homemade-pizza-treats-dog/

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INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup coconut or rice flour or other flour
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 egg
• 1 cup fresh unsalted chicken broth

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400F.
2. Coat a deep-dish pan with high-temperature cooking oil, butter, or lard.
3. Whisk or beat flour, basil, parsley, and oregano in a large bowl until incorporated.
4. Whisk egg in a separate bowl with chicken broth.
5. Make a small well in the center of the dry mix, slowly pour in wet ingredients, and combine.
6. Flour the top and roll out dough with a rolling pin or your hands until flat, smooth, and round.
7. Transfer to the pizza pan, pressing the dough down around the sides by hand.
8. Top with unprocessed meats, low-fat cheeses, vegetables, pup treats, mashed sweet potato, or whatever else fits your pooch’s “person(dog)ality”.
9. Only use fresh ingredients that are safe for dogs to eat.
10. Bake 30 minutes or until crust and cheese are browned.
11. Cool completely.
12. Cut into slices and serve.
13. Time it so you can eat together!

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Pooch-Pizza-for-a-Dog

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INGREDIENTS:

• Lean meat, 90% meat with 10% fat
• Organ meat like liver
• Water
• Cinnamon
• Turmeric
• Ginger

DIRECTIONS:

1. Grind meats.
2. Mix a few teaspoons of spice or spices per pound of ground meat with 2 tablespoons water.
3. Mix into the meat with hands.
4. Flatten meat mixture by hand or with rolling pin to 1/4 inch thick.
5. Score into strips with knife or pizza cutter.
6. Use a dull knife to transport jerky strips to wire rack on top of baking sheet or to dehydrator trays.

Oven: If your first time making jerky, use oven. Preheat to 180-200F.
Arrange strips on rack on top of a baking sheet or pan. Line sheet with foil for easier clean-up.
Placing tray in oven, prop oven door open with wooden spoon so moisture will escape during drying.

Dehydrator: Place jerky strips on trays.
Turn on high, around 160F.
Dry 3-5 hours.

• JERKY NOTES: Dry jerky till strips bend and crack but don’t break when bent.
• Cool for 5 minutes.
• Test again by bending. If still moist, keep dehydrating.
• When dry, use scissors to cut into 1-inch pieces.
• Store in refrigerator.
• To store longer, use a vacuum sealer to keep in the freezer for several months.
• Safe for humans but bland-tasting.
• Poultry meat ok to use but safer when dried in oven. Internal temperature should reach at least 165F.

Benefits Of Spices:

• Cinnamon contains antioxidants; aids in regulating blood sugar; helps correct bad breath.
• Turmeric is beneficial for general health, aiding in heat, joint, and brain function; may help with weight loss.
• Ginger is good for the digestive system; eases nausea.

Final Thoughts

Can dogs eat pepperoni? To recap, pepperoni is one of several human edibles that is better substituted with canine-compatible foods. Pepperoni isn’t even good for people! By training your furry pal to wait respectfully instead of hounding you, you can strengthen the bond between you when by offering a healthful treat. Establishing and maintaining a relationship built on trust will help give you both many years to share together.

Other Posts Of Interest

Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken? Bone Up On The Real Story!
Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken Bones? Why They Should!
Can Dogs Eat Olives? Best Olives For Dogs & Medicinal Uses
Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers? Find Out WHICH Ones

Resources

How the minds of dogs are similar to and different from wolves and humans:
https://www.thelabradorsite.com/dog-psychology/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CPsychology%E2%80%9D%20refers%20to%20the%20science,interactions%20of%20wolves%20and%20dogs.

Basics of canine nutritional needs:
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/resource/10668/dog_nutrition_final_fix.pdf

More about cured vs. processed foods:
https://health-in-hand.co.uk/2018/09/24/cured-vs-processed-meat-theres-a-world-of-difference/#:~:text=Processed%20meat%20has%20none%20of,increase%20risk%20of%20heart%20disease

Can dogs eat olives? If you have canine companions, then you know that dogs can eat about anything they want. They make a habit of trying at every chance they get! Maybe what you’re really asking is, “Are olives okay snacks for dogs?” The short answer is yes.

You asked the right question by asking about snacks. Olives pack a lot of nutrition, as we’ll describe in a moment. They’re tasty and filling, too, so they give your pooch the feeling of being well-fed. We’ve got a few recipes for you to try, but first, let’s find out more about olives.

What’s Special About Olives?

Olives are so special that women have been named after this Mediterranean fruit for centuries. Even Popeye’s girlfriend Olive Oyl is named for them! People have been cultivating them in the Mediterranean for over 7,000 years, although remnants of olive pits with barley and fruit dating back 19,000 years have been discovered in Israel.

If dogs were with any of those people, then undoubtedly some dogs ate some olives. In ancient Greek mythology, the goddess Athena’s gift of olives to the god Poseidon was more valuable than the horse he implored to give her.

However, the olive not only represented food, but its precious oil meant medicine, perfume, and fuel for light and heat, ultimately representing wealth and power for mankind. And dogkind.

Can Dogs Have Olive Oil?

Positively yes! Olive oil has several health benefits you should know about. It contains “healthy fats” including omega-3 fatty acids and oleic acid as well as antioxidants including vitamin E, carotenoids, and polyphenols that support a healthy immune system.

The nutrients from a teaspoon for every 20 pounds of body weight twice daily will promote brain function, cardiac function, and healthy skin and coat. If your pooch has never had it before, consider checking with the veterinarian first and then starting slowly.

Using EVOO is best — Extra Virgin Olive Oil. You can also use olive oil as a skin moisturizer by mixing 5-10 drops in a cup of water and massaging it into your dog’s coat daily until it’s looking good, especially during cold or dry seasons. Continue thereafter as needed.

Can Dogs Eat Black Olives?

Olives are nutritious, especially black olives. Are black olives poisonous? No. Are black olives toxic to dogs? No. Be sure to remove the pit. The only problem with olives is that salt is used in the curing process, but we’ll tell you how to de-salt them in a moment.

Can Dogs Eat Kalamata Olives?

First, you might be wondering what a kalamata olive is. It’s a cultivar, or an olive type, from southern Greece, big and brown and meaty and very nutritious. It contains hydroxytyrosol, an antioxidant valued for its ability to regulate blood cholesterol levels.

Olives are like grapes in that climate makes a difference in the nutritional value and taste of the fruit. Yes, your dog can have kalamata olives as an occasional snack when you remove the pit, but be aware that they contain a large amount of sodium.

Can Dogs Eat Green Olives?

Yes, but green olives aren’t as nutritious as the black ones and they contain more sodium. Can dogs eat olives with pimentos? You’re really asking, “Can dogs eat pimentos?” The answer is yes! Check out our post on dogs eating bell peppers!

What’s important to remember is that many strongly flavored plants such as onions and garlic are poisonous to dogs, potentially causing digestive distress in small amounts and death in large amounts.

Can Dogs Eat Olives and Garlic?

Olives, yes, garlic NO.

How Many Olives Can Dogs Eat?

One. Two. Occasionally. Without the pit and without any stuffing except pimento.

Will Olive Pits Hurt My Dog?

YES. They’re sharp, hard, and indigestible. Depending on the size of your dog, the pit can lodge itself in the esophagus or intestinal tract, causing pain, damage, and/or blockage.

Can Dogs Have Olives from a Jar? Can Dogs Have Olives from a Can?

Yes, the olives are good, but the problem is in the liquid. The brine is full of sodium (the major component of salt). Dogs require much less sodium than humans; too much causes overload that can result in dehydration, high blood pressure, or fluid buildup, especially if your pet has heart, kidney, or liver problems.

You Can Take the Olive Out of the Brine but Can You Take the Brine Out of the Olive?

Can Dogs Eat Olives in Brine? The answer is YES after you unsalt them! Here is the general technique to desalinate (unsalt) your olives:

• Drain and rinse olives.
• Place in a bowl.
• Cover with water.
• Replace water hourly.
• Repeat several times.
• Taste for saltiness.
• Store unused olives in olive oil (EVOO not necessary). When olives are gone, the oil can be used for cooking.

FAQ

Can Dogs Eat Raw Olives? Can Dogs Eat Olives Off The Tree?

Yes, as long as the pit is removed. Raw olives are exceedingly bitter and your dog may not like the taste. If you have a small dog that likes them, slice them so they don’t get stuck.

Why Are Black Olives In Cans And Green Olives In Jars?

Black olives are ripe, and the canning process is meant to cook and sweeten them. Green olives are unripe and uncooked, so the packing process that retains their fresh flavor uses glass jars. Both curing methods use salt.

Where Are Unsalted Olives Sold?

The curing process to remove the natural bitterness of olives involves salt, vinegar, or lye. Internet research can provide current resources as well as information on purchasing raw olives.

What Happens If My Dog Has Too Much Sodium?

Although dietary intake of too much salt (sodium) is rare in healthy dogs, symptoms of salt poisoning can be serious in puppies, older dogs, pregnant females, and dogs with medical conditions. Contact the veterinarian if you suspect a problem.

Can Cats Have Olives?

Cats can have olives if they choose to eat them, but they’re not very nutritious to the feline digestive system. What’s more, in addition to the high salt content, olives can cause an upset stomach. If the pit is consumed, it can block a small cat’s intestines.

Benefits of BARF

Before we share some delicious and nutritious dog treat recipes with you, we want to offer you information on the benefits of BARF. No, not about barfing, but about Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods. Many dog lovers are finding that their companions thrive when provided with a fresh, natural, unprocessed, balanced diet that includes the right amounts of the right nutrients.

You know that many pet food companies cut corners by adding artificial ingredients such as dyes and preservatives along with minimally digestible forms of processed leftover food sources. We know you love your dog and want what’s best.

Recipes for Treats to Use For Training And Bonding

Olive Oil Dog Biscuits
Adapted from: https://www.mcevoyranch.com/blogs/recipes-and-more/olive-oil-dog-biscuits

INGREDIENTS

2 cups of whole wheat flour (You can substitute a gluten-free blend or chickpea flour which works well in this recipe)
1 cup rolled oats ½ cup wheat germ *Optional if you are baking gluten-free
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup peanut butter – no additives, unsweetened (If you prefer not to use peanut products, you can substitute banana or pumpkin puree here)
⅓ cup McEvoy Ranch California Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 large eggs
Water to bind the dough (chicken or beef stock can be used here, too, or substitute vegetable stock if your pal is a vegetarian)

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INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat oven to 300F.
• Line a sheet pan or cookie sheet with parchment paper.
• Combine all dry ingredients: flour, oats, wheat germ, sunflower seeds and cinnamon. Combine all wet ingredients: peanut butter, olive oil and eggs.
• Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
• Add water or stock as needed to form a thick dough that holds together but is not sticky.
• Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead together.
• Pat into a flat round or rectangle and roll approximately ¼ “ thick.
• Cut into desired shapes and place on the parchment-lined sheet pan.
• Gather scraps together, roll and cut again. (I have it on good authority that our little pals are just fine with the odd scraps as well as the perfectly cut shapes). Bake 40 to 60 minutes.
• The biscuits will not color but you can touch-test them to see if they are firm. They will be nice and crunchy if they are firm to the touch when you pull them out of the oven. Cool and share. Tails will be wagging!

Healthy Homemade Dog Treats
Adapted from: www.wholefully.com/healthy-homemade-dog-treats

YIELD
2-3 DOZEN TREATS, DEPENDING ON COOKIE CUTTER SIZE

PREP TIME
20 minutes

COOK TIME
30 minutes

TOTAL TIME
50 minutes

INGREDIENTS
2 3/4 cups (372 grams) whole wheat flour
1 cup (75 grams) wheat germ
1/2 cup (43 grams) ground flax seed
3 large eggs (153 grams, weighed out of shell)
1/2 cup (106 grams) olive oil
1/2 cup (122 grams) unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup (122 grams) pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon (20 grams) honey

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, wheat germ, and flax seed.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, olive oil, applesauce, pumpkin, and honey until smooth.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined. Form the dough into a disc.
• On floured parchment paper, roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thick.
• Cut shapes with a cookie cutter and place them an inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the treats are deep golden brown and very hard.
• Cool completely on a rack before letting your pup enjoy.

Notes
If the dough is sticky or hard to work with, refrigerate it for 30 minutes and/or knead in an extra tablespoon or two of flour.

At Wholefully, we believe that good nutrition is about much more than just the numbers on the nutrition facts panel. Please use the above information as only a small part of what helps you decide what foods are nourishing for you.

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Pet-Friendly Woof Loaf
Adapted from: www.popsugar.com/pets/Homemade-Pet-Loaf-34073136

INGREDIENTS
1 pound lean ground turkey
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup peas
1/2 cup oats
2 eggs
3 hard-boiled eggs

Notes from HappyTails: If desired, add 2 rinsed, chopped black olives (preferably after desalinating)

INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
• In a bowl, mix together the lean ground turkey, chopped carrots, and peas.
• Both are healthy for cats and dogs, giving them the nutrition they need for strong eyes and good digestion.
• Add the oats and eggs. Mix until the loaf mixture comes together. Oats help your pet’s coat shine, and eggs offer extra protein. Lightly grease a loaf pan with olive oil and then add half the mixture to the pan.
• Place the three hard-boiled eggs along the center of the loaf and then cover with the other half of the ground turkey mixture.
• Pop in the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
• Cut a half-inch slice from the cooled loaf and offer it to your pet. He’ll be woofing for seconds! If feeding a slice to your feline, it’s a good idea to chop it up before adding it to her feeding dish.

Yield
Makes 12 servings
Total Time
45 minutes

Final Thoughts

Can dogs eat olives? YES! And so should you! Together! Without the salt! See a few recipes below.

Milan Kundera (The Unbearable Lightness of Being): “Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring – it was peace.”

More Related Posts

• Can Dogs Eat Kiwi? Down Under? Yes And No
• Can Dogs Eat Plums? Life Is The Pits!
• Can Dogs Eat Zucchini? This Veggie Packs A Powerful Punch
• Where Should You Attach A Leash to A Choke Chain Style Collar?
• How Long Do Chihuahuas Live? Ultimate Chi~Wee~Wee Guide

Can dogs have Kiwi? If you’re talking about those flightless floofy birds, then the answer is both NO and YES! Check out the link at the end of this post to read the sad/happy story about how dogs are helping save New Zealand’s unique but endangered birds.

What you’re really asking is, “Can dogs eat kiwi fruit?” The answer is yes, but … Don’t worry, though, because we’re going to explain the “but” part and tell you exactly how your dog can get the best health benefits from this nutritious fruit. We’ll tell you what other fruits dogs can have, and we’ve even got some kiwi fruit recipes just for pooches.

What Kind of Food Do Dogs Like to Eat?

You already know that your dog wants to eat whatever you’re eating. At the very least, she wants you to give her some of what you’re eating even if she doesn’t like it. Descended from wolf ancestors, canines are pack animals and require bonding with other members of the pack.

Since you’re the pack leader, you’re strengthening the tribal membership when you share food with your dog. Domesticated dogs have learned to use this to their advantage, especially by turning on the cuteness, although you can use that to your advantage, too.

More about that later. Through the process of domestication, dogs have become omnivores, meaning that although animal protein is their most preferred primary source of nutrition, they also eat different plants including vegetables, fruits, and grasses in smaller amounts. Can dogs eat kiwi among the plants in their diet? Keep reading.

Dogs have a much more acute sense of smell than humans. However, did you know that for each scent receptor a human has, dogs have around 50? Their sense of taste is also different from ours. They can’t taste salt very well, but they can taste water with special receptors on the tips of their tongues.

FUN FACT: Taste buds extend to the back of their throats where more receptors for sweetness are clustered. Can dogs eat kiwi? Yes, and unlike us, they can taste it with their whole mouth!

Given their instinctively omnivorous diet, they thrive on fresh, natural, unprocessed foods provided in the right balance. That’s why it’s beneficial to give them nourishing treats that are low-fat and low-sugar. All that being said, each dog’s food preferences are as individual as humans’ food preferences are.

What Are Dogs’ Nutritional Needs?

Just as kiwi birds eat roly-poly bugs and worms, canines seek animal protein and fats. Some studies indicate that they generally prefer beef and pork over chicken and lamb. Other studies show that a diet high in meat promotes more effective digestion and absorption than diets that are carbohydrate-based.

Canine energy requirements vary through the lifespan: puppies, nursing mothers, active adult dogs, and those healing from illness or injuries need more calories than inactive, overweight, and older dogs. Feeding a balanced diet is important because it means that necessary vitamins and minerals are available in a digestible form.

For example, termites can digest the carbohydrate cellulose found in wood, but dogs and humans can’t. Many overweight dogs are unhealthy and perpetually hungry because even with full stomachs, they aren’t getting enough of the right kind of nutrition.

Many dog lovers have found that feeding their pets BARF improves their health. “Whaaaat?” you’re asking. “BARF” stands for “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food.” It refers to fresh, unprocessed, clean food of the right variety in the right proportions.

Along those lines, they feed their dogs home-grown veggies and fruits from their own gardens, free of harmful additives, toxic pesticides, and fresh as fresh can be. Can dogs have kiwi as part of a BARF diet? Yes!

What Is Kiwi Fruit?

To better answer your question — can dogs eat kiwi — first let’s explain what kiwi fruit is. The Chinese have been eating it for thousands of years. Servicemen in New Zealand during World War II liked the “Chinese gooseberries” growing on woody vines. Technically the fruit is classified as a berry because of the way it develops from the flower.

Why Would Anybody Want to Eat a Kiwi Fruit?

When you first see the brown, hairy-looking thing you wonder how it could be edible. But the inside looks like emeralds! It tastes as sweet as melon.

Yes! Use the succulent kiwi flesh, minus skin and seeds, as an occasional supplement or treat.

Is Kiwi Good For Dogs?

As we’ve mentioned, canine and human systems are different but kiwi provides many vitamins and minerals. Can dogs have kiwi? We’re going to explain how.

Can Dogs Eat A Whole Kiwi Fruit?

No. While large dogs can easily fit a whole kiwi into their mouths, they run the risk of choking on it. Additionally, the skin and seeds aren’t safe for dogs to eat.

Can Dogs Have Kiwi Skin?

They’re physically able to eat it but it might irritate their mouths or cause choking. Canines can’t digest the tough, fibrous skin. Although fiber adds bulk to the stool and helps push it along, too much causes diarrhea, cramps, gas, constipation, or even dangerous obstructions. While pureeing and cooking are two methods of helping soften indigestible fiber, the doggie digestive system is better off without kiwi skin.
What should you do if your dog devours some? Use the BEAM method of monitoring your pet:

What Is BEAM? A Tool To Evaluate Your Pet

• Behavior: Eating, drinking, and pooping
• Energy: Changes from what’s usual
• Attitude: Sleepiness, hiding, abdominal pain, attempts to communicate with you
• Mood: Increased aggression, depression, withdrawal

What Happens If a Dog Eats Kiwi Seeds?

Like apple seeds and peach pits, kiwi seeds contain a small amount of amygdalin which is metabolized into cyanide. A few won’t hurt but too many will make your dog sick. How many are too many? It depends on the size, age, and physical health of your dog.

How Much Kiwi Can My Dog Eat?

Kiwis contain a lot of sugar. Dogs consuming too many carbohydrates easily gain weight. In addition, sudden ingestion of too much sugar can produce spikes in blood sugar that are dangerous for dogs with diabetes.

What If My Dog Eats Too Much Kiwi Fruit?

If your pooch eats more than a few slices, it’s BEAM time for you: make time to observe his behavior, energy, attitude, and mood for several hours, especially if the skin and seeds were consumed. Holistic Veterinary resources are found here American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association

Can Dogs Eat Yellow Kiwi?

Golden kiwifruit is a cultivar, meaning a specially developed strain of kiwi. It has sweet yellow flesh, fewer seeds, and almost no fuzz. Yes, your dog can eat it, but since it has more sugar, less is better. They can taste how different each cultivar is.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Kiwi?

Yes, cut into pieces without skin or seeds.

Kiwi Dog Food (It’s Not What You Think)

It’s not made with kiwi fruit! It’s a brand from New Zealand. Did you know that New Zealanders call themselves kiwis? We’re not advertising, but letting you know about it to prevent confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fruit Good For Dogs?

Although dogs don’t eat much fruit in the wild, they do ingest it indirectly by eating their prey’s stomachs and intestines.

What kind of fruit can dogs eat?

A few beneficial fruits include:

• Apples
• Bananas
• Blueberries
• Kiwis (of course!)
• Pineapples
• Strawberries.

Organic fresh fruit is more healthful than canned. They should be served in moderation, cut into pieces, and free of hard seeds and tough skins. Since little dogs have very narrow gullets, blueberries are safer when squashed.

What’s the Best Way to Introduce a New Food to My Dog?

Start with a small amount in a calm environment. If the BEAM observation technique (see above) reveals no problems after at least a day or two, then repeat with a little more.

Since you know the answer to the question “Can dogs have kiwi?” you can introduce the new food by taking the time to eat it together and create a positive sharing experience.

Why Do I Need to Wash Fruit for My Dog When He Eats Gross Things Outside?

For the same reason that you need to wash fruit for yourself and the ones you love: you want to remove bird droppings, animal urine, pesticide residue, parasite eggs, slug slime, and bacteria.

How Do I Wash Fruits and Vegetables?

Even though you’ll be peeling the kiwis, it’s still good to wash the fruit first and then wash your hands afterward. Can dogs have kiwi? The answer is CLEAN Kiwi! Contamination is like glitter in that some of it always sticks around and spreads. Here are four ways to wash produce:

How To Wash Produce

• Soak in saltwater for 20 minutes, then rinse.
• Soak in a bath of 1 teaspoon baking soda (also called bicarbonate of soda or bicarb) added to 2 cups of water for 15 minutes, then rinse.
• Soak in 1 part vinegar (any type) with 4 parts water for 20 minutes, then rinse.
• A less effective shortcut is running the produce under the tap for 20 seconds.

Dog Recipes with Kiwi
Remember that these treats are meant to be a supplement and training reward rather than a meal substitute. Because they contain no preservatives, uneaten portions should be refrigerated or frozen. Finally, be sure your pet isn’t allergic to any of the ingredients.

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Ingredients:
1 chicken breast, cooked and chopped
2 ripe kiwis, peeled and chopped
1/2 teaspoon basil
1 cup spelt flour
1/4 cup Water

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
Knead dough into ball and roll onto a floured surface 1/4 inch thick.
With a straight edge, score the dough horizontally and then vertically to make a grid (a pizza cutter will work).
Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until browned at the edges.
Allow to cool. Break into pieces and refrigerate.

Can dogs have kiwi chicken treats? Oh, yes!

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Ingredients:
1 chicken breast, cooked and chopped
1 kiwi, peeled and chopped
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
1/2 tablespoon dried mint leaves
1 cup whole wheat flour

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
Knead dough into ball and roll onto a floured surface until 1/2 inch thick.
Cut with a cookie cutter of your choice and place on your prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes. Cool and refrigerate.
Makes 3 to 4 dozen.

Can dogs have kiwi chicken tomato treats? Oh, yes!

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Ingredients:
1 kiwi, peeled and chopped
1 banana
1/2 cup chopped strawberries
1 1/2 cup water, divided

First Layer:
1 kiwi, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup water
Add kiwi and water to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Second Layer:
1/2 cup chopped strawberries
1/2 cup water
Add strawberries and water to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Third Layer:
1 banana
1/2 cup water
Add banana and water to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Instructions:
Pour an inch or so of your first kiwi layer mixture into the bottom of each cup.
Place in freezer and allow to freeze for an hour or more.
Repeat pouring the layers, allowing them to set an hour or more in between until they are all used.
Freeze for 8 hours to allow them to fully set.
Run warm water around the mold to remove the popsicle.
Makes 4 popsicles.

Can dogs have kiwi popsicles? Oh, yes!

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Final Thoughts

Now, about dogs helping save kiwi birds in Zealand: two German Shorthaired pointers are working for the New Zealand Department of Conservation to locate kiwis and their nests. Can dogs have kiwi? Neo and Beau are helping prevent their extinction so the whole world can have kiwi. T

hese two beloved pooches may actually hold the future of the endangered birds in their paws. Or in their sniffers. As ambassadors for conservation efforts throughout the country, they’re ambassadors for the canine species as well. Check out their story here, and then go treat your own doggos to kiwi treats. They deserve it.

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Resources

General Information about Canine Nutritional Needs
https://www.nap.edu/resource/10668/dog_nutrition_final_fix.pdf

The BARF Diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food)
https://www.barfworld.com/ingredients

Food Safety at Home — a guide for anyone of any gender who prepares food)
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/free-publications-women/food-safety-home

How to Wash Produce
https://www.naturopathy-uk.com/news/news-cnm-blog/blog/2020/05/22/how-to-remove-pesticides-from-vegetables-and-fruits-2/