Pepperoni is the pizza topping dogs pick off, and the sliced pepperoni in packs is the same stuff.
What is on the label
I pulled the ingredient list for PEPPERONI from Open Food Facts (product code 0037600762007). Ingredients are listed from the most to the least by weight.
Pork, beef, salt, contains 2% or less of water, dextrose, spices, lactic acid starter culture, oleoresin of paprika, garlic powder, sodium nitrite, bha, bht, citric acid.
Recipes change, and flavors and package sizes can differ, so read the bag you actually have before you rely on this list.
What matters for your dog
- Garlic powder. ASPCA says onion, garlic and chives are Allium vegetables that can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage, which can lead to anemia. It says dogs are at risk depending on the amount they eat.
- Salt. ASPCA says excessive salt can cause increased thirst and urination and, depending on the amount, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures and even death. Size matters: the same snack is a bigger dose for a small dog.
About Pepperoni
The Hormel Pepperoni label lists pork, beef, salt, then water, dextrose, spices, lactic acid starter culture, paprika oleoresin, garlic powder, sodium nitrite and preservatives. Garlic powder is on the list, and salt is the third ingredient, right after the meat.
ASPCA says garlic is an Allium vegetable that can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage, depending on the amount a dog eats. It also says excessive salt can cause increased thirst and urination and, in larger amounts, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and seizures. Pepperoni brings both.
If it came off a pizza, the pizza adds more, often garlic or onion in the sauce, plus cheese. The label I checked is for sliced Hormel pepperoni, not a restaurant topping. Turkey pepperoni and other brands have their own lists.
If your dog already ate some
Write down what it was, how much, when, and your dog’s weight, and keep the package. Then call your vet, ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
Don’t wait for symptoms if the snack has chocolate, xylitol, or a lot of onion or garlic in it. And don’t try to make your dog vomit with salt or salt water. Pet Poison Helpline says that can cause salt poisoning.
Questions people ask
Can dogs eat pepperoni?
I’d skip it. The Hormel label lists garlic powder, and salt is the third ingredient. ASPCA says garlic can damage a dog’s red blood cells depending on the amount, and excessive salt can cause serious problems.
What about pizza?
Pizza has the pepperoni’s salt and garlic plus cheese, crust and sauce, and many sauces use onion or garlic. ASPCA says milk-based foods can also cause stomach upset. I’d keep pizza away from dogs.
My dog ate a pack of pepperoni. What now?
Call your vet or a poison hotline. A pack is a lot of salt and fat, and the garlic adds to the worry. Tell them how much was eaten and your dog’s weight.
More label checks
- Can Dogs Eat Hot Dogs?No onion or garlic on this label, but hot dogs are salty and processed.
- Can Dogs Eat Jack Link’s Beef Jerky?No onion or garlic on the Original label, but it's very salty.
- Can Dogs Eat Jif Peanut Butter?Peanuts, sugar, palm oil, salt, molasses. No xylitol on this label.
- Can Dogs Eat Skippy Peanut Butter?Peanuts, sugar, oil and salt. No xylitol on this label.
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Sources
- ASPCA: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
- Pet Poison Helpline: Salt
- Open Food Facts: PEPPERONI (code 0037600762007)
Last reviewed October 31, 2026. I’m not a vet, and this page is general information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If you’re worried about your dog, call your vet.