Whether on a charcuterie board or on a delicious sandwich stuffed with colorful and crunchy veggies and topped with gooey cheese and dressing, cold cuts or deli meats always hit the spot both for quick lunches and special occasions. These tasty meats come packed with a burst of flavors and even a bit of a kick at times to spice up even the most boring of meals!
So it comes as no surprise that our canine friends tend to find cold cuts as irresistible as we do. But are these treats safe and healthy for dogs? Well, the answer is unfortunately no. Cold cuts contain high amounts of sodium, fat, and calories, as well as nitrates and spices, that can compromise your dog’s health.
Keep reading as we explore this topic at length and discuss how and why cold cuts can be unhealthy – and even downright toxic – to dogs. We’ll also give you tips on how to feed certain deli meats to him safely and what alternative treats you can feed him as well.
Why Cold Cuts Are Hazardous to Dogs
While there’s no denying that cold cuts are mouth wateringly delicious, the truth most of us know is that it’s not exactly the healthiest option for our daily diets. In fact, it’s listed as one of the least healthy foods commonly found in most people’s fridges.
Unfortunately, cold cuts are even more dangerous for our dogs. Here are a few of the health risks they pose to canines:
Sodium
Sodium isn’t inherently bad for dogs; in fact, it’s an essential part of a canine’s healthy diet. Dogs need sodium for their organs to function properly and their cells to maintain good fluid balance.
The problem is that too much of it from certain foods, such as cold cuts, can lead to a whole host of health issues. When eaten on a regular basis, they can cause or aggravate kidney disease in dogs, as well as increase their blood pressure.
Dogs can also experience increased thirst when they eat cold cuts, and eating them without proper hydration can lead to hypernatremia. Symptoms of this include:
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Confusion
- Excessive urination
- Coma
Worse, excessive salt consumption can lead to sodium ion poisoning. This can occur when your pup eats large quantities of cold cuts without your knowledge. Symptoms of sodium ion poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Confusion
- Tremors
- Lack of coordination
If your dog has chomped on a pack or multiple packs of cold cuts and started exhibiting any of these symptoms, be sure to call Pet Poison Helpline right away or take him to your vet immediately.
Fat
Like humans, dogs need a certain amount of healthy fats in their diet to give them energy for daily activities and cushion and insulate their bodies. However, too much fat can be extremely unhealthy for dogs.
An adult dog that weighs around 33 lbs. will need 25g of fat daily. Going over this limit regularly by feeding your dog treats like cold cuts can lead to pancreatitis, especially if your dog isn’t used to or suited for high-fat diets.
Dogs with diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, and pancreatitis should avoid cold cuts at all costs. The high-fat content of this food can worsen their health conditions and make their symptoms more difficult to manage.
Calories
Cold cuts are also quite high in calories, with an average of 70 calories per 20-oz. serving. Dogs’ treats should take up no more than 10% of their daily caloric needs, Since most dogs need about 400 calories per day, giving them even 2 servings of cold cuts can lead to excess caloric intake.
The consequences of doing this may not be immediate, but it can lead to health issues down the road. Your dog could become overweight or obese if they’re fed cold cuts daily or on a regular basis.
If your pup is already considered overweight by the standards of their breed, it’s best to avoid feeding him cold cuts altogether.
Nitrates
Cold cuts are cured more often than not, and manufacturers include nitrates in processed deli meats for curing as well as to ensure they stay fresh and maintain their vibrant color for longer. However, these preservatives are considered carcinogenic and, as such, extremely harmful to humans.
The bad news is that they may be equally as harmful to our furry companions. While studies linking them to cardiovascular disease and thyroid problems have not been conclusive, many experts still believe excess nitrates in a dog’s daily diet can be detrimental to their health.
Spices
Deli meats owe their savory and satisfying flavors to spices. For instance, chorizo and salami are made with garlic, and pancetta is cured with salt and spices like nutmeg. Homemade deli meat recipes also often feature onion powder.
Garlic, onion, and nutmeg are highly toxic to dogs. Ingestion of these spices can lead to symptoms like:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Weakness
- Panting
- Lethargy
- Jaundice
- Decreased heart rate
Healthy Alternatives to Cold Cuts
With all of the risks of feeding your dog cold cuts mentioned, it’s helpful to note that a slice or two of deli meats every once in a while won’t hurt your pup completely. If he begs for a taste of your sandwich at lunch, you can break off a small piece and feed it to him without worry. Just make sure not to do this on a regular basis.
However, if your dog keeps begging for it, you can feed him alternatives that are similar to the texture and taste of deli meat minus the risks. Here are a few options you can try:
Low-Sodium Nitrate-Free Deli Meats
There are deli meats on the market that are low in sodium and nitrate-free, but it’s important to take caution. Even these versions may be unhealthy for your dog in large quantities. If you really want to give him this treat, make sure to limit his intake to a few bites.
Chicken or Turkey Breast
Thin slices of boiled or roasted chicken or turkey breast can mimic the look and taste of their cured and processed counterparts. Better yet, your dog can enjoy more of these treats since they’re healthier for him!
Homemade Beef Jerky
Store-bought beef jerky is also heavily processed, but the good news is you can make your own take on it at home! You’ll need a lean cut of beef and ingredients for the marinade, including unsweetened pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, liquid aminos or low-sodium soy sauce, fish sauce, and a little powdered ginger.
You’ll also need a dehydrator for this recipe, but you can use your oven if you don’t have one.
First, slice the beef into thin slices – the thinner the slices, the quicker the dehydrating process will take. Then, place your beef in the marinade and leave it for around 4 to 24 hours. After marinating, you can preheat your dehydrator or oven to 160°F.
Place your beef in the dehydrator or oven and set the timer to 4 hours. Make sure to check on the beef after 3 hours to see whether the texture is right. It should be dry, darker in color, and much smaller than it was when you started. Also, see to it that it’s not too tough or rubbery for your dog to chew.
Allow the meat to cool and store it in a container afterward. Your dog can enjoy these treats occasionally, so you can make big batches to avoid going through the lengthy process too often.
Chicken Meatball Treats
Can’t keep your dog from giving you puppy eyes whenever you have a meatball sub? Make a canine-friendly version of it by using chicken meatball treats for dogs! These are available on the market, but you can also make your own version of them using ground chicken, carrots, rice, spinach, and eggs.
In Closing
It can be extremely tempting to give your dog treats, especially the food you have on your plate. However, certain foods like cold cuts can be harmful to his health and cause a number of health issues.
Instead, you can give your pup a few treats with similar meats minus the excess sodium, fat, calories, and preservatives. This way, he can enjoy delicious snacks that he’ll love without putting his health at risk!