Meatloaf is a dish that many people love to eat, but you may be wondering if it’s safe for your dog. After all, dogs love meat, and it seems like the perfect dish to share with your canine companion.
So, can dogs eat meatloaf?
Today, we’ll discuss everything you need to learn about dogs and meatloaf.
Yes, dogs can eat meatloaf.
Dogs can enjoy those yummy meatloaf dishes, but you need to consider the ingredients used to make the meatloaf and how they can affect your dog’s health. The main ingredient used in meatloaf is ground beef or pork. Some people use other types of meat like lamb or turkey.
These are all okay for dogs to eat, but other possible ingredients present in meatloaf can harm your dogs when ingested.
What is meatloaf?
Meatloaf is a simple dish made with ground meat and other ingredients that you can easily prepare at home. It is a classic American dish, but there are many variations of meatloaf across the globe.
In Italy, for example, the dish is known as polpettone and usually contains cheese and ham. In Germany and Denmark, it is called frikadelle and is often made with minced veal, pork, or beef, and contains chopped onions and eggs.
What makes meatloaf harmful for dogs?
Depending on where you are and how you make your meatloaf, the most common meatloaf recipes contain loads of spices and seasonings, among other things. And to give you a better picture, let’s take a look at these ingredients and how they can negatively affect your dog’s health.
Onion and Garlic
Onion and garlic both belong to the Allium group of vegetables. Along with chives, scallions, and shallots, these vegetable groups are considered toxic to dogs and even cats. Surely, you know how good sautéed onion and garlic smell like, but the compounds that contribute to their lovely aroma are also the ones responsible for their toxicity.
Onion and garlic contain sulfur compounds that can affect your dog’s blood and hemoglobin levels, which can lead to hemolytic anemia. This health disease causes the body to attack and destroy its own red blood cells.
Some clinical symptoms of hemolytic anemia include:
- Weakness
- Depression
- Pale gums
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Loss of coordination (ataxia)
If you think your dog accidentally ate onion, garlic, or other vegetables included in the Allium group, and show any of these symptoms, it’s best to consult your nearest veterinarian immediately.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs are not considered toxic to dogs, but some of them might react negatively from this ingredient. Dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities may experience an allergic reaction from breadcrumbs in meatloaf.
Symptoms of allergic reaction to dogs include itchy and red skin, dry skin, inflamed paw pads, rashes, and gastrointestinal upset. If you suspect your dogs have allergies, you can consult your vet and receive advice on their medication.
Sugar
While sugar is not the main ingredient, some meatloaf recipes, especially in the United States, are topped with glazes or sauces that are high in sugar, like ketchup or barbecue sauce. Sugars can be a good source of energy, but overconsumption of sugar can lead to an array of diseases.
It is not naturally toxic for dogs, but too much sugar in the diet can cause weight problems, dental problems, or even diabetes. This is why sugary treats like cookies are not ideal for them.
Sugars can also cause some immediate health problems to dogs when consumed in large amounts. Some of these are:
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
Most of these immediate side effects can be remedied at home, so you don’t really have to panic. Just keep them hydrated and monitor your dogs from time to time.
Salt
Another flavoring that can cause harmful effects on your dog’s health is salt. For meatloaf recipes like Finland’s lihamureke, salt is one of the main ingredients used. One immediate effect of eating huge amounts of salt in dogs is dehydration.
Dehydration in dogs leads to the loss of minerals and electrolytes that are responsible for different cell, muscle, and nerve functions. The common symptoms of canine dehydration are panting, dry nose, loss of appetite, vomiting, loss of skin elasticity, and reduced levels of energy.
Salty food can contribute to dehydration, especially if your dogs regularly eat these types of foods and they don’t get enough fluids to replenish and rehydrate their bodies. Like with humans, it is important to prevent dehydration in dogs as it can affect different basic body functions.
Regularly including salty food in their diet may also lead to salt poisoning. Salt poisoning is caused by excessive sodium ions in your dog’s body, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, or death in worse cases. Aside from salt, baking soda can also be a culprit of sodium ion poisoning.
The toxicity of salt in dogs depends on their body weight. But for reference, half a tablespoon of salt can be toxic for small dog breeds like Chihuahuas or Pugs.
Raisins
Some meatloaf variations, like the Filipino embutido and hardinera, contain raisins as ingredients. Raisins (and grapes) are highly toxic for dogs and should never be given to them as a treat.
Even a small amount of raisin can be fatal for dogs and can lead to acute kidney failure. Here are the common symptoms of toxic ingestion of raisins and grapes in dogs:
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness or lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Abdominal pain
Time is a critical factor when it comes to treating dogs from toxic ingestion of raisins and grapes, so you must immediately get in touch with your local veterinarian.
Does meatloaf have any health benefits for dogs?
Since meatloaf is primarily made of meat, it is a good source of protein, which can contribute to your dog’s healthy skin, hair, and overall body functions. Other than protein, it doesn’t really contribute much to your dog’s health.
So it might be better to make your own dog-friendly meatloaf at home, and add different vegetables to make it healthier for your dogs.
Make your own dog-friendly meatloaf at home
If you are making your own meatloaf and are considering sharing it with your best friend, make sure it doesn’t contain onions, garlic, and raisins. Also, reduce the amount of salt and sugar that you’ll use.
To make it easier, here is an easy Dog-Friendly Meatloaf recipe from Cesar’s Way that you can prepare ahead of time and refrigerate so your dogs can enjoy them all week long.
Dog-Friendly Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 4 pounds lean ground turkey
- ½ pound diced beef or chicken liver
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups carrots, steamed and pureéd
- 2 cups green beans, steamed and pureéd
- 2 cups potatoes, steamed and pureéd
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F(177°C).
- Combine all ingredients. Pour into loaf pans (recommended size is 8” x 4” x 2.5” loaf pans, make four meatloaves) until about ¾ full.
- Bake for one hour, and drain excess grease.
- Once cooled, serve or include in your dog’s meal.
- Double wrap remaining meatloaves in foil or place them in resealable bags and refrigerate for a week’s worth of food, or freeze for up to six months.
A few reminders
It is important to cook the meatloaf properly. Aside from the meat, some meatloaf recipes also contain eggs. Meat and eggs can cause bacterial infection when improperly cooked, which can lead to different diseases when eaten.
Some also use meat scraps instead of ground meat when making meatloaf. Refrain from using fatty cuts or parts of meat when making dog-friendly meatloaf since fatty foods can also cause health problems like pancreatitis in your dogs. Additionally, avoid frying them in oil as it can contribute more unhealthy fats in the food.
Conclusion – Can dogs eat meatloaf?
Yes, dogs can eat meatloaf. Most dogs will love the taste of this dish, especially when cooked at home and with safe ingredients. As long as the meatloaf does not contain onions, garlic, or other toxic ingredients that are dangerous for dogs, then it should be fine to feed in moderation as an occasional treat.
So go ahead, and make your own version of meatloaf specifically for your canine friends to enjoy!