Can dogs eat pastrami? Maybe you’ve thought about sharing some with your pooch while layering slices of pastrami together for a Reuben sandwich. If humans can eat pastrami, can dogs safely eat it too?
The short answer is no, dogs can’t safely eat pastrami. The fact that pastrami is high in fat and salt is reason enough to keep it out of your dog’s diet, but pastrami is also usually made with garlic, which can be harmful to your dog as well.
If your dog accidentally eats a lot of pastrami, you should call your veterinarian for advice. Here’s what you need to know about pastrami and dogs.
Why Is Pastrami Bad For Dogs?
Pastrami is a food that is high in fat and high in sodium. Additionally, garlic is usually used when making pastrami, and garlic can also be very harmful to your dog’s health. The use of garlic in pastrami means that it’s just not a suitable food to feed to your dog.
Dogs who eat high fat diets risk becoming overweight. In turn, canine obesity can lead to numerous health issues and complications. Eating too many fatty foods can also expose a dog to the risk of developing pancreatitis.
The high sodium content of pastrami is also potentially very harmful to dogs. Along with increasing the chance of suffering from high blood pressure and heart disease, dogs who consume too much sodium put themselves at risk of salt poisoning.
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Pastrami?
First of all, you don’t necessarily need to panic if you notice that your dog has stolen a small piece of pastrami. Just keep watch and make sure they don’t show any of the symptoms of salt poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and drinking a lot more water than usual.
If you notice any of those symptoms or suspect that your dog has managed to consume a larger amount of pastrami, give your vet a call. They will be able to ask questions about your dog’s behavior and medical history and advise if you need to seek out further care.
Has your dog ever sneaked in some pastrami? Did they feel sick afterwards? Let us know in the comments below!
