Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Can Dogs Eat Pizza? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Can Dogs Eat_Pizza

Pizza is undoubtedly a staple in the US, with more than 6,000 slices consumed in a person’s lifetime. That’s a lot of pizza! Since pizza is such an American favorite, dog owners know that pizza is a coveted food item dogs would like to share with you (mine watches with drool each and every time), but can dogs eat pizza? Is it safe? To a dog’s disappointment, no, pizza is not a safe food to give your dog.

In this post, we’ll explain why you shouldn’t give your dog pizza along with a proper diet for your pooch to keep him happy and healthy.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Why Can’t Dogs Eat Pizza?

Upon hearing he can’t have pizza, every dog in America would cover his ears with his paws if he could, but it’s simply not healthy for them. We all know you can order just about any kind of pizza you want, from plain cheese to pepperoni to the works, which gives variations to the danger of your dog eating pizza. Let’s break down certain ingredients to better understand the dangers of dogs eating pizza.

Pizza
Image Credit: PublicDomainImages , Pixabay

Ingredients

You have many choices when it comes to selecting ingredients for your pizza, but the most common ingredients are cheese, the base, and tomato sauce. However, some people pile on as many toppings as they can, with some being toxic to dogs, such as onions and garlic.

Cheese

While cheese is non-toxic to dogs, it doesn’t mean they should eat it. Most dogs can eat a little cheese here and there with no problem, but some dogs are lactose intolerant. A dog with this issue can develop vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and overall discomfort after eating a little cheese, so it’s best to avoid it if you know your dog is lactose intolerant. If you’re unsure, you can try a little piece to see how your dog does, but generally, it’s not a healthy treat.

Cheese is also high in saturated fats and salt, and giving your dog cheese in abundance can cause obesity and, worse, pancreatitis.

piece of parmesan cheese on a wooden board
Image Credit: Nitr, Shutterstock

Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is typically derived from ripe tomatoes, which isn’t a problem for dogs to consume. However, the tomato sauce used on pizzas will likely have toxic additives and seasonings, such as garlic. Other ingredients in pizza sauce, such as salt, oil, and sugar, are unhealthy for your dog and can lead to health problems down the road.

Crust and Dough

First and foremost, it’s a medical emergency if your dog consumes raw dough. If you have a counter surfer, you must keep raw dough out of reach while making a pizza at home. Raw dough will expand in your dog’s stomach due to the warm environment, which can lead to a distended stomach or, in some cases, bloat.

Yeast in dough produces alcohol and carbon dioxide gas due to the sugar, called fermentation, which makes the dough rise—this can lead to alcohol poisoning in your dog when it enters the bloodstream.

Secondly, pizza dough may have harmful ingredients, such as onions, garlic, and herbs. Unless you make the pizza yourself and know exactly what’s in it, you should refrain from feeding your dog pizza crust.

Raw Pizza Dough
Image Credit: MaraZe, Shutterstock

Pizza Toppings

Pizzas come with many options for toppings, and some are toxic to dogs, such as onions and garlic. Pepperoni, sausage, or ham are common toppings that are not toxic to dogs, but they are high in fat and salt, which can lead to obesity and other health issues if given often.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Should I Worry If My Dog Ate Some Pizza?

Suppose you place your plate down for a minute, and your pooch swoops in for the perfect opportunity to nab a delicious bite—is this a cause for concern? The answer here is, it depends. Most times, it’s not a medical emergency unless your dog eats raw dough. However, if the crust or toppings contain onions or garlic, you may need to contact your vet. In some cases, your dog may develop a runny stool but should recover quickly.

It’s important to monitor your dog for signs of tummy upset, such as diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, dizziness, or drooling. If you notice these signs, contact your vet immediately.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1

What’s the Best Diet for My Dog?

Dogs require a complete and balanced diet comprised of high-quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and water. The dog food you feed should adhere to AAFCO’s nutritional guidelines, and it should be free from artificial preservatives and additives. Ensure the food is age-appropriate, and when in doubt, use your veterinarian as a resource to determine the best diet for your particular pooch.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Conclusion

As much as your dog may beg for some, pizza, in general, is not a healthy treat to give your canine kiddo. There are simply too many questionable ingredients in pizza that could cause tummy upset and be toxic to your dog. In the end, it’s best to avoid feeding your dog pizza; instead, provide healthy treats made specifically for dogs, and always avoid onions, garlic, herbs, and raw dough.


Featured Image Credit: Jumpstory

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

How Loud Is a Dog’s Bark in Decibels (dB)? Facts & FAQ

Dogs make a variety of sounds to communicate. While it would be nice for them to communicate to us at the same level...

What Breed of Dog Is Chase From Paw Patrol? Cartoon Dogs Presented

You might be familiar with the cartoon “Paw Patrol” if you have kids.1 If you haven’t seen the show before, it’s a cartoon...

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) in Dogs: Our Vet Explains the Causes, Signs & Care

Most people associate the term “lupus” with the severe auto-immune disease that affects people; this form of lupus is systemic, meaning it reaches...

12 Indoor Dog Games to Play When You’re Stuck Inside

There’s nothing worse than being stuck indoors, especially when you have a dog to keep entertained. Although it’s not ideal for the day-to-day,...

More related

Why Do Huskies Scream? 4 Main Reasons & How to Prevent it

Huskies are a very vocal dog breed, using various tones and sounds to convey their feelings. The Husky scream is one of the...

How Long Does It Take to Train a Service or Guide Dog? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ

While it is possible to train any dog to be a service or guide dog to a certain extent, some breeds are better...

Do Dogs Have Tickle Spots? Vet-Verified Fun Facts

If you’ve ever given your dog’s belly a good scritch or two, you might have noticed one of their legs kicking out when...

10 Best Snow Boots for Dogs in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

For many years, dog owners were not aware that walking their dogs during the winter wasn’t good for their paws. We believed that...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Pizza Rolls? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Concerns

Product developer Beatrice Ojakangas found a gold mine when she created pizza rolls in Duluth, Minnesota, in the 1960s; a time where quick-and-easy snacks and meals were becoming increasingly popular. While pizza rolls are undeniably moreish, they aren’t a healthy...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Pizza Rolls

Small Breed Dog Food vs Regular vs Large Breed: Main Differences, Pros & Cons

Each dog needs something different from their food, and it isn’t just about their size but also their age and breed. Their dietary needs go beyond how much kibble you put in the bowl. It sounds complicated, especially when you...

Small Breed vs Regular Breed vs Large Breed - ft

How Much Food Does a Great Dane Need? With Feeding Chart

Great Danes are one of the biggest dogs in the world, and it’s no surprise when you meet one face to face. If you decide to add one of these gentle giants to your family, one of the first things...

great dane dog outdoor

Why Does My Dog Poop on Concrete? 8 Potential Causes

Your daily walks with your dog are usually pleasant experiences. You meet other people and their pups, exercise, and enjoy the fresh air. Even when you’re a responsible owner who carries poop bags to collect the waste, your dog may...

woman throwing dog poop

7 Best Dog Foods for West Highland White Terriers in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

The West Highland Terrier is a breed of dog beloved by many. If you’re lucky enough to be a pet parent to one of these pups, you know just how quirky they can be. You also know just how important...

West Highland White Terrier dog on green grass

Answers Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary You may have heard of raw dog food, but have you heard of fermented dog food? Fermented foods are packed full of health benefits, providing your dog with the nutrition they need. Answers dog food has brought fermented...

Dogster_Answers Dog Food Review

Orijen Dog Food Review 2025: Vet-Verified Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ

Review Summary Orijen dog food is produced by Champion Pet Foods and is based in Canada. They have a manufacturing facility in Alberta, Canada, and the U.S. state of Kentucky, where they produce their dry food recipes. The canned recipes...

Dogster_Orijen Dog Food Review

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin? Vet-Approved Nutrition & Health Facts

This delicious orange vegetable is non-toxic to dogs, but is it healthy for them to eat? The answer is yes! Pumpkins are enjoyed by people and their pets, and they benefit nutritionally from them. A fun fact is that although...

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin