Can Dogs Eat Pizza Crust? (Is it Dangerous)

You’ve ordered takeout pizza for supper. You’ve also picked some delectable side dishes.

Your eyes, however, we’re way bigger than your stomach (as always). Your dog, on the other hand, is staring at your leftovers. Is it okay to share them?

In short – can dogs eat pizza? Including the cust?

The answer to this question is both yes and no. While it can be safe to let your dog enjoy a few bites of pizza crust, there are also some risks involved.

The pizza crust is often high in salt and other spices that can be harmful to dogs.

On the plus side, pizza crust is relatively low in calories and fat. It’s also a good source of fibre. All of these things can be beneficial for your dog’s health.

Read our guide to learn more about whether or not you should share your pizza with your dog.

Why Is Pizza Crust Bad For Dogs? 

As we mentioned, pizza crust is often high in salt and other spices. These can be harmful to your dog’s health if they eat too much.

Too much salt can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. It can also lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. In severe cases, it can even lead to seizures or coma.

Other spices, such as garlic and onion powder, can also be harmful to dogs. They can cause gastrointestinal upset and can even lead to anemia.

The dough in the pizza crust can also be a problem for dogs. The uncooked dough can rise in your dog’s stomach, causing bloating and pain. It can also lead to vomiting and diarrhoea.

In severe cases, it can cause a blockage in your dog’s intestines. This is a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.

Finally, the pizza crust is often covered in cheese and other toppings. Dogs are lactose intolerant, so these can cause gastrointestinal upset. The fats in cheese can also lead to pancreatitis.

So, as you can see, there are a few risks associated with letting your dog eat pizza crust.

What Ingredients are Safe in Pizza for My Dog?

If you want to share your pizza with your dog, it’s important to choose a slice that doesn’t have any harmful toppings. The best toppings for dogs are those that are low in salt, spices, and sugar.

Some pizza toppings that are safe include:

-Cheese

-Pepperoni

-Ham

-Chicken

-Mushrooms

-Green peppers

-Pineapple 

If you’re not sure whether a particular topping is safe, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid it altogether.

Read here: Can dogs eat vegetables?

Pizza Ingredients for Dogs

There are some pizza ingredients that you should avoid giving to your dog, as they can be harmful. These include:

-Onions

-Garlic

-Chives

-Shrimp

-Anchovies

-Olives

-Jalapeños 

As we mentioned, onions and garlic can cause anemia in dogs. Anchovies, olives, and jalapeños can also cause gastrointestinal upset. Shrimp can be a choking hazard.

If you’re not sure whether a particular ingredient is safe, it’s always best to check with your veterinarian beforehand.

Pizza Sauce

But what about the sauce? While many pizza sauces are purely tomato, some may also use onions and garlic in their sauce – both of which should be avoided by dogs. Let’s break down the possible ingredients.

Onions

Onions are a no-go area for dogs. They contain a substance called thiosulfate, which can cause anaemia in dogs.

This is because onions break down red blood cells, leading to a lack of oxygen being carried around the body.

In severe cases, onion poisoning can be fatal. Dogs should never eat onions, cooked or raw.

Garlic

Garlic is in the same family as onions, so it shares many of the same dangers.

Garlic also contains thiosulfate, which can lead to anaemia in dogs. However, garlic doesn’t contain as much of this substance as onions do.

This means that garlic is less dangerous than onions, but it’s still best to avoid giving it to your dog.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. However, the leaves and stems of tomatoes contain a substance called solanine.

This substance is poisonous to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal upset. So, it’s best to remove the leaves and stems from any tomatoes you give to your dog.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. However, it’s high in fat and calories, so you shouldn’t give your dog too much of it.

Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. However, it’s high in acidity and can cause gastrointestinal upset if your dog eats too much of it.

Salt

Salt is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. However, it’s best to avoid giving your dog any foods that are high in salt, as this can lead to health problems.

Read here: Can dogs eat bread?

How Much Pizza Can I Give My Dog?

If you do decide to give your dog some pizza, it’s important to do so in moderation. Dogs should only eat a few bites of pizza at a time.

A good rule of thumb is to give your dog no more than 10 per cent of their daily caloric intake from treats like pizza. For most dogs, this amounts to one or two bites of pizza crust.

It’s also important to keep an eye on your dog while they’re eating pizza. Some dogs may be allergic to wheat flour or other ingredients in pizza crust.

If your dog starts to show signs of an allergic reaction (such as vomiting or diarrhoea), stop feeding them pizza and contact your veterinarian.

How To Feed Pizza Crust To Dogs

If you do decide to feed your dog pizza crust, there is a safe way to do it. First, remove all of the toppings from the pizza. This includes the sauce, cheese, and any meats or vegetables.

The next step is to cut the crust into small pieces. This will help your dog digest it and prevent them from choking on it.

Finally, give your dog a small piece of crust at a time. Start with just a few bites and see how they react. If they seem to be enjoying it, you can give them a little more.

As always, consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any new food. They can help you decide if pizza crust is right for your dog’s diet.

Conclusion

While pizza crust isn’t the best food for dogs, it’s not necessarily harmful either.

If you do decide to give your dog some pizza, be sure to do so in moderation and choose a slice with safe toppings.

If you think your dog is feeling poorly from eating pizza, stop feeding it to them and contact your veterinarian.