Oh no! You just caught your dog snout-deep in a pizza box, and now you're worried if dogs can eat pizza? If your dog eats pizza crust, will they get sick? Is tomato sauce okay for them to eat? Whether your dog just ate your leftover crusts, or they wolfed down an entire pie, toppings and all, here's what you should know.
Are Pizza Ingredients Bad for Dogs?
Cheese
Even with low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, the traditional pizza topper, it's never good for them to have too much cheese. Cheese is typically high in fat content and calories, which can lead to feeding too many calories to your pet.
Sauce
What if your dog just got a big lick of marinara? The good news is that sauce is often made from ripe tomatoes, which are fine for dogs to eat. It's the green parts, like the leaves and stem, that make dogs sick. However, pizza sauce isn't made from tomatoes alone. Some of its other ingredients, like garlic and herbs, could be harmful to your dog. Additionally, many store-bought pizza sauces have added sugar. Eating too much sugar over time can result in obesity (a risk factor for the development of diabetes), says DogTime.
Crust & Dough
If your dog ate pizza crust, there's room for concern. The crust may contain ingredients that are dangerous for dogs to consume, such as onions, garlic and herbs.
Eating raw pizza dough is a more urgent matter. If your dog sneaked some of your uncooked homemade pizza, head to the veterinarian or emergency animal clinic right away. Raw yeast dough can expand in your pet's stomach, causing serious breathing difficulties and potentially causing tissue tearing. The ASPCA reports that raw bread dough may even cause your dog to become intoxicated. This is due to the ethanol byproduct that yeast produces.
Tasty Tips
Can Dogs Eat Pizza Toppings?
If the pizza your dog ate included toppings, there's reason to be concerned. Many common pizza toppings, like onions and garlic, are considered unhealthy — and some may be toxic — to dogs. Additionally, pepperoni, sardines and sausages all have high salt and fat which could aggravate underlying pre existing disease.
The bottom line is that you should never give pizza to your dog, whether as a meal or a treat. They might experience a slight stomach upset if they're sensitive to dairy, due to the excess fat, but overall in many cases dogs are fine. If your dog ate a large amount of pizza and you're concerned, call your veterinarian to schedule an exam.
Keep in mind that even small bites of human food are packed with extra calories that, over time, can lead to weight problems and a host of issues resulting from excess weight. So, keep your pizza out of your pooch's reach.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Small & Mini Chicken, Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up, specially designed for small & mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken, Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Chicken, Whole Oats & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Salmon, Whole Oats, and Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Hearty Vegetables & Salmon Stew Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Beef Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Beef recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew Dog Food
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Can Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Savory Stew with Beef & Zucchini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy joints, immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small & Mini Chicken Recipe dog food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small Bites Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a small bite size.
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Related articles
Overcoming Obesity in Small Dogs
Learn how to properly feed and treat your little or small breed dog to keep their weight under control to avoid any weight-related health issues.
What to Do if Your Dog is Lost or Missing
Realizing your dog is missing or lost can be extremely stressful, but learn useful tips for handling this crisis and helping you track down your pup.
Managing Your Male Puppy Around In-Season Females
Learn how to manage your male puppy around female dogs in season, as you will begin to notice changes in your puppy.
Why Do Small Dog Breeds Live Longer?
Learn why small dog breeds often live longer than large breeds, including the average life expectancy for each, and tips for helping your dog live longer.
Is Your Dog Ready for Obedience School?
Learn what kind of training to expect from an obedience school and whether or not it is a good idea for your dog, no matter his age.
Understanding Dog Panting: When Should You Worry?
Learn more about dog panting, what's considered normal panting & heavy breathing, and when heavy dog breathing requires medical attention.
Do Male Dogs Go Into Heat?
You probably know about female dogs going into heat, but do male dogs? Learn whether male dogs have a heat cycle & handling them around females in heat.
Finding A Lost Dog: What Should You Do?
Learn what to do if you find a lost dog, including important considerations for approaching the dog and how to keep both you and the dog safe.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?
You know that bathing your dog is important, but how often should you do it? Learn the right dog bath frequency, based on their breed, lifestyle & health.
Why Are My Dog's Eyes Red?
Learn common causes of red eyes in dogs, from normal allergies to more serious health concerns, and treatment options your vet might suggest to help.
Distemper in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Learn important information pet parents should know about distemper in dogs, including symptoms, how it's diagnosed, treatment options & how to prevent it.
Worms in Dog Poop: Signs, Treatment Options & Prevention
Learn how to identify different types of worms in your dog's poop, how worms can affect their health & what vets may recommend for treatment & prevention.
Clinical Signs of a Dog Ear Yeast Infection
Learn more about the clinical signs of ear yeast infections in dogs, including physical and behavioral symptoms, as well as which breeds are most at risk.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Dead Bird
Learn about potential health issues that can occur if your dog eats a dead bird, such as bacterial & parasite issues, and signs that can indicate sickness.
Pneumonia in Dogs: Types, Clinical Signs, Treatment & Prevention
Pneumonia in Dogs: Types, Symptoms, & Treatment
Where Does Your Pup's Bad Behavior Come From?
Learn where your dog's bad dog behavior comes from, as well as advice on dealing with it it and training tips to help him to overcome common issues.
Why Do Dogs Like Belly Rubs? (And What If My Dog Doesn't?)
Why do dogs like belly rubs? Learn what your dog is really telling you when he wants a belly rub (and why other dogs may not want one).
How Often Should I Feed My Dog?
Learn the importance of feeding your puppy or adult dog the right amount of food at proper intervals and find out what feeding method is best for your dog.
The Challenges of Walking Your Dog in Winter
Wondering whether walking your dog in winter weather is a good idea? Discover some safety tips to keep your pup safe in the colder winter conditions.
Why Is My Dog Foaming at the Mouth?
Why is my dog foaming at the mouth? Learn more about what may be causing your pup to foam from the mouth.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.