Can I give my dog bologna?

Bologna, much like hot dogs, is somewhat of a mystery meat. You just can not be totally sure where it comes from compared, for example, a chicken wing or a pork rib. That’s one reason why giving some to the family dog is a big question mark.

Dogs are easy to please, especially if you are offering them some meat. But even though your best buddy gets excited when you throw them some sliced bologna, that doesn’t mean you should be doing so.

As an occasional treat a bit of bologna may be fine but what about sharing this human food on a regular basis? It’s easy to reach in the fridge, peel off a piece of meat and toss it to them. While convenient, there are good reasons not to give slices to your dog too often.

Can I Give My Dog Bologna? Answer: Yes, but look for healthier treats

This popular meat contains chemicals, including nitrates, making it potentially harmful when given regularly.

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Bologna is definitely not a good substitute for a high quality dog treat. Sure, canines are meat eaters and will have no trouble wolfing down as much baloney as you toss their way. Go easy though because it’s processed, contains a lot of sodium and usually has very unhealthy nitrates. So bologna is not a great treat to give to your dog. Meat, and its protein, is important but less processed meat is a much better choice.

Wieners in moderation and only occasionally or none at all!

Nitrates are Nasty

More and more folks are learning about nitrates and why they are bad for people. It’s very likely they are even worse for dogs mostly because the canine digestive system is smaller than that of a human. Nitrates, commonly found in bologna, will probably have more of a negative impact on your dog’s stomach, liver and kidneys.

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It’s true that canines have a digestive process that is shorter, and their metabolism is much faster, especially for active dogs. It’s not totally clear how pets process nitrates but, suffice it to say, if it’s bad for us then it’s doubly bad for your pet dog.

Fatty Feast & Hot Dogs

Bologna is a fatty substance, made mostly with low-grade less than desirable meat. It’s very similar to a hot dog in that it comes from a collection of odds and ends. The combination of unhealthy fats, sodium, preservatives and harmful nitrates makes this food something that you don’t want to get into the habit of giving to your dog.

If you often have a pack of Oscar Mayer bologna in the fridge, or hotdogs, it’s a good idea to also keep a bag of healthy doggy snacks handy. We’ll recommend one below. This way you won’t be tempted to give Fido a slice whenever you make yourself a bologna sandwich.

Alternatives to Bologna

Instead of bologna, consider getting well regarded treats made for dogs. Treats these days are getting healthier due to intense competition. Be sure to get one that’s grain-free, meaty and contains excellent vitamins and minerals. There are products that are even designed to freshen your dog’s breath, and some are even made with organic or all-natural ingredients.

Turn snack time into a healthy experience, rather than a guilt ridden one. Forget Bologna!

Conclusion on Bologna

Dogs certainly need meat to thrive but Bologna has been processed which makes it less suitable for your pet. You have to consider the added salt and chemicals before you start relying on this mystery meat for rewarding your best buddy. The nitrates in particular are unhealthy and this applies to dogs and their owners. We strongly encourage you to come up with a better way to reward your pooch or at least don’t make a habit of feeding this baloney!

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