Yes, dogs can eat meatballs safely as long as they’re prepared with dog-safe ingredients and are only given in moderation. This does not mean you should be giving your pup leftovers from your favorite Italian restaurant or store-bought meatballs. These can be high in fat and sodium and likely also have harmful ingredients, like onions and garlic, added to them, which can be toxic.
As always, you must ask your veterinarian before introducing any new foods to your dog. Here’s what you need to know.
When are meatballs safe for dogs to eat?
As long as the main ingredient in meatballs is a meat that your dog can tolerate, such as chicken or beef, meatballs can be a good source of protein for your dog.
Secondary meatball ingredients, such as dog-safe cheese and squash can also provide some nutritional value to your dog. In general, it’s best to make your own meatballs for your dog so that you are totally in control of the ingredients going into them.
When are meatballs bad for dogs?
The main problem with serving meatballs to your dog is that many store-bought meatballs intended for humans have extra ingredients added to them. Some of the common ingredients in meatballs that could prove to be harmful to your dog include onions, garlic, and high levels of sodium.
Dogs who consume too much sodium might risk developing conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Additionally, too much sodium can result in salt poisoning, which produces symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and drinking a lot more water than usual.
Another issue with serving meatballs to your dog is that meatballs are often paired with sauces that might also contain ingredients that are harmful.
So while in some cases, meatballs can be fine to serve to your dog, it might be more effort than it’s worth to cook up a batch of meatballs solely for your pooch.
