Every day, there’s a new food craze that dog owners want to try, even if their veterinarian thinks it might not be so healthy. If you’re thinking about giving your dog some gyro meat, you might want to know the answer to whether dogs eat gyro meat? Here’s what one veterinarian has to say on the subject.
What is gyro meat?
Gyro meat is pork, lamb, or beef marinated in yogurt and seasoned with Mediterranean spices. Talk to your vet if you’re not sure if your furry friend can have it. It is possible that gyro meat could cause an upset stomach or allergic reaction in dogs, but it’s also possible that they would be okay after eating some. Check with your vet first before making any changes to your pet’s diet.
What makes the food bad for dogs?
We know your dog looks at you with those big eyes and gives you that face every time they see your gyro meat. Don’t give in! While having an eager, food-loving pup might be cute, their food intuition isn’t always correct. But why exactly is gyro meat terrible for dogs? It comes down to more than just them being carnivores: what makes it dangerous is its high salt content. And while humans crave salt, too much of it isn’t suitable for dogs because it can cause stomach ulcers or even gastrointestinal damage. In some cases, feeding too much salty food can lead to salt poisoning, which can be deadly if not treated quickly.
So, should my dog eat gyro meat?
That depends on his breed, weight, and age. To get started, let’s go over what gyros are. Gyros are pretty simple: Beef or lamb seasoned with lemon juice, onions, and other spices stacked on top of the flatbread. (Yes, these delicious sandwiches were invented in Greece!) Traditionally, they’re wrapped with pita bread and topped with tzatziki sauce—and they’re usually so big that two people can split one! Yum! The thing to keep in mind here is that gyros aren’t technically meat; instead, they’re ground up into a paste made up mostly of spices and fat.
How much is too much of this food?
The biggest concern with feeding human food to dogs is that things aren’t always as advertised when it comes to nutritional content. Some human foods are too rich for dogs, and others contain elements that can be toxic or even fatal to them. For example, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs—so you probably shouldn’t try sneaking some into his bowl. But what about other foods? There isn’t much of an issue when it comes to lunch meats in particular. According to PetMD (and common sense), gyros meat is relatively safe for your pup since it’s all-natural with no additives or preservatives.
If I feed him this, will he get sick right away?
You might be wondering if eating gyro meat is that bad for your dog. After all, your pup seems to love it when you feed him. Unfortunately, while most dogs will scarf down fatty foods without any issues, some experience food intolerance or allergies. It’s good to stop feeding gyro meat to your dog if he experiences bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting after eating it. If you suspect that your dog is experiencing an allergic reaction to something you’re feeding him—be it gyros or anything else—it’s essential to get in touch with your vet as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can result in poor health and death for dogs with severe allergies.
Should my dog have it every day?
All of that being said, we’re here to tell you that not all dogs can eat gyro meat every day. If your dog has a thyroid problem or is overweight, she shouldn’t have more than an ounce or two gyro meat once or twice per week. Even if she’s at her ideal weight, try not to overdo it with too much protein; ideally, you should be feeding her about 20% protein and 80% carbs. Excess amounts of protein aren’t suitable for dogs because they can cause kidney problems, just like too much meat leads to kidney issues in people.
Will, my dog like eating it if I get him some as a treat now and then?
As with any new food, it’s good to slowly introduce your dog to gyros. Start with just a bite or two and see how he reacts, then give him more if he seems fine with it. If your dog’s allergic to any of those ingredients or something else in there gives him an upset stomach, stop feeding it right away. And just as you shouldn’t provide him with something that could make him sick, you also shouldn’t withhold food from your dog if he is hungry and has had an upset stomach; his appetite will return soon enough. So don’t try fasting for more than a day unless you’re under strict supervision by an expert.
What happens if I give it to him as an occasional snack or treat, like once or twice a week?
Please give it to him once or twice a week as an occasional snack. In terms of actual frequency, you can feed your dog gyros 1-2 times per week if you like, but I’d advise against doing so more often than that. It all depends on how healthy your dog is, but I’d say that feeding your dog gyros less than 2-3 times per month is perfectly fine. Please give him a small amount (about 4 bites worth), no more than 3 times per month, make sure they’re healthy dogs with no dietary sensitivities, and check with their vet before giving them anything new! As always, moderation is essential for feeding your human pup food!
Any other tips or warnings about feeding him this stuff in moderate amounts once in a while on occasion for fun (like at parties)?
Depending on your dog’s size, condition, and what else you’re feeding him, please don’t give him more than about 10 percent of his total daily calories in gyro meat. Make sure that all other food is high-quality stuff. Talk to your vet about how much exercise he gets e well as how much protein he should be getting overall, and what brands and sources are best for his age and weight range. If he’s showing any signs of illness or lethargy, have a vet look at him right away. You don’t want him to choke or get sick!