Can Dogs Eat Pork?

Were you about to dig into a juicy pork chop, and your dog started staring at you like you were holding the Holy Grail of snacks, screaming ‘Pork please!’? Maybe something else. But the good thing is that you did not throw a piece in your dog’s mouth and came straight here looking for some answers. Because they are not as straight as you would hope.

Pork comes in different forms. There’s raw pork, cooked pork, then there’s bacon, ham, pepperoni, etc. In general, pork is not toxic for dogs. But the way it is served can make a huge difference. 

Pork can offer multiple benefits to dogs. They include – ⁽²⁾

The biggest catch here is that pork with any kind of seasoning, sauces, condiments, onions or other ingredients can be toxic for dogs. The processed varieties of pork like bacon contain high levels of fat and sodium which are bad for a dog’s health. Eating a lot of fats can cause health problems like obesity, heart problems and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). ⁽¹⁾

The best way to feed pork to your canine buddy is to cook it and serve it plain without any kind of salt and seasonings. However, your dog’s body won’t be missing any essential nutrients if you don’t feed it. Think of pork only as an occasional treat for your dog. Even if plain and cooked, pork is a fatty meat and should be avoided to be fed to dogs in excess. 

Can Dogs Eat Raw Pork?

Raw or uncooked pork is bad for both, you and your dog. It is often found with a parasite called ‘Trichinella’, which can cause some serious troubles for your dog. If your dog eats raw pork, you may see signs like – ⁽²⁾

Raw pork can even be filled with harmful bacteria. You should be contacting your vet immediately if your dog does end up eating raw pork by any chance.  

Can Dogs Eat Pork Bones?

There is a very high chance that your dog will pounce on you if they see a bone in your hand. But wait. Throwing a pork bone in your dog’s direction may not be the best idea. Once cooked, pork bones become fragile, and the small pieces can easily splinter off. If your dog ends up ingesting that small piece, it can get stuck in your dog’s throat and damage their mouth or even some other internal organs. ⁽¹⁾

Raw pork bones may not be as fragile as cooked ones but they still stand a chance of breaking and causing the same problems for your dog. It’s always better to avoid both of them. There are dog-friendly chews available in the market to compensate for bones. 

Can Dogs Eat Pork Rinds?

Pork rinds, just like processed pork, come with a high amount of fat and salt which can be harmful to your pet’s digestive tract. It can cause problems like obesity, salt poisoning and pancreatitis if consumed in high quantities. 

Can Dogs Eat Pork Ribs?

Pork ribs pose the same threat as other bones. They can splinter and injure your dog’s organs. They can choke your dog or even cause intestinal blockage which can be fatal in some cases. It is advised to keep your dog off any kind of bones. 

Can Dogs Eat Bacon and Ham?

Bacon and ham, both can be very delicious foods for your dog but unfortunately not the best options to feed them. They contain high amounts of salts and fats. In case they have seasonings, it can get worse for dogs as it can contain onions or garlic, both of which are harmful to dogs. ⁽¹⁾

Your dog doesn’t need bacon or ham for survival. But if those sparkling eyes are making it too difficult for you to not feed them a little, keep it to a very small, plain and cooked bite.  

More About Spot Pet Insurance

Having a dog is great, but there will be times when your canine ends up feasting on things they are not supposed to. You may also unknowingly feed them foods that can cause digestive upset and other problems for them. Some may be minor, but others might be severe and may even surgery. At such a time, worrying about your pet would be more important than worrying about all the medical bills. This is where pet health insurance helps. You can save up to 90% of all expenses and much more. 

Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more. 

Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!