Can Dogs Eat Pork? The Benefits and Risks Explained
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Many people enjoy eating pork in various forms, from sausages and bacon at breakfast to pulled pork and hot dogs at a barbecue. But is pork safe for dogs to eat? In this article, we'll answer the question, 'Should dogs eat pork?' outlining the risks and benefits of pork for dogs.
Table of contents
Is pork bad for dogs?
Pork isn't bad for dogs. If it's deboned, cooked without seasonings, spices, and sauces, and served plain with the fat removed, it’s generally safe for your dog. The main risks come with cured pork that’s high in salt, fatty cuts of meat, or pork that’s part of a dish containing other toxic ingredients, like onions and garlic.
What happens if a dog eats pork?
If a dog eats pork with seasonings or spices, they might develop vomiting or diarrhoea. Pork with high fat content could cause similar symptoms, but it might also trigger pancreatitis, which can be serious. The high salt content in bacon (smoked or unsmoked), ham, and cured pork can cause excessive thirst, disrupting your dog's hydration and fluid balance.
Another risk associated with dogs eating pork is gut damage or a blockage caused by bones. This is why it's never a good idea to give your dog pork bones, whether they're cooked or raw. It's also best to avoid giving your dog a pork dish that contains any toxic ingredients, as this could cause anemia, vomiting, or diarrhoea.
Nutritional benefits of pork
We've covered some of the risks of feeding your dog pork, but is pork good for dogs if fed safely? Here are some of the nutritional benefits of pork:
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Nutritional Benefits |
What does that mean? |
| High in omega-3 |
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for dog’s healthy skin and coat. They also help reduce inflammation, support heart health, improve joint health, and aid their brain function. This is particularly useful for dogs with allergies or joint issues. |
| Good source of protein |
Dogs thrive on high-quality protein as it is crucial for muscle development, tissue repair, and maintaining a strong immune system. Pork provides complete protein with all essential amino acids needed by dogs. |
| High in vitamin E |
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage, supports a healthy immune system, and promotes skin and coat health. It also plays a role in eye health and helps prevent oxidative stress. |
| High in B vitamins |
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) supports your dogs’ energy metabolism and nerve function, while Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) aids their brain development, immune function, and neurotransmitter production. Finally, Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) is crucial for red blood cell production, nerve health, and DNA synthesis, all of which are essential for their overall health and well-being. |
| High in zinc |
Zinc is essential for immune system function, wound healing, and keeping their skin and coat healthy. It also supports thyroid function and reproductive health. |
| High in phosphorus |
Phosphorus is critical for strong bones and teeth. It also plays a role in energy production, kidney function, and muscle contractions. |
While high-fat cuts, cured and smoked, options should be avoided, pork is a great source of protein, and the nutrients can help to support the immune system, heart, and brain function. Browse our adult dog meals to find the perfect choice for your pork-loving dog.
Feeding your dog pork
Selecting the best types/cuts of pork
You shouldn't give your dog too much salt, and bacon, ham, and other cured meats contain a lot of it. Certain cuts of pork, e.g. pork belly, can be particularly fatty, so these should also be avoided, and you should never give your dog crackling.
Cooked or raw? Can dogs eat raw pork?
Uncooked pork carries several risks, which can increase depending on how the pork has been stored or prepared. Not only could raw pork carry bacteria associated with food poisoning, like Salmonella, but it can also carry parasites. For example, eating raw or uncooked pork can cause Trichinosis, caused by the roundworm Trichinella. These aren't just a risk to your dog but also to vulnerable family members who could become infected.
Is pork good for dogs with allergies?
Dogs can be allergic to any food, including various meats. The most common food allergens are beef, chicken, and dairy. If your dog has suspected food allergies and you're trying to find a food that works for them, choosing a dog food that only contains ingredients they've never eaten before could help. Therefore, if your dog has never eaten pork, this could be a good choice.
If you’re thinking, ‘Is pork good for dogs with a sensitive stomach?’ there are probably better options. Since pork is so fatty, this could make your dog’s gut symptoms worse. Instead, plain chicken, white fish, or turkey with rice, pasta, or scrambled egg would be better choices.
Summary
Feeding your dog pork needn’t be a risk, and if you do it safely, your dog can benefit from the protein, vitamins, and minerals it provides. To make it easier, we have a selection of pork meals available, including our Pork Shoulder Recipe which contains: Pork shoulder 24%, Pork heart 23%, and Pork liver 11%.
Choosing the best meats for your dogs might seem confusing, but our blog will help you choose from our dog-friendly meat options, including chicken, pork, and beef.
FAQs
Can puppies eat pork?
As long as it's part of a nutritionally complete, puppy-specific diet that uses low salt and low fat cuts, pork is safe for puppies to eat. Our puppy meals contain a variety of meats, including pork.
Can dogs eat bacon?
Bacon isn't just high in salt, it's also high in fat, and foods with high fat levels are more likely to cause pancreatitis . Therefore, it’s best for dogs to avoid bacon. For more information on how pancreatitis can affect your dog, visit The Kennel Club.
Are pork ears good for dogs?
Pig ears can keep your dog’s teeth healthy and are a good protein source. They are easy to chew because they have softer cartilage, making them the perfect treat for senior dogs with dental problems. Pig ears also carry an impressive amount of glucosamine and chondroitin. These naturally-occurring compounds relieve osteoarthritis in dogs. They should be given in moderation like all treats to avoid obesity and under supervision as they cause a possible choking hazard.
Can dogs eat pork bones?
Pork bones, whether cooked or uncooked, can damage your dog's mouth, oesophagus, stomach, or intestines. When cooked, they are more likely to splinter into sharp pieces but even raw, they can cause a gut blockage, which could be life-threatening even with surgery.
Can dogs eat pork scratchings?
Pork scratchings are high in fat, so should be avoided due to the risk of an upset stomach or pancreatitis.
Can dogs eat pork sausage?
Pork sausages are usually high in fat and often contain various seasoning and spices, which means it's not a good idea to feed pork sausages to your dog.
Can dogs eat pork mince?
Lean pork mince is suitable for dogs, as it’s lower in fat. However, it’s best to avoid mince that is higher than 5% fat to reduce the risk of pancreatitis or an upset stomach.
Can dogs eat pork pies?
Pork pies are not safe for dogs, not only do they contain lots of fat, but they’re also high in salt and may contain extra seasoning or ingredients that are toxic, like onions and garlic.
Can dogs eat pork liver?
Yes! Dogs can eat pork liver. Our Pork Shoulder Recipe contains 11% pork liver as well as apple, sage, seeds, and vegetables.
About the author
Dr. Hannah
Hannah Godfrey – BVetMed MRCVS
Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and began work straight away at a busy mixed practice. She has a passion for soft tissue surgery, ultrasound, and canine and feline dentistry, having completed additional training in these areas. February 2023 marked a big development in Hannah’s career, as she moved from permanent clinical veterinary work to become an Editor for a global medical communications company. She hasn't given up clinical work altogether, though, and still does regular locum shifts at her local veterinary practices.
