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Can dogs eat cooked Pork

Yes, you can eat pork as long as it is thoroughly cooked. Pork in itself is as harmless to dogs as chicken, beef or any other meat. However, there is a slight risk of your dog being infected with Trichinosis by eating pork. Commercially raised pork has a minimal risk of Trichinosis, because of the practices used when raising it.

Also, pork does tend to be higher in salt and preservatives so is probably not the most healthiest meat to feed your dog. Some vet report that some dogs can’t handle processed pork fat. If your dog doesn’t have an issue this is less of a concern.

If you have cooked a pork meal for yourself and want to give your dog the leftovers it is probably not a good idea. When we cook pork we tend to add extra such as seasonings and spice rubs that contain onion, nutmeg, and garlic. These are extremely dangerous for dogs, due to the fact they are highly toxic if ingested.

We also tend to add BBQ sauce or similar sauces to our pork. This is not recommended for dogs and should be avoided. Many sauces are high in salt and sugar and contain added flavoring, such as garlic and onion also.

Can dogs eat raw Pork

If you feed a raw diet it is recommended that pork is frozen for at least three weeks to kill any potential infection. If in doubt don’t feed raw pork to your dog and opt for other meats. There is still a slight risk of trichinosis infection. The infection of Trichinella spiralis will only produce subtle symptoms in dogs including;

Upset stomach
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Elevated fever
Lethargy
Muscle inflammation
Pain & stiffness

In dogs that have a weaker immune system, the symptoms may be more severe.

Can dogs eat Pork bones

It may be tempting to throw your dogs the leftover pork bone. However, I would not recommend this. Any cooked bone is dangerous for dogs as it can splinter.

When gnawed on, a cooked bone can splinter off into sharp pieces. This can cause damage to the esophagus and internal organs, and there is also a risk of choking.

Can dogs eat Ham

The recommendation is NO. Ham has a dangerously high salt content. This will cause increased thirst, making them dehydrated and your dog drinking large amounts of water. This could lead to a deadly condition called “bloat.” Bloat occurs when a dog’s stomach fills up with gas, food, or fluid, making it expand.

Early symptoms of bloat in dogs may include:

drooling more than usual
trying to be sick, but not able to vomit
dog has a tight, swollen and bloated stomach

dog is tired but restless
Your dog appears to be uncomfortable or in pain and may groan, whine or grunt, particularly if the stomach is touched or pressed

As the problem advances your dog may go into shock, with pale gums and tongue, rapid heart rate, weak pulse, problems breathing and collapse.
If you suspect bloat symptoms in your dog, contact your vet immediately

Can dogs eat Bacon

As with Ham, it is recommended not to feed Bacon to your dog. Bacon is an incredibly rich and fatty food with a high salt content. This can prove to be too much for a dog’s stomach to handle. Eating a large amount can cause pancreatitis in your dog, which can be fatal.

Can dogs eat Pork rinds

Although Pork rinds are lower in fat than actual pork they are still very high in salt. I would recommend opting for a much healthier treat for your dog.

Frequently asked questions from dog owners

My dog ate bacon. Is that ok?

A small quantity of bacon is probably not a major. It may make them thirsty, however.

What happens if a dog eats pork?

Cooked Pork is generally safe for dogs to eat with a minimal risk of trichinosis. Raw Pork should be frozen for at least three weeks to kill off any potential infection. Pork is higher in salt and fat than other meats. All in all, I would suggest opting for other meats such as chicken, beef or lamb when possible.

My dog ate a Pork bone. Was this a good idea?

Not really. With any cooked bone there is the risk of it splintering which can cause serious harm.

My dog ate raw pork. What do I do?

Monitor your dog for any ill effects such as vomiting or diarrhea or symptoms of bloat. If you have any doubts, contact your vet.

My dog ate raw bacon. Is this good or bad?

It is not the best as Bacon is high in salt and fat. The chance of trichinosis infection is low but not worth the risk. Consult your vet if you have any concerns.