When it comes to human foods like pork, the question looms: is it safe for dogs to eat? Whether you’re considering feeding your dog pork as a treat or as part of a regular meal, read our article so that you can make informed decisions for your pet’s health.
1. Feeding Dogs Pork: Is It Good Or Bad For Them?
2. Can Dogs Eat Cooked Pork?
3. The Dangers Of Raw Pork For Dogs
4. Can Dogs Eat Pork Bones?
5. Can Dogs Eat Pork Chops?
6. Can Dogs Eat Pork Mince?
7. Is Processed and Preserved Pork Safe For Dogs?
8. Can Dogs Eat Bacon?
9. Can Dogs Eat Ham?
10. Can Dogs Eat Pork Sausage?
11. Can Dogs Eat Pork Scratchings or Crackling?
12. Can Dogs Eat Pork Pies?
Feeding Dogs Pork: Is It Good Or Bad For Them?
Pork is a common feature in most human diets, and it can also be found in the diet of many different animal species.
Pork refers to pork products such as bacon, ham, gammon, and sausage, all of which originate from pigs. As eating meat is so natural for dogs, it's no surprise that they'll lap up any their owner shares with them, including pork.
Adding pork to your dog's diet is often a good idea because it's a nutritious and highly tasty source of protein.
However, while pork is generally safe to feed to dogs, there are some things to keep in mind when feeding it to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Pork?
The answer to this is quite complicated, as it all depends on the rest of the dog's diet and digestive system.
In general, most dogs can safely eat cooked pork, provided that it is cooked properly. Ensure that it’s safe for your dog by cooking the pork all the way through, and avoid serving it raw or undercooked to your furry friend.
Plus, as long as you keep things simple and get rid of those extra ingredients we humans love to sprinkle on top while cooking, dogs can safely eat plain pork.
However, there are still dangers to feeding your dog cooked pork. Certain meats, such as pork, rabbit, and lamb, are prone to producing allergic reactions. Give your dog a small quantity of the new food to see whether they react negatively.
Pork is also very high in fat, which dogs have difficulty digesting. This can cause stomach and pancreatic inflammation, so feeding dogs pork in the right quantities is important.
The Dangers Of Raw Pork For Dogs
Feeding raw pork to your dog is never a good idea. A harmful parasite called the Trichinella spiralis larvae are found in raw or undercooked pork. The larvae cause a parasitic infection known as trichinosis. While humans are more likely to suffer if infected, a dog's Trichinella spiralis infection will still cause minor symptoms such as:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Muscle stiffness
Be especially careful if your dog has a weakened immune system, as they are more likely to have more severe symptoms
Can Dogs Eat Pork Bones?
Take a moment before checking your leftover pork - especially if it contains bones.
Although dogs enjoy chewing on them, pork bones are not entirely safe. Bones become brittle and delicate once they've been cooked, which can easily lead to your dog choking or suffering damage to internal organs if the sharp parts splinter off.
Even though uncooked bones are less likely to splinter than cooked ones, it is still a possibility.
So, if your dog enjoys chewing on a bone, we advise giving them an edible dental bone instead or a beef marrow from the butchers.
Can Dogs Eat Pork Chops?
Dogs can eat cooked pork chops, but in moderation. If you’re feeding your furry friend a chop make sure that it is kept plain as certain seasonings and spice rubs are toxic to dogs and can be very dangerous if consumed.
Can Dogs Eat Pork Mince?
Pork mince has a high fat content and is better suited as a small treat now and then rather than being added to all of your pet’s meals. Just like with pork chops, make sure that any mince you feed your dog is free of seasonings, sauces, onions and any other ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
Is Processed and Preserved Pork Safe For Dogs?
There are many processed and preserved types of pork, including bacon and sausage. The fact that pork, ham, and bacon are all made from the same animal's meat doesn't mean they're interchangeable.
But are any besides pork safe to give to your dog?
Can Dogs Eat Bacon?
Feeding your dog bacon isn't recommended as there is a possibility that the high salt level will be too much for a dog's stomach to handle. Pancreatitis, a potentially dangerous disease for dogs, can result from overeating bacon.
Can Dogs Eat Ham?
Dogs will quickly become dehydrated if they eat ham because of the high salt content. The high salt level in ham can contribute to a potentially fatal disease that occurs when the body cannot correctly hydrate itself. When a dog's stomach is overflowing with gas, food, or liquids, this condition is known as bloat. Bloat puts other organs under stress, posing a life-threatening risk.
Can Dogs Eat Pork Sausage?
Given its high fat and salt content, as well as the potential for containing hazardous spices, onion, or garlic powder, pork sausage is not an ideal source of meat for your dog as these ingredients can put your dog at risk for anaemia.
Can Dogs Eat Pork Scratchings or Crackling?
Pork scratchings are not safe for dogs to consume. Whether they go by chicharrones, rinds, crackling, or pork skin, pork scratchings are not suitable as dog food or treats.
Pork scratchings are fried and laden with unhealthy substances like non-nutritional oil, salt and other seasonings, which could make your dog unwell.
Can Dogs Eat Pork Pies?
Feeding pork pies to your dog should be avoided at all costs. Many dogs' digestive systems are affected when they eat pork pies as they often contain harmful substances like onion or garlic and high levels of fat and salt. Store-bought pork pies may also contain additives and preservatives. This is not a good idea for your dog in the long run.
Finding Healthy Pork Dog Food
If you want to find your dog a healthy and safe pork dog food made of fresh ingredients specifically tailored to meet their nutritional needs. If keen to try out our Pets Love Fresh pork, please get in touch with our team to request a taster pack.
Our pork comes straight from the pigs that are born and nurtured on our Essex farm. With more than two-thirds of the recipe being human-grade pork and our carefully formulated recipe including no dairy, soy or wheat ingredients, you can rest easy knowing they're enjoying the best pork-based dog food available.
Order our taster pack today and let your pooch try out our high quality food for themselves.
