Pork is one of those ingredients that many dog parents struggle to understand.
You may find yourself asking… I like pork, but can my dog eat pork? What happens if a dog eats pork?
Dogs certainly seem to want to eat pork. If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of some wide puppy dog eyes staring up at you as you eat bacon, then you know it’s definitely tempting to feed your dog some pork, but is it safe?
Can Dogs Eat Pork?
Most of a dog’s diet should come from meat because dogs are natural carnivores, which is why many pet parents are eager to share meat with their pup. However, in some cases, pork is not always safe for dogs.
Dogs can certainly eat pork, however, it should always be a lean cut of meat served to dogs plain and gently cooked. According to the American Kennel Club, pork is frequently served with spice rubs and seasonings, such as garlic powder, nutmeg, and onion powder, which are all highly toxic to dogs. Condiments like barbeque sauce are also dangerous for dogs to consume because of their high salt and sugar content, along with possibly harmful spices.
Improperly treated, raw pork is hazardous for dogs and humans to consume because it can contain the parasite trichinella spiralis larvae, which can cause a dangerous parasite infection. A dog that has a Trichinella spiralis infection may experience the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Muscle inflammation
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
If the pork is plain and cooked, your dog is unlikely to have an adverse reaction to consuming pork. However, you should always start slowly when transitioning your dog to a new protein so their digestive system can have time to adjust.
According to the World Health Organization, it’s also strongly recommended that you avoid feeding your dog preserved pork products, such as ham, sausage, and bacon, which are linked to cancer. Cooked pork bones are also a no-no because of the possibility of a bone splintering, which can cause your dog to choke or experience tears in their digestive system.
Is Pork Good for Dogs?
Pork is rarely a primary protein source used in dog food, which leaves many pet parents left to wonder, “Why is there so little pork dog food?”
