When Pork Isn’t Okay for Dogs
Before you give your dog pork, it’s very important that you know what’s safe and what’s not.
For starters, dogs can only eat cooked pork. If a pork product is raw, or otherwise undercooked, it is dangerous for both humans and canines, as it may contain Trichinella parasites that can cause pain, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, and other not-so-great side effects.
What about pork in a raw dog food diet then? The difference here, is that the pork has been properly treated for this type of consumption, typically through a process of freezing for a set period of time to effectively kill off those pesky parasites. Standard raw pork from the grocery store, even high quality pork, hasn’t undergone the same treatment.
A second thing worth noting here, is that dogs can only eat plain pork. The ingredients that we use to make pork flavorful—think garlic, onion, chili powder, mustard, and lots and lots of salt—all pose potential dangers for our pups’ stomachs. That means that the cooked pork off of a humans plate, including that slice of fried bacon, are too decadent for your canine companion. No ham or bacon for Fido, and no cured pork products of any kind.
Next, dogs shouldn’t be eating the fat of pork. Most pork products are heavy in fat, and many have sections of fat that remain on them, even after they’re cooked. This fat is highly difficult for dogs to digest, and can be a precursor to some serious stomach upset, particularly due to inflammation and irritation in the pancreas.
And finally, no cooked pork bones for dogs. Any cooked bone can splinter and pose a risk for choking and/or tears in the digestive system. Stick to the bones and antlers that you get from the pet store.
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When Pork Can Be Dangerous for Dogs
Before you start assembling the perfect pork roast for you and your dogs dinner, evaluate which preparation methods are safe for your pooch, and which are probably going to give him stomach issues.
FAQ
Can dogs eat cooked pork chops?
What happens if a dog eats pork?
How do I cook pork chops for my dog?
What meat should dogs not eat?
Bacon, bacon grease, ham, and fat trimmed off meat or bones contains a lot of salt and/or fat and at the least can cause indigestion, vomiting, and diarrhea in both dogs and cats. These foods can also cause pancreatitis, a serious, potentially deadly inflammation of the pancreas.