Can dogs eat pork? Maybe you’ve wondered if you could give your pooch a bite while preparing some pork in the kitchen for a slow-cooked weekend BBQ feast. If humans can eat pork, can dogs safely eat it too?
There is no short yes or no answer to whether dogs can eat pork safely. Technically, pork is not toxic for dogs. However it’s often prepared and cooked with the addition of spices and seasonings that could prove to be harmful to your dog.
Pork is also high in fat, and serving uncooked pork to your dog could also put your pooch at risk of contracting the parasitic trichinosis infection. So while you could consider adding plainly cooked pork to your dog’s diet, there might be better choices out there.
As always, you must consult your veterinarian before sharing any new foods with your dog. Here’s what you need to know about pork and dogs.
When Is Pork Okay For Dogs To Eat?
Pork is not poisonous or toxic for dogs. As long as pork is cooked properly, it can be a useful protein addition to your dog’s diet.
So if you’re looking to serve some pork to your dog, cook it without the use of any other seasonings, and dish up a small portion to start with to make sure that your dog’s digestive system can safely handle eating pork.
If in doubt, your vet can help you work out exactly how much pork you might want to feed to your dog.
When Is Pork Bad For Dogs?
There are a number of potential problems and issues with serving pork to your dog.
First of all, most times pork is cooked for human consumption, it’s prepared with extra spices and sauces that will most likely include ingredients such as garlic, onion powder, and chili peppers that can be harmful to dogs.
This also applies to processed pork products you might pick up at a store or supermarket, such as bacon, sausage, and cured pork meats.
Secondly, if pork is not cooked correctly — or if your dog eats raw pork — there is a risk that they could contract the parasitic infection trichinosis.
Thirdly, pork is a food that is high in fat. Consuming too much fat could place your dog on a path to canine obesity. This, in turn, can result in a host of medical conditions. Additionally, dogs who consume high fat diets are more at risk of developing pancreatitis.
So while plainly cooked pork can be fine to serve to your dog, you might be better off considering a meat like chicken as a mainstay of their regular diet.
Does your dog love to eat pork? Do you keep it as an occasional snack for your pooch’s health? Let us know in the comments below!
