
Pork, bacon, and other meat products are popular human foods that dogs crave and always want to taste. But before you give your dogs pork, know that pork is not the best food for dogs, no matter how much they beg for it. In fact, some types of pork can even be very dangerous for pups.
Naturally, our dogs are carnivores even tho they are domesticated, and a large portion of their diet is made up of protein from meat. Because of this, many dog parents don’t give a second thought to handing over a piece of pork. The problem is that most pet parents don’t even know how to feed pork to their pets; they don’t understand that a few criteria need to be met for pork meat to be safely ingested by your dog, but they usually don’t pass the test. Pork is not safe for your dog, but we will talk about what you need to know before feeding your dog pork.
Also read: Can Dogs Eat Egg
Is It Safe to Feed My Dog Pork?
You can feed your dogs pork if necessary before feeding it to them. Some types of pork are safe to feed to dogs, while others can be dangerous that they aren’t even meant to be taken by dogs. It’s important to know what’s safe and what’s not before you go ahead feeding your dog pork.
Unlike other meats that can be fed to dogs raw, dogs should never eat raw pork. They should only eat plain cooked pork, and you shouldn’t add any human food ingredients like garlic, onion, chilli powder, mustard, and lots and lots of salt because they can pose dangers to our pups. This means the cooked pork off a human’s plate is too decadent for your canine companion.
Pork is known to be high in fat, and dogs shouldn’t eat pork fat, as some have sections of fat that remain even after the pork meat has been cooked. The fat in pork meat is difficult for dogs to digest, leading to stomach upset, particularly due to inflammation and irritation. This is not only true for pork; eating foods high in fat can lead to pancreatitis in dogs.
Note: It’s recommended not to feed your canines pork unless you can take proper precautions before feeding them.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Pork?
NO!!! Dogs should never eat raw pork, no matter what. Raw or uncooked pork, or pork, is dangerous for humans; talk less of our canines. This is dangerous because it contains Trichinella parasites that can cause intestinal pain, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhoea, and other not-so-good side effects.
Some people will ask, what about our pork in a raw dog food diet? In this case, there is a difference, and the difference here is that the pork used for raw dog food is usually treated for this type of consumption by freezing for a set period to kill off those pesky parasites. However, commercial raw dog food can still contain pathogens; even standard raw pork from the grocery store and high-quality pork haven’t undergone the same treatment.
Can Dogs Eat Pork Bones?
Aside from pork bone, buy all bones; you should never feed cooked bones to your pet. Many cooked bones can splinter and pose a risk for choking internal injuries, or gastrointestinal obstructions. Be cautious as even raw bones can be dangerous. Discuss safety concerns with your veterinarian if you want to feed raw pork bones as part of a raw food diet. Immediately contact your veterinarian if your dog shows any signs of illness after eating pork meat or bones.
How to Feed Pork to Your Dog Safely
When feeding pork to your dog, it’s important to take certain precautions before feeding it to your pup. While pork may not necessarily be off-limits for your furry friend, it’s crucial to follow specific guidelines. If you plan to include pork in your dog’s diet, it’s essential to select a lean cut of pork and meticulously remove all visible fat before preparing it. You shouldn’t include pork in your daily dog diet, once or twice a week, if said to be ideal.
Observe your dog closely to identify any signs of discomfort after giving it food that is not part of its regular diet, such as pork. It would help if you watched out for symptoms like stomach upset, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, or any other concerning side effects. If you notice any of these symptoms persisting for a longer period, then it is crucial to seek veterinary assistance promptly.
Pork Alternatives for Dogs
It’s important to note that while many people’s foods are safe for dogs, pork is not recommended. Even if you carefully adhere to feeding guidelines and only offer minimal amounts, it’s best to consider other food options for your dog. With numerous other safe choices available, excluding pork from your dog’s diet may be best.
There are a lot of other delicious pork alternatives out there for you, though, including carrots, green beans, peanut butter, and plenty of different kinds of fruits. Other better and safer options for pork are:
- Chickens (no bones, avoid skin, never raw, avoid chicken feet)
- Beef (lean cuts, avoid raw)
- Salmon and other fish (avoid raw)
FAQs
Can a dog eat cooked pork?
Yes, dogs can eat cooked pork, but make sure it is in small amounts and as long as it’s unseasoned and lean. Additionally, be sure to remove the fat before feeding cooked pork to your dog.
What happens if a dog eats pork?
Different types of pork can upset your dog’s stomach and even lead to pancreatitis. This includes fatty cuts, processed/cured pork, seasoned pork, and raw pork.
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