- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Maybe. Pork can be a great source of protein and healthy fats in your dog’s diet. Store-bought dog food that advertises pork is a great choice if your dog likes it, and of course, it provides the other nutrients and vitamins your dog needs.
However, pork table scraps are where it can get tricky. Many pork products are high in fat and sodium. Too many fatty treats can put your dog at risk of obesity and heart-related diseases. Limit pork treats to a few bites only on occasion and your dog should be fine.
Some dogs are sensitive to fatty foods, so make sure your dog is fine after giving it pork products. If your dog vomits, immediately call your vet and avoid pork in the future.
Skip Pork Bones and Raw Pork
One table scrap you should always avoid is pork bones. Cooking them makes the bones softer and more likely to splinter, and raw pork bones may contain salmonella and other harmful bacteria. They can shred when dogs chew them, which can cause them to choke or tear their mouth, throat or intestines or create blockages in their intestines.
If your dog eats a pork bone and shows signs of constipation or illness, immediately call your vet.
Also, avoid raw pork. Always make sure your pork is cooked all the way through as raw and under-cooked pork can make your dog ill.
For More Information
We offer a collection of articles on foods that are safe, dangerous or even toxic for dogs to eat, including vegetables, dairy, bread, and junk food. There is a wide variety of “human food” that is healthy for your dog to eat, while others are considered toxic and dangerous. Check out which fruits and veg are good for your dog here and which spices and seasonings are ok to give to your furry little buddy here. We’ve created these articles to ensure you’re informed on feeding your dog a wonderfully varied diet while learning the limitations of a dog’s sensitive digestive system.