Written by

Tara Farmer

April 25, 2025

Edited by

Jennifer Carlson

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

Can dogs have pork?

Pork is a common protein in human diets, but is it safe for your canine companion? The short answer is yes, dogs can eat pork, but with important caveats. Plain, well-cooked pork in moderate amounts is safe for most dogs. Pork provides protein, amino acids, and nutrients that can be beneficial as part of a balanced diet.

However, not all pork products are created equal. The way pork is prepared and what it's served with makes all the difference between a safe occasional treat and a potentially dangerous food choice. Let's explore everything you need to know about dogs and pork consumption.

Is pork bad for dogs?

While pork itself isn't inherently bad, many forms of pork can pose health risks:

• Potentially harmful ingredients: Processed pork products often contain harmful ingredients for dogs, including excessive salt, spices, preservatives, and seasonings like garlic and onion powder, which are toxic to dogs.

• High fat content: Pork is higher in fat than chicken or turkey, which can lead to digestive upset and pancreatitis in sensitive dogs. Always choose lean cuts such as pork loin or tenderloin.

• Allergy risk: Some dogs may have pork allergies or sensitivities to pork. Watch for signs like itching, ear infections, gastrointestinal distress, or skin problems after consuming pork.

Can dogs eat pork bones?

No, dogs should never eat pork bones. Pork bones easily splinter and can cause serious injuries such as:

• Choking hazards

• Mouth or tongue injuries

• Obstruction or perforation of the digestive tract

• Broken teeth

This applies to both raw and cooked bones, though cooked bones are especially dangerous as they splinter more readily.

Can dogs eat pork chops?

Dogs can eat plain, well-cooked pork chops with all fat trimmed off and bones removed. However, most prepared pork chops contain seasonings, marinades, or sauces that aren't safe for dogs.

If you're sharing pork chops with your dog, offer only small, unseasoned, thoroughly cooked portions without any oils, butter, salt, or spices.

Can dogs eat pork rinds?

No, dogs should not eat pork rinds. Though they might seem like a crunchy treat your dog would enjoy, pork rinds pose several health concerns:

• Extremely high in fat, which can trigger pancreatitis

• Often heavily salted, leading to potential sodium toxicity

• Frequently seasoned with spices unsafe for dogs, including garlic and onion powder

• Offer minimal nutritional value while being calorie-dense

• Their hard texture may present choking hazards or digestive blockages

Even "plain" pork rinds typically contain preservatives and other additives that aren't beneficial for your dog's health.

Can dogs eat raw pork?

No, dogs should not eat raw pork under any circumstances. Raw or undercooked pork can harbor bacteria (Salmonella, E. coli) and parasites like Trichinella spiralis, which causes trichinosis—a parasitic infection that can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, muscle inflammation, and other health issues.

Raw meat also poses a higher risk of digestive upset. Always cook pork thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) to eliminate parasites.

Can dogs eat ground pork?

Plain, well-cooked ground pork with fat drained off can be safe for dogs in small amounts. However, ground meat typically contains higher bacterial counts than whole cuts.

If you're using ground pork for your dog, ensure that it's cooked thoroughly to kill any potential pathogens. Avoid seasoned varieties like breakfast sausage mixtures, which contain harmful additives.

What about bacon, ham, or sausage?

Avoid giving your dog processed pork products for a number of reasons:

• Dogs should not eat bacon. Extremely fatty and heavily salted, bacon can contribute to obesity, pancreatitis, and sodium poisoning. The high salt content and preservatives make it particularly problematic.

• Dogs should not eat ham. Also high in salt and preservatives, ham offers little nutritional benefit while posing risks of sodium ion poisoning, especially for smaller dogs.

• Dogs should not eat sausage. It typically contains seasonings, spices, and preservatives that can be harmful or toxic to dogs, including garlic and onion powder, which damage red blood cells.

How to safely share pork with your dog

If you do want to share pork with your dog, follow these guidelines to ensure it's safe and enjoyable:

• Cook it thoroughly to kill parasites and bacteria.

• Use only plain pork without any seasonings, sauces, or marinades.

• Trim all visible fat before serving.

• Remove all the bones.

• Offer it in small portions as an occasional treat.

• Introduce it gradually to watch for adverse reactions.

• Consider your dog's specific dietary needs and health conditions.

For dogs with sensitive stomachs or histories of pancreatitis, it's best to avoid pork altogether.

Healthier alternative treat options

Instead of pork, consider these healthier foods dogs can eat safely in moderation:

• Lean chicken or turkey (no skin, bones, or seasoning)

• Fish like salmon (cooked, bones removed)

• Small amounts of lean beef

• Commercial dog treats specifically formulated for canine nutrition

When to call your veterinarian

If your dog consumes pork and shows any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately:

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Lethargy or weakness

• Excessive thirst or changes in urination

• Signs of abdominal pain

• Allergic reactions (excessive itching, swelling, hives)

• Difficulty breathing

Always consult with your veterinarian about specific dietary questions related to your individual dog's health needs and conditions. And remember, treats of any kind should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake to maintain a balanced diet and healthy weight.