Why only in moderation for dogs
Pork is not toxic to dogs and is rich in protein. It is fattier than chicken or turkey, though, and fatty food can give a dog vomiting, diarrhoea and even inflammation of the pancreas.
Raw or undercooked pork and wild boar meat can carry parasites and viruses that are dangerous for dogs. Smoked and salted products such as bacon or ham are high in salt and fat, so it is better not to give them at all.
How to give it
- Choose lean meat and trim off all the fat.
- Cook it thoroughly, boiled or baked, without salt, oil or seasoning.
- Take out the bones and cut it into small pieces.
- The first time, give very little, and after that only now and then, as a treat.
What to watch out for
- Fatty meat can cause vomiting, diarrhoea or inflammation of the pancreas.
- Raw pork and wild boar meat can carry parasites and viruses that are dangerous for a dog.
- Bacon, ham and other smoked products are high in salt and fat.
- Cooked bones break into sharp splinters and can injure the digestive tract.
- Pork seasoned with onion, garlic or spices is bad for a dog.
Different parts
Not every part of this food is equally safe.
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Lean cooked meat
In moderationLean, well-cooked plain pork is fine in small pieces.
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Fat and rind
Not safeThe fat and rind are very fatty and can upset a dog's digestion.
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Raw pork and wild boar
Not safeRaw pork and wild boar meat can carry parasites and viruses that are dangerous for dogs.
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Bones
Not safeCooked bones break into sharp splinters, so they must not be given to a dog.
What to give instead
- Chicken Yes, plain cooked chicken without bones, skin or seasoning makes a good treat for a dog, but do not give bones or raw meat. Safe
- Turkey Yes, plain cooked turkey without skin, bones or seasoning is fine for a dog, but do not give festive turkey with stuffing and gravy. Safe
- Beef Yes, lean cooked beef without seasoning makes a good treat for a dog, but do not give fatty cuts, bones or raw meat. Safe
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