Can dogs eat pork?

Many a dog owner will tell you there’s something about the smell of pork cooking that gets their dog licking their lips and practicing those puppy dog eyes. Whether you’re frying up some bacon, roasting pork belly, or baking toad in the hole, pork can excite dogs like perhaps no other meat. But can dogs eat pork? That’s what we’re going to answer for you here.

A moment on the lips

Pork can be a fatty meat, especially in the form of sausages or bacon. It’s important to keep track of your dog’s daily intake of calories. So when it comes to sausages, bacon, and other fattier cuts of pork, it can really add up.

Stick to leaner cuts of pork (like loin) that aren’t so fattening, and make sure you trim off any fat.

So it’s okay?

Yes, dogs can eat pork – just make sure it’s cooked! Just as it is for humans, uncooked pork can be very bad for dogs indeed. It can contain a rather nasty parasite larvae called Trichinella Spiralis and this is what makes us, and dogs, sick, if we eat it. This can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and loss of energy.

It’s also worth saying you shouldn’t feed your dog any pork that’s been prepared in a sauce, as you may not be 100% sure what ingredients went into that sauce. Mushrooms, onions, garlic and more could have been used to make the sauce, and all of these can be harmful to your dog. 

And lastly, pork bones shouldn’t be fed to your dog either. Whether raw or cooked, these bones can splinter and cause your dogs injuries to their mouth, throat and stomach.

Find out more about what ingredients are harmful for dogs.

The conclusion

A trimmed piece of lean pork, cooked through and with no sauce can make a very tasty treat for your best friend.

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