Can Dogs Eat Pork? When it is or isn’t an Emergency

Yes, dogs can eat pork as long as it’s fed in moderation. Dogs should only be fed cooked pork. Raw or under-cooked pork can be unsafe for dogs due to the risks of parasite transmission.

What part of pork can dogs eat?

Dogs can eat most parts of pork as long as it’s cooked or seasoned without any additive or ‘toxic’ ingredients. This includes parts like the pork chop, pork belly, and pork tenderloin. Some parts like the pork belly can be quite fatty. Make sure to trim out and discard the fat before letting the dog eat any pieces of pork.

The pork rind (or pork skin) is one part that dogs shouldn’t eat. Pork rinds are not considered safe snacks for dogs because they may contain ingredients toxic to dogs.

Can dogs have pork bones?

No, dogs shouldn’t chew or have pork bones. These bones, whether cooked or raw, are likely to splinter when a dog chews on them. Swallowing pieces of pork bones can lead to problems like intestinal blockages, choking, and internal bleeding. This applies to all kinds of pork bones including pork rib bones and pork chop bones.

Can dogs have raw pork?

No, as mentioned before, raw pork isn’t safe for dogs. Raw pork may contain parasites like trichinella, which can cause diseases like trichinellosis. Dogs affected by this disease can exhibit a number of symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and inflammation.

Is pork good for dogs with allergies?

Yes, pork may serve as a good alternative for dogs with common food allergies. Pork is less likely to trigger an allergic reaction in dogs compared to other sources of animal protein. Pork is also highly-digestible, making it less likely to trigger gastrointestinal problems like bloat. You can learn about other human foods that are safe for dogs with allergies by visiting our human foods for dog database.