Can dogs eat pork

What’s the deal with giving your dog pork? Why is there so much confusion around whether it’s safe or not? Hopefully, we can provide some clarity and give you the answer to the question, can dogs eat pork?

Pork and pork products are some of the most commonly eaten meats worldwide. Its versatility means that it can be eaten both fresh and cured. So it’s not surprising that our dogs get to sample it from time to time in the form of ham, sausage, or a few slices of pork leftover from a Sunday roast.

But is pork bad for dogs? The main concerns about giving your dog pork tend to center around two areas:

Infection

Pork is not any more harmful to your dog than chicken, lamb, beef, or other meat. The issue with pork is that there is a slight risk that it carries diseases such as pork tapeworm and trichinosis.

The pork tapeworm and trichinosis, also called trichinella spiralis (roundworms), can be caught by eating raw or undercooked pork. Once ingested, these parasitic worms pass through the intestinal tract and attack other tissues such as muscle. Infection symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy, muscle soreness, and fatigue. Puppies and older dogs are at particular risk.

Although raw pork isn’t toxic to dogs, if you want to share something with your dog, it should always be cooked pork.

Pancreatitis

The other concern around feeding pork to your dog seems to be the belief that it causes Pancreatitis. Your dog’s pancreas is the organ responsible for helping in sugar metabolism by producing insulin and for the digestion and absorption of nutrients by supplying enzymes. It is a ‘v-shaped’ organ that sits behind the stomach.

When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it is known as pancreatitis. It can cause severe stomach pain, depression, lack of appetite, vomiting, fever, lethargy, and diarrhea.

Pork is high in fat, and a diet high in fat is known to be a factor in the cause of pancreatitis. However, as with most human foods, pork is fine so long as it is eaten in moderation.

Processed pork

Even if you have never given your dog raw pork, you may have been tempted to give them a hotdog or sausage as a training aid or simply as a tasty treat.

It’s worth bearing in mind that processed meats can be extremely high in fat and calories. Feeding a single hotdog to a small or medium-sized dog is the calorific equivalent of a three hamburger snack for us.

Not only is the intake of calories important as the number of obese dogs continues to rise, but sausages may contain any number of other ingredients that may not be suitable for your dog. These can contain salt, seasoning, and spices such as garlic, garlic powder, and onion powder which can be dangerous for your dog.

Pork bones

So raw pork, sausages, ham, and gammon may be off the menu. But can dogs eat cooked pork bones? Pork bones are never OK to feed your dog. As the bone is heated, it becomes more brittle, and this can cause the bone to splinter into sharp shards when it is chewed. For this reason, cooked bones are dangerous and present a potential health issue to your dog.

These splinters can not only cause damage to your dog’s mouth or throat but if they are swallowed, then there is a possibility that they can also damage your dog’s intestinal tract. This type of damage is serious and would need an immediate and costly trip to the vet for investigation and treatment.

Why is pork not used in dog food?

Although cooked pork is safe for dogs, it’s also a common allergen. Estimates show that around 50% of dogs have some reaction to pork.

If you want to feed your dog pork, it’s a sensible precaution to keep an eye on your dog afterward for any adverse symptoms. Pork products may cause digestive issues such as an upset stomach, loose stools, or excessive scratching or licking.

Can dogs eat pork?

Yes, dogs can eat cooked pork as long as it’s plain pork and your dog is not allergic. Pork makes a tasty treat, and I have yet to meet a dog that isn’t tempted by a piece of hotdog.

So, if you want to feed your dog pork, do so in moderation. Keep in mind that pork is high in fat and can exacerbate conditions such as pancreatitis. You’ll also need to adjust their usual dog food to account for the additional calories. While pork bones are a definite no, there’s no shortage of ways of increasing interest in your dog’s diet and adding variety to what your dogs eat.

Why not whip up a batch of these tasty pork treats!

Bacon dog treats

Ingredients

• 2 slices bacon, diced
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 3 cups whole wheat flour, or more, as needed

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes; set aside, reserving excess fat.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat pumpkin puree, eggs, and bacon fat on medium-high until well combined, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add old-fashioned oats and 2 1/2 cups flour at low speed, beating just until incorporated. Add 1/4 cup flour at a time just until the dough is no longer sticky. Add bacon, beating just until incorporated.
4. Working on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Place into oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.*
6. Let cool completely.

*Baking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the treats. Serving size will also vary depending on the desired shapes and cookie cutters used

Peanut butter & bacon dog treats

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 2-3 pieces cooked bacon, chopped
• 1 cup oat flour or 1 1/2 cups rolled oats, processed until floury
• 1 cup all-purpose or whole wheat flour

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, honey, egg, water, carrot, and bacon and stir until well blended. Add both flours to the wet mixture to form a dough.
2. Roll out dough between two pieces of plastic wrap or lightly floured work surface to 1/4 inch thick.
3. Cut out with a dog bone-shaped cookie cutter or your desired shape. Place treats 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Store in a sealed container or resealable plastic bag for up to one week, or freeze.

Dog biscuits 2 by Joan

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups sifted whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup dry milk powder
• 1 cube beef bouillon, crumbled
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cooked ground pork
• 1 cup grated carrot
• 6 tablespoons shortening
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup of cold water

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly oil two cookie sheets.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the whole wheat flour, milk powder, beef bouillon, and salt. Add the ground pork, carrot, shortening, and egg; mix into the flour mixture while gradually adding water to form a stiff ball of dough.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters, and reroll scraps until no dough is left. Place cookies 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes