Can Dogs Eat Pork?
Pork is the term used when referring to meat from pigs. Pork is generally nutritious and has been used to make several meal items including bacon, sausage, gammon, and ham. But as delicious as they sound, it doesn’t necessarily mean your dog can have some. This article is dedicated to answering the following questions: can dogs eat pork? can dogs eat pork bones? and what happens if a dog eats pork? If this is what you are curious about, then let’s dive into the answer.
Should Dogs Eat Pork?
If we are going by the simple rule that dogs are omnivores, then yeah – dogs can eat pork. But considering that there can be uncooked pork, seasoned or processed pork, and leaner cuts of pork, the answer becomes a bit more complicated. You see, dogs shouldn’t eat uncooked meat because it can be infected with dangerous bacteria/parasites like Trichinella or Salmonella, which can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and some other intestinal or health problems.
They shouldn’t also eat too much salt and/or fat because that too can lead to weight gain, salt poisoning, or excessive dehydration. However, they can eat pork loin because it is cooked, without excess fat or salt, and it is very nutritious. So, should dogs eat pork? We’ll say it depends on how it is prepared. Only unprocessed, well-cooked pork should be fed to a dog.
Benefits Of Feeding Pork to Your Dog?
So, what happens if a dog eats pork? Below are the benefits of feeding your dog unprocessed pieces of well-cooked pork.
- Pork is a good source of protein which helps to keep your dog’s bones and teeth strong. It also helps to release the needed energy required by your dog to play and make you happy as he should.
- The organs such as the heart and liver contain essential vitamins and minerals that can help boost your dog’s immune system.
- Pork also has a good amino acid profile which helps your dog to function properly.
- Pork is easily digestible.
- It is a very good source of Omega 3. Omega 3 promotes skin and joint health in dogs.
So, is it ok for dogs to eat pork? That would be a big yes. As long as the pork is not seasoned, processed, raw, or undercooked, then it is not just safe but also very healthy for your feline friend.
Can Dogs Eat Pork Bones?
Many folk tales and articles online carry the ideology that dogs love all bones and bones cannot harm them. We would like to prove this fact wrong especially when the question of, can dogs eat pork bones is asked. Pork bones are naturally strong and big but after it is cooked, they become brittle. So, it can break easily when chewed or broken. Therefore, cooked pork bones can pose a choking hazard for your dog when they try to chew or break the bone. It can also tear the guts or throat of the dog if the bone pieces are being swallowed.
How To Prepare Pork for Your Dog
The first step when preparing pork is to select the type of pork you would serve your dog. The type with the most nutritional value is Heritage pork from pastured pigs. Then strip away the fat from the meat and remove all bones from the pork. Remove and thoroughly clean some of the pig’s organs like the heart, tongue, liver, and trachea. Finally, cook the pieces in clean water until the pork is well cooked. Don’t add garlic or onions and though you might be tempted to add seasonings - refrain from it. Keep the preparation simple and ensure that it is well cooked before serving it to your dog.
Note that some dogs can be sensitive to pork, so crosscheck with your vet first.
Conclusion
We have come to the end of this article, and we have also been able to answer the question: can dogs have pork? Pork is very beneficial for dogs when they are well-cooked without seasoning. So, you can serve your dog some pieces of pork as a treat or as a part of other foods. We hope you have been able to learn a thing or two from this article. If you want to expand your knowledge on pet care, check out our best pet reviews. We have everything that would suit your needs and budget.
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