The Complete Guide to Dogs Eating Pork: Good or Bad?

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Yes, dogs can eat pork in moderation, and this protein source can provide essential nutrients. However, before adding pork to your pup’s diet, there are a few important factors to consider. While plain, cooked pork without added seasoning or sauces is generally safe, some preparations—like bacon, ham, and processed pork products—contain high levels of salt, fat, and additives that can be harmful to dogs. Plus, what about pork bones? Is raw pork a better option? Can too much pork cause digestive issues or pancreatitis? This guide will explore the benefits, potential risks, and the safest way to incorporate pork into your dog’s diet.

Is Pork Good For Dogs?

Pork can be a nutritious protein source for dogs when given in moderation and prepared properly.

Always ensure you feed plain, cooked, and unseasoned pork in small amounts. Avoid processed pork products like bacon, ham, and sausages, as they contain high levels of salt, fat, and additives that can be harmful to dogs. Also, steer clear of pork bones, which can splinter and pose a choking or digestive hazard.

Benefits

100 grams (3.5-ounce oz) of pork contains the following nutrients:

Pork Nutrition Chart (100g)

Nutrient Analysis

Risks & Considerations Before Feeding Pork to Dogs

While pork can be a source of protein for dogs when prepared correctly, there are several risks and considerations to keep in mind before feeding it to your canine companion:

Safe Pork Cuts & Types For Dogs

Can Dogs Eat Raw Pork?

While other raw meats can be safe for dogs when properly handled and sourced as part of a balanced raw diet, pork is an exception. Raw pork poses significant risks to dogs and should be avoided. Unlike other meats, pork can carry the parasite Trichinella spiralis, which causes trichinosis, a potentially serious infection in dogs. This parasite is particularly resistant and can survive freezing, making raw pork especially dangerous. Raw pork can also transmit other parasites like Neospora caninum, which can cause serious neurological issues in dogs.

Even when sourced from reputable suppliers, raw pork still carries a higher risk of bacterial contamination compared to other meats. For those interested in raw feeding, it’s safer to stick with other protein sources like beef, turkey, or game meats, while ensuring proper food safety practices and consulting with a veterinarian to maintain a balanced diet.

Are Dogs Allergic to Pork?

Risks

The following symptoms may indicate a bad reaction to pork.

What to Do If A Dog Reacts Badly to Pork

Dogs showing worsening symptoms, such as blood in their vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, weakness, or collapse, should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

1. Contact a veterinarian immediately: Even if your dog seems fine, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline right away. This includes services like the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661. If you can’t reach your vet, you can chat live with a registered online veterinary professional via our online vet chat or video chat support (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). You can also schedule an at-home veterinary appointment with The Vets, a mobile veterinary service that provides at-home vet care nationwide for just about everything.

2. Gather important information: When speaking to a vet, provide the quantity consumed (estimate if unsure), time of ingestion, and dog’s weight and breed (to assess potential risk).

3. Follow veterinary instructions: The vet may suggest monitoring at home or emergency treatment at the clinic.

• Keep your dog calm and prevent them from eating anything else.
• Be prepared to transport your dog to the vet quickly if advised.
• Bring any remaining pork or packaging to help the vet assess the situation.

How to Safely Feed Pork to Dogs

When feeding pork to your dog, it’s important to follow a few simple guidelines to keep them safe:

Ways to Feed Pork to Dogs

As with any new food, start slowly and introduce pork in small amounts to avoid digestive issues.

Best Pork Dog Food

If you want to include pork in your dog’s diet for its nutritional benefits, Ollie’s Pork Recipe is indeed an excellent option. This recipe stands out because it uses 100% human-grade ingredients, ensuring high-quality nutrition and safety for your dog. The Ollie Pork Recipe combines human-grade pork with nutrient-rich ingredients like apples, butternut squash, and oats, providing a balanced meal that supports overall canine health. It meets AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages, including large breed dogs, making it suitable for dogs of all sizes and ages. Additionally, the limited ingredient list and fresh preparation make it an ideal choice for dogs with food sensitivities or those requiring a novel protein source.

Best Pork Dog Treat

​Open Farm’s Dehydrated Pork Treats are an excellent choice for enhancing your dog’s diet with the benefits of pork in a tasty way. These treats are made from humanely raised, antibiotic-free pork, ensuring high-quality protein content. The gentle dehydration process at low temperatures preserves essential nutrients and maximizes flavor, making them nutritious and appealing to dogs. Additionally, these treats are grain-free and contain no artificial additives, catering to dogs with dietary sensitivities. Their simple ingredient list, including pork and chickpeas, provides a wholesome and easily digestible snack option.

How Much Pork Can Dogs Eat?

Treats should only constitute 10% of your dog’s diet, with the remaining 90% coming from well-balanced dog food. This guideline also applies to healthy treats like pork. Below, you’ll find general guidelines for safely portioning pork based on your dog’s weight.

Dog Size	Serving Size (feed occasionally)	Breed Examples
Extra-small (2-15 lbs.)	1 to 2 ounces	Shih Tzu, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese
Small (16-25 lbs.)	2 to 3 ounces	Boston Terriers, Beagles, Dachshund
Medium (26-60 lbs.)	3 to 5 ounces	Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Border Collies
Large (61-90 lbs.)	5 to 8 ounces	Golden Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers
Extra-large (91+ lbs.)	8 to 10 ounces	Bullmastiffs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees

Can Puppies Eat Pork?

Yes, puppies can eat pork, but only in moderation and very small amounts. Since puppies have more sensitive digestive systems, it’s best to start with just a tiny portion—such as a teaspoon of fully cooked, unseasoned, lean pork—to see how they react. Feeding too much pork at once can lead to digestive upset, as puppies’ stomachs are still developing and may struggle to process the richness and fat content of pork. Additionally, plain, cooked pork without any seasonings, marinades, or additives is the best option—avoid bacon, ham, sausages, or any processed pork products, as they often contain excess salt, preservatives, and harmful ingredients like garlic or onion powder. When introducing pork or any new food, avoid giving multiple new foods on the same day so you can monitor for any food sensitivities or allergies. If your puppy experiences digestive issues, introducing only one new food at a time makes it easier to identify the cause. Try offering a teaspoon of plain, diced pork and wait a few days to observe how your puppy’s digestive system reacts before considering offering more. Always remove excess fat and avoid bones, as these can be difficult to digest and may pose a choking or obstruction hazard.

Can Dogs Eat Pork Kidneys?

Yes, pork kidneys can be a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet. They are rich in essential nutrients such as iron, folate, zinc, and vitamin B12. However, it’s crucial to introduce organ meats gradually and in moderation, as they are nutrient-dense and can cause digestive upset if overfed. Ensure the kidneys are sourced from reputable suppliers and are properly cleaned and cooked before serving. ​

Can Dogs Have Pulled Pork?

Dogs can have plain, unseasoned pulled pork that has been cooked thoroughly. However, traditional pulled pork recipes often include seasonings, spices, and sauces (such as barbecue sauce) that can be harmful to dogs. Ingredients like onions, garlic, and excessive salt are toxic to dogs and should be avoided. Always ensure any pork given to dogs is free from such additives. ​

Alternatives

Here’s a list of alternatives to pork that are just as safe and nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Pork can be a safe and nutritious protein source for dogs when prepared properly, but it comes with important considerations. Plain, cooked pork without seasoning, bones, or excess fat is generally safe in moderation. However, raw pork carries the risk of parasites, and processed pork products like bacon or sausage are high in salt and harmful additives that can be dangerous for dogs. If you choose to feed your dog pork, ensure it’s fully cooked, lean, and served in small portions. As with any dietary change, consult your veterinarian to ensure it aligns with your dog’s specific health needs. By making informed choices, you can safely incorporate pork into your dog’s diet while prioritizing their overall well-being.

Whether you’re introducing pork or any new treat, unexpected reactions can happen. Having the right pet insurance ensures you can handle any vet visits with peace of mind. Check out our guide to the best pet insurance plans to keep your furry friend covered in every situation. If you’re looking for other healthy snack options, check out the best dog treats to find safe and nutritious alternatives.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.