Can dogs eat pork?

Why

Pork itself is not toxic, but it must be cooked thoroughly to kill parasites like trichinella that can make dogs very sick. The main dangers come from fatty cuts which can trigger pancreatitis, and from seasoned or processed pork containing salt, garlic, or onions which are harmful to dogs.

If you do feed it

• Serve only lean, fully cooked pork with no bones, fat, or seasoning.
• Limit treats to small pieces, roughly the size of a dog's paw, and not more than once or twice a week.
• Avoid all processed pork products like bacon, ham, or sausages due to high salt and preservatives.

Watch out for

• Raw or undercooked pork
• Bones
• Bacon, ham, and sausages
• Seasonings like garlic, onion, and excessive salt
• Fatty trimmings and skin

Better choices