In moderation, cooked pork is safe and even healthy for dogs. It provides your dog with protein and vitamin B12, which are essential for muscle maintenance and other physical processes. However, it is high in fat, which can lead to digestive and health problems. So before you feed your dog pork, there are a few important things to consider.
For most dogs, pork should make up no more than 5-10% of their total diet, and it should be lean meat. For example, for a small dog (up to 10 kg) this could be a teaspoon of cooked pork every few days, for a medium dog (10-25 kg) – a tablespoon, for a large dog (over 25 kg) – 2-3 tablespoons. Always start with a tiny portion to check the body's reaction.
What are the benefits of pork besides protein and B12? Pork also contains thiamine, niacin, selenium, phosphorus and zinc, which play important roles in energy metabolism, immune system support and skin/coat health. For dogs with chicken or beef allergies, pork can be a valuable “new protein”, but this should only be done on the recommendation and under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Fat-related risks that are often underestimated: Excess fat, in addition to pancreatitis, can cause hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), especially in breeds prone to it or in overweight dogs. It is important to remember that even a single large meal of fatty food can trigger acute pancreatitis.
Not all types of pork are safe for dogs
Bacon, cured meats, sausages, or pork roasts are not suitable foods for dogs. Any pork dishes from the human table contain salt, spices, and preservatives that are toxic to dogs.
Now about bones: cooking makes bones brittle, turning them into sharp pieces that break easily and can cause punctures in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. Raw bones also carry risks (choking, tooth damage, bacterial infections), so it's best to avoid feeding any pork bones to dogs.
How to choose lean cuts? When choosing pork at the store, pay attention to the color of the meat – it should be light pink, not white from fat. Look for “tenderloin”, “carbonate” (loin meat), or “shoulder” (skinless and without visible fat). Even in these cuts, it is worth trimming all visible fat layers and films yourself before cooking.
It is better to cook pork.
Raw and undercooked pork is dangerous for dogs because it can cause trichinosis if the meat is contaminated with the larvae of a parasitic worm. Puppies and older dogs are most at risk. If your pet has a weakened immune system, such as from a previous illness, this can increase the likelihood of infection. Symptoms of this condition include upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy, muscle inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
In addition to trichinosis, raw pork (like any raw meat) can be a source of other bacterial infections, such as salmonellosis, listeriosis, E. coli. These bacteria are dangerous not only for the dog, but also for people who come into contact with raw meat or feces of an infected animal (risk of cross-contamination).
For this reason, it is important to cook pork well before giving it to your dog. Cooking kills parasites, so the risk of infection is reduced to zero.
Is pork better than chicken or beef?
In the production of feed, manufacturers most often use lean beef, chicken, rabbit. The fact is that these types of meat can be given to all dogs without the risk of health problems and regardless of the pet's condition (of course, if the pet does not have an individual allergy or intolerance to a certain type of meat). And pork, although it provides the body with nutrients and protein, has a number of side effects.
Therefore, use pork as a treat that will slightly diversify your dog's usual diet. If your pet has any chronic diseases or digestive disorders after introducing pork, you should consult a specialist about the need to use this product.
