Is Ham Bad for Dogs to Eat? The Pros and Cons of Feeding Ham to Your Canine Companion

Ham is a beloved food for many humans. Who doesn’t love a tasty honey-baked ham around the holidays or a nicely cured prosciutto as an appetizer? But is this tasty pork product safe for your dog to eat too? I dug into the pros and cons of feeding Fido ham to find out.

An Overview of Ham

Ham refers to pork from the hind legs of a pig that has been cured, smoked, or otherwise preserved. The curing process involves soaking the meat in a salt solution, sometimes with added spices and preservatives like nitrates. This helps preserve the meat and gives it a distinctive salty flavor. The smoking process also adds flavor while helping preserve the meat.

Types of ham include

• Cooked ham – This is the most common type. It is fully cooked during processing but still needs to be heated up before eating

• Country ham – Dry cured with salt, then smoked. Has an intense salty, smoky flavor.

• Proscuitto – Italian style dry cured ham.

• Honey-baked ham – Coated with a sweet glaze after cooking. A popular choice for holidays.

• Ham hocks – The ankle portion of the pig leg. Often used for flavoring dishes like beans or soup.

No matter what type of ham you buy, it tends to be quite high in sodium due to the curing process. It also contains a good amount of fat. This can make ham a questionable choice for our canine pals. Let’s look at the pros and cons.

Potential Benefits of Feeding Ham to Dogs

Ham does have a few things going for it when it comes to dogs:

• It’s meat! Dogs are carnivores so they can utilize meat efficiently. The protein in ham is a high-quality protein source for dogs. It provides amino acids that support strong muscles and overall health.

• Some dogs just love the taste! The salty, rich flavor of ham is hard for some pups to resist. If your dog is a motivated ham lover, using small ham tidbits for training treats can be very rewarding.

• Variety is good. While a steady diet of any one food is not ideal, adding some ham into a balanced diet as an occasional treat can add interest and variety.

• Nutrient boost. In small amounts, ham can provide vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, and iron. The bone-in ham also supplies some calcium.

So in moderation, ham can be an OK occasional snack for dogs. But there are some definite downsides to be aware of.

Potential Health Risks of Feeding Ham to Dogs

Unfortunately, regularly feeding ham may lead to some health issues for dogs:

• It’s high in fat. The marbling and trimmings on ham can contain a lot of fat. Too much fatty pork is a risk factor for pancreatitis and obesity in dogs.

• The sodium content is very high. All that salty curing and smoking leaves ham packed with sodium. For dogs, a high sodium intake puts stress on the kidneys and cardiovascular system. It’s been linked to hypertension, kidney disease, and heart disease in canines.

• There may be added preservatives. Some types of ham contain nitrates, nitrites, and other preservatives that are not ideal for dogs. These can cause irritation or inflammation of the gut.

• Bones can be risky. While ham bones seem enticing, they can actually splinter and damage a dog’s mouth, throat, or intestines. Stick to meat without bones for safety.

• It may contain seasonings. Spices like cloves, cinnamon, or hot peppers can upset a dog’s stomach. Make sure any ham given to dogs is plain and unseasoned.

• It could lead to pancreatitis. The high fat content puts dogs at risk for this serious and painful condition. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain.

• There’s a choking hazard. Stringy pieces of ham can be hard for some dogs to chew up fully. This poses a risk of choking. Dicing ham into pea-sized bits reduces this danger.

Clearly there are some real hazards when it comes to regularly feeding pork ham to dogs. But what if you want to share just a little with your begging buddy?

Is It Ever Okay to Give Ham as a Treat?

While ham is not an ideal regular part of a dog’s diet, the occasional small serving is unlikely to do harm. Here are some tips for safely treating your dog to a little ham on special occasions:

• Choose lean ham. Opt for lower-fat deli ham or Canadian bacon. Avoid fatty ends or pieces with visible marbling.

• Check for preservatives. Read labels and pick products without added nitrates or nitrites whenever possible.

• Cut it up small. Dice ham into pea-sized pieces to reduce choking risk.

• Keep portions tiny. No more than a teaspoon or two for small dogs, or a tablespoon for larger breeds.

• Mix it into their regular food. Adding a bit of ham to your dog’s normal kibble dilutes the saltiness.

• Do not give ham bones. Stick to boneless meat cut into small bites.

• Consider a dehydrated version. Dehydrated ham strips for dogs remove a lot of the fat and saltiness.

• Avoid additional salt. Don’t season the ham with anything before feeding.

• Watch your dog closely. Monitor for signs of choking or upset stomach afterwards.

• Brush their teeth. The saltiness can promote plaque so brush regularly.

With judicious portion control and smart preparation, an occasional ham treat is fine. But it should never become a regular part of your dog’s menu.

Healthier Protein Alternatives to Ham for Dogs

If you want to give your dog a delicious, protein-packed treat, there are healthier options than salty, fatty ham. Here are some good substitutes:

• Lean chicken or turkey. Unseasoned white meat is a great source of protein without too much fat.

• Lean beef. Look for cuts like sirloin that are lower in saturated fat.

• Fish. Salmon, sardines packed in water, tuna, or plain cod make good treats.

• Eggs. Scrambled, hard-boiled, or dried egg products are nutritious options.

• Peanut butter. Look for all-natural brands without added salt or sugar.

• Greek yogurt. Plain, unsweetened yogurt contains protein, probiotics, and calcium.

• Cottage cheese. Low-fat kinds are a good choice.

• Plain beans or lentils. These provide protein, fiber, and potassium.

• Tofu. Diced plain tofu is a versatile vegan protein source.

Any of these healthy proteins can be fed plain, mixed into kibble, or used as tasty training treats. For dogs that are crazy about pork, a small spoonful of plain bacon bits or cubed ham can be an occasional prize. But leaner meats, eggs, dairy and plant proteins offer better nutritional value.

Signs Your Dog May Have Eaten Too Much Ham

Hopefully now you have a good understanding of the risks around feeding ham to dogs. But what if your sneaky canine manages to scarf down a big hunk of salty, fatty ham? Here are some warning signs to watch out for:

• Nausea or vomiting – This is the most common symptom of dietary indiscretion in dogs. If the salt, fat or seasonings upset their stomach, they may throw up.

• Diarrhea – The high fat content of ham could cause loose stools or urgent diarrhea. Preservatives may also irritate the digestive tract.

• Lethargy – Dogs who overindulge in fatty, salty ham may become less energetic and seem tired or sleepy.

• Dehydration – All that salt causes increased thirst and urination, which can lead to dehydration if not balanced with enough water. Signs include loss of skin elasticity and dry gums.

• Choking or gagging – Inhaling large pieces of ham could cause choking. Gagging may signal something lodged in the throat.

• Lip licking or swallowing – Excessive licking of lips or swallowing motions may indicate nausea or something stuck.

• Abdominal pain – Dogs may whine, cry or pant to show their stomach hurts after eating too much ham. They may also assume a praying or crouched posture.

If you notice any of these concerning symptoms after your dog eats ham, call your veterinarian. They can advise you on what to watch for and recommend treatment if needed. Quick action can help prevent serious complications.

FAQs About Dogs and Ham

Still have some questions about the risks and benefits of ham for dogs? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

**