Can Dogs Eat Raw Pork?

Dogs should not eat raw pork because it may be contaminated with harmful organisms.

Pork is a type of meat that comes from domestically raised pigs. It may be safely eaten by humans in freshly cooked and preserved forms. Though cooked and unseasoned pork may be given to canines in very limited amounts, raw pork is another matter. Raw or undercooked pork may have microorganisms such as bacteria (E. coli, salmonella, and staphylococcus), parasites, and worms that may harm your dog. Some reports state that roundworms may even stick to a host’s muscles for years. 

Infected raw pork can cause dogs (and even humans!) to get sick. Depending on the type of microorganism present, your pooch may display these signs of food poisoning: panting, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, extreme thirst, incontinence, nausea, dizziness, hyperactivity, and cramping. In severe poisoning cases, he may even experience heart palpitations, tremors, seizures, or even death.

What to do if your dog accidentally eats raw pork: Speak with your veterinarian immediately. Let him know how much and what type of raw pork your dog consumed. And let him know if your dog is manifesting any symptoms. Popular pork products such as ham, sausage, and bacon are also high in salt, making them unsafe and unhealthy for canines.

In addition, let your vet know if the ingested meat was seasoned. These include but are not limited to ingredients such as onion, garlic, chives, herbs, and spices. These seasonings are highly toxic for dogs and may cause other complications to develop.   

In summary: Though your raw pork may come from trusted sources, there’s always a risk involved in serving it to your canine. Aside from the possibility of harmful organisms lurking in the meat, the animal-derived protein is not the best source of nutrients your dog needs. It may be a wiser option to give him lean cuts of plainly cooked turkey or chicken. Aside from these, browse our “can dogs eat” category to discover which human foods your pet dog can safely consume.

References:

Toxic and Dangerous Foods Your Dogs Should Never Eat

Food Poisoning in Dogs: What to Know

Ultimate Guide to What Dogs Can Eat