Can dogs eat pork bones? And can dogs eat pork at all? Well, those are the million-dollar questions, as most dog owners would pay good money to protect their pup. And the answer is sometimes yes. But it really does depend on the details.
From a dog’s perspective, there’s hardly a moment not meant for treats. Big, small, sweet, savory, yes please. Fact is, dogs eat bones with gusto, and just about anything. But not all treats are created with quality ingredients. And even worse, some are known to be unsafe for dogs.
As a pet parent, it can be hard to decipher which treats are okay and which ones are hard no’s. Bones are one of those treats that people debate about a lot. If you find yourself Googling my dog ate pork bone, what do I do, you’ll find a LOT of opinions. As always, the best advice we can offer is to chat with your trusted veterinarian. They’ll have the knowledge and guidance for your pup’s dietary needs and well-being. But in the meantime, let’s dig into an answer.
So what’s the 411 on pork bones for dogs? Check it out…
Why Some Bones Are Off Limits
Bones can be the ultimate treat, so pet owners usually offer them as a special reward or celebratory treat. But there are safety warnings associated with many kinds of bones, and rightfully so. Some dog bones can pose real choking hazards and aren’t worth the risk. This addresses the question “can puppies have bones” as well – those same bones are dangerous to puppies too. Let’s dig into that more.
Dog Bones To Avoid (Small, Cooked Pork Bones & Raw Pork Bones)
Small Bones
Small bones fit easily into your dog’s mouth – they’re the bones they might swallow. And that’s a serious no-go. Dogs should never swallow bones, because small pieces can lodge themselves within a pup’s windpipe. That’s when things get dangerous. Even if the pork bones are properly prepared, you should avoid at all costs offering them in smaller sizes, to avoid choking. Now, some dogs are picky eaters, but most really aren’t. They’ll happily gnaw at bones, pork, or anything covered in peanut butter (you know how much they love their peanut butter). So you have to be careful with what you give them, especially with leftover “human food.”
Cooked Pork Bones & Cooked Pork
Can dogs eat cooked pork? Yes is the general vet’s verdict – but always discuss with your vet about your specific dog. Have some leftover pork bones or chicken bones? It can be tempting to toss them to your dog instead of tossing them out. Don’t!
The process of cooking bones makes them softer and more brittle. (Unless they’re cooked a certain way – more on that in a moment.) What does that mean for your dog? Well, brittle bones are more prone to splintering while your dog’s chewing on them. Sharp edges can cause serious problems, like broken teeth and other oral injuries. They can even cause life-threatening blockages and damage your dog’s intestines.
Can dogs eat eggs? Find out here.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Pork? Raw Pork Bones?
Raw pork is generally not recommended. But again, discuss it with your vet, who knows your dog best. Even raw pork bones can cause issues. These raw bones can break and splinter into bone fragments (just like cooked pork bones).
So for the same reasons as cooked bones, it’s best to avoid feeding raw bones to your dog. But hold on… If dogs can’t eat smaller bones, cooked bones, or raw bones, what exactly can they eat?
And what about almonds – can dogs eat them?
Can Dogs Eat Pork Bones? Yes, But It Depends.
Let’s examine our initial question: can dogs eat pork bones? And the following questions: Can dogs eat pork femur bones, pig bones – animal bones in general? Are rib bones ok for dogs? Are steak bones ok for dogs? And can they eat pork at all, for that matter? The answer is generally yes, but with a few caveats. Plain and cooked pork is considered safe for dogs, for one. And the bones are too, but… And this is key – make sure the bones aren’t cooked or small in size, and always check with your vet. So, how can you offer them pork bones for dogs? Smoked!
Are smoked dog bones safe? Well, smoked pork bones for dogs can be a great addition to your doggy’s collection of treats. They’re packed with lots of protein, especially the ones with pork jerky inside, and are delightfully chewy! What does that mean? You shouldn’t have to worry about, say, barbecued rib bones breaking or splintering in your dog’s mouth. Smoked pork bones and the pork stuffed inside can entertain your furry friend for a long time. But be sure to keep a watchful eye while they’re chewing.
Carolina Prime Pork Bones
We know how much dogs love chewing on bones. As pet owners, we also understand how important it is to provide quality ingredients and products. That’s why we’ve created our delicious smoked pork bones for dogs with trusted ingredients. If you’ve been on the fence about dog bones, our irresistible smoked pork bones may be worth consideration.
Our Salmon Jerky Stuffed Smoked Pork Femur for dogs is delicious and easy to digest. These pork bones for dogs are made with premium pork femurs and are stuffed with tasty salmon jerky your dog won’t be able to resist. This three-in-one treat provides plenty of entertainment and loads of nutrition. Smoky meat on the outside, chewable bone on the inside, and plenty of immune-boosting salmon stuffed inside. What’s not to love?
So your dog can’t get enough of that pork flavor? We recommend our Pork Jerky Stuffed Smoked Pork Femur. This hefty treat isn’t your average bone. It’s for the aggressive chewers in our lives that are obsessed with bones. Made with high-quality ingredients, zero fillers and chemicals, and plenty of pork, this smoke bone is the ultimate treat. Also, be sure to try out our insanely tasty Real Meat Pork Jerky!
How To Give A Dog A Bone – Tips & Tricks
Congrats, by now you know the answer to, “Can dogs eat pork bones?” And “What about pork chop bones for dogs?” You should also have a better idea of which dog bones to avoid and which are the best options. So how do you offer smoked pork bones, safely?
- Choose large dog bones. In fact, the larger the dog, the larger the bone should be. Because larger breeds have sharper and larger teeth, they can break through smaller bones easily which makes them unsafe.
- Don’t leave your dog completely unattended. When you offer your dog a treat in the form of a bone, it’s best to keep an eye on them. Check every so often to ensure that your dog’s teeth haven’t pierced through the bone.
- Throw out completely gnawed bones. If your dog has chewed the bone down to its core, it’s time to toss it out before any problems arise.
- Rotate the bones you give your dog. Just like with toys, dogs can get bored with the same bone. Offering a variety of safe bones keeps their interest and can help clean different areas of their teeth.
- Don’t let your dog chew on bones without breaks. It’s tempting to give your dog a bone and let them have it for hours. Sure it’ll buy you some time and entertain them but let them chew for 10-15 minutes at a time to reduce the chance of injury.
- After your dog enjoys their bone, give them fresh water. Chewing is thirsty work, and having water keeps them hydrated. Also, drinking water can help them dislodge any small particles stuck in their teeth, promoting better oral hygiene.
Wondering if your dog can eat salmon? Find the answer here!
But what do you do if your dog eats a pork bone?
First and foremost, talk about it with your veterinarian. That should be your primary source for advice on the matter. And generally, they’ll probably give you similar advice to AKC. According to AKC, if your canine companion eats a pork bone, you should keep a close eye on them.
You’re looking for any discomfort or problematic symptoms. For example, if they’re not eating or using the bathroom, or are drooling a lot or vomiting, their intestines may be blocked by the bone. This warrants an immediate visit to the vet.
The good news is, if you take the right precautions, the chances of that happening are slim to none.
So the next time you’re rewarding your dog, throw them a bone! A Carolina Prime smoked pork bone, that is!
What about dogs and cheese? Discover more here: Why Do Dogs Love Cheese?
FAQs: Can Dogs Eat Pork & Pork Bones?
Can dogs eat pork bones?
Yes and no. Generally, it’s not safe for dogs to eat cooked or raw pork bones, because they can splinter easily and turn into a choking hazard. But if they’re smoked, they can be a great treat for your dog. Remember, always check with your vet to make sure!
Can dogs eat cooked pork?
Dogs can eat cooked pork if it’s plain and free from seasonings, especially toxic ones like onion and garlic. Pork cooked thoroughly and without added fats or spices can be a great meal for your dog. Always check with your vet, but pork prepared properly is generally considered healthy for dogs.
Why isn’t pork used in dog food?
Some dog food companies do use pork in their dog food, and some (like ourselves), offer delicious pork jerky. The American Kennel Club suggests that pork may be less common in dog food simply because so much of the pig is used in human consumption. There’s just not enough left over for dog food!
What meat should dogs not eat?
Most dogs should ideally avoid raw meat due to the risk of bacteria like salmonella, as well as high-fat meats which can cause pancreatitis. Avoid cooked bones too, as they can splinter and cause internal injuries. Ask your vet for the details on what your dog should avoid.
How much pork is too much for a dog?
Ask your vet first and foremost, because the answer will vary from dog to dog. But generally, pork should make up a reasonably small portion of a dog’s diet. Excessive pork, especially the fatty parts, can lead to digestive issues and even obesity. Again, consult your vet for specific dietary recommendations.