Given the opportunity, many pets will happily accept (or beg for) human foods like ham and other pork products, but are these foods safe for your furry friends? So, especially around holidays like Easter or Thanksgiving, you may be asking yourself "Can dogs (or cats) eat ham?"
Although pets love to eat ham and other preserved pork items, many veterinarians will advise against feeding them to your dog or cat. Let's take a closer look at pork products and why they may not be best to feed your animal family members.
Why Do Pets Enjoy Ham & Other Pork Products?
Pets love the rich, salty taste of ham, especially when they watch their pet parents eating it. And it's not just standard baked ham that they like. While pondering whether or not your dog or cat can eat ham, keep in mind that most pets don't discriminate against the many other forms of ham, such as honey-baked, smoked or deli-cut. Also, take into consideration other preserved pork foods that tempt your pet, including hot dogs (a perennial favorite), sausages, brats, bacon, pepperoni, prosciutto and salami.
The two main flavor profiles that make these pork products so appealing to pets (and to you) are what make the food potentially dangerous: salt and fat. "Salty" is one of the four main taste categories that dogs and cats both have (sweet, sour and bitter are the others), but their strong sense of smell also attracts them to rich foods like ham, especially when heated.
It's no surprise that your pet savors the one-two punch of salt and fat in ham, but these ingredients aren't what you'd call "healthy" for your dog or cat and, when ingested in excess, ham can cause medical issues.
Salts & Fats: Quick Nutrition Facts
Ham and other processed pork contain a lot of sodium because salt is a common ingredient used to preserve the meat. While some salt is necessary for body functions and fluid balance in the body, excessive levels are not good for your pet’s health. When consumed in large amounts, sodium can contribute to certain health issues like high blood pressure and even aggravate heart disease conditions.
Like salt, fat is also important to your pet's diet; it's a good source of energy and fatty acids. In fact, sometimes pets are recommended to be placed on high-fat meal plans to aid health conditions like pregnancy or being underweight, but this should only be done under the guidance of your veterinarian. However, even in those situations, the fat content of the food needs to be part of a balanced nutritional plan.
Has Your Pet Had Too Much Pork?
Similar to salt, too much fat can result in health problems. Dogs who eat high-fat foods, for example, can develop pancreatitis (in which the pancreas becomes inflamed and swollen). High fat can also exacerbate gastrointestinal issues and diabetes, explains veterinary nutritionist Cailin R. Heinze VMD, MS, DACVN, for Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University. Dr. Heinz points out that cats are "generally more tolerant of higher fat foods than dogs," but your feline friend is susceptible to gaining too much weight on a high-fat food. This includes ham and other pork products that your canine or kitty may like to snack on.
Tasty Tips
Are Raw Pork Products Safe?
Most store-bought ham products come preserved, but some ham is sold as "fresh," meaning it’s not cooked. So, are uncooked ham and pork products, like bacon and pork roasts, a healthier option? Experts say no.
You should never feed your dog or cat raw pork products like roasts or bacon because of the inherent risks they pose to your pet's overall health. One of the most common risks associated with feeding raw meats is bacterial infection (such as E. coli and Salmonella). "Even with proper food preparation and handling of stools, the risk of bacterial contamination and infection of both pets and humans in the household is a real risk," explains the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Not only does this potentially put your pet's health at risk, but it also has potential issues of putting your family's health at risk too. Additional risks can include parasitic and protozoal infections, many of which can be life threatening. There is also the risk of nutritional deficiencies due to not feeding a properly balanced meal. So, long story short, if you're considering feeding any meat to your pet (ham or otherwise), never feed them raw proteins. It’s just not worth the risk.
Is It Safe to Give My Pet Medication using Ham?
Ham and other pork products should only ever be fed to your dog or cat with consent from your veterinarian. Using things such as deli meat ham to hide a pill in to make it easier for your dog or cat to swallow can be okay in many instances, as long as it is in small quantities. However, your veterinarian should still assess your dog or cat's particular situation before doing so, to ensure that even small amounts of ham do not pose a risk to your pet's health.
What Are Healthy Alternatives to Pork?
It's best to always stick to the basics and choose healthy, properly balanced dog and cat foods to feed your pet and use dog or cat treats as the occasional reward. While there are a number of foods out there that can be healthy "treats" (such as certain fruits and vegetables), making sure your pet gets the right amount of nutrients and calories each day is what is most important to keeping them happy and healthy, which is why a proper commercial pet food is recommended. If you're still dead set on offering your pet some human food as an occasional treat, speak to your veterinarian — they can provide you with a couple of healthy alternatives that won't unbalance your pet's diet or cause concern for your pet's health.
It may be difficult to deny your fur baby some ham from your plate or a brat hot off the grill, but it's better for their health. It is best to keep them on a strictly followed meal plan consisting of a properly balanced dog or cat food. "Extra" food from the table has its own inherent risks in terms of whether or not pets can properly digest it, but it also adds calories to their daily intake. Those extra calories can lead to weight gain and becoming overweight comes with its own potential host of health problems. So, while you may be tempted to "treat" your dog or cat with some ham or other pork product, it's best to stick to healthy, balanced pet food and treats specially formulated for your dog or cat.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Healthy Cuisine Tender Chicken & Rice Medley
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Beef Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of gourmet savory beef to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Beef Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Beef recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew Dog Food
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée cat food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small & Mini Chicken Recipe dog food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious large bite size for large breed dogs.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Barley Dog Food
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Pollock Meal & Insect Recipe Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Entrée Can Variety Pack Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Small & Mini Chicken, Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up, specially designed for small & mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free Chicken & Potato Recipe dog food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free dry dog food is gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Turkey & Rice Stew dog food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Related articles
Giving Pets as Gifts: How to Do So Responsibly
Is giving someone a pet a good idea? It may seem like a wonderful idea, but important factors to consider and some tips for doing it the right way.
Predictive Biology: The Science Behind Our Pet Food
Learn how the science of predictive biology plays a role in formulating your pet's food to interact and work with your pet's biological process.
Does Shaving a Pet for Summer Keep Them Cooler?
While it might seem logical that shaving your pet during the hot summer months would keep them cooler, learn why this practice usually isn't a good idea.
Items to Keep in Your Pet Emergency Kit
Whether a storm hits or your pet becomes injured or sick, learn how to be ready with a well-stocked first-aid pet emergency kit.
Pet Dental Health: What Happens During a Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Learn about veterinary dental care for your pet, including deep teeth cleaning procedures, which can help your dog or cat maintain proper dental health.
Benefits of Soy in Your Pet's Food
Learn the benefits soy beans can provide in pet food, including high sources of protein, fiber and vitamins.
TAILS of Aging in Older Pets
Learn the five key criteria for observing aging in your pet, including thinking, activity, interaction, loss of control and sleep cycles.
Hilarious Reasons We’re All Thankful for Our Pets This Year
In this season of thanks make sure to include why you’re thankful for your pet. I’m sure a handful of these will resonate well with you.
Littermates: Is Adopting Dog or Cat Siblings a Good Idea?
If you're considering adopting dog or cat littermates, learn some insightful information that might you decide if adopting siblings is really a good idea.
Easy DIY Dog & Cat Toys: Nine of Our Favorites
Browse this comprehensive guide for several of our favorite DIY dog and cat toys that are sure to put a little pep in your pet's step.
15 Pet-Friendly Cities Ideal for a US Road Trip
Check out our list of pet-friendly U.S. cities that are excellent travel options, offering off-leash dog parks and pet-friendly restaurants & hotels.
When Should You Consider Putting a Pet Down?
Learn important signs & factors to consider when deciding if it's time to put a pet down, including severity of an illness, physical restrictions, & more.
Water
Discover why water is the most important nutrient for your dog or cat to live a healthy life. Find out how much water your pet should consume each day.
How to Reduce Your Pet's Carbon Paw Print
Headed outside? How you and your pets engage with nature can affect the environment, so here are some quick tips for reducing your pet's carbon paw print.
What Should I Do With My Pet When I Travel?
Learn helpful tips if you're considering leaving your pet when going on holiday, including ideas for who can watch them, options for boarding them & more.
Should You Microchip Your Pet?
Should you microchip your pet? Learn how this technology works, what your pet can expect at the vet and other ways to keep track of your furry friend.
Do Dogs and Cats have Belly Buttons?
Learn whether cats & dogs have belly buttons like humans, what the function is, and if there are any health concerns associated with it.
What Do Veterinary Technicians & Nurses Do?
What do vet techs & nurses do? More than you realize! Learn about the important role veterinary technician's play as part of your pet's health care team.
Reasons to Be Thankful for Your Pet This Year
Learn some of the heart-warming reasons that you should be thankful for your pet this Thanksgiving holiday.
Vet Recommended Pet Food Explained
Vet recommended. You see the words on everything from pet food to flea medication. But what does it mean and why should you pay attention?
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.