NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods. “What is good for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on their age, health history, health conditions, and diet, among other things.” Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.
Ham is a staple of holiday dinners and a go-to for weekday sandwiches. And, like with turkey, chicken, and other meaty snacks, chances are your pup will ask for a taste. But can dogs eat ham safely?.
Ham is a popular deli meat that’s a staple during holidays like Easter and Christmas. It’s often on the table alongside the turkey prime rib or other main dishes. With its smoky, salty, savory flavor, it’s no wonder our canine companions might beg for a bite. But is cooked ham actually safe and healthy for dogs to eat? I’ll cover the key factors to consider when feeding ham to dogs.
Is Ham Toxic to Dogs?
The good news is ham is not toxic to dogs in small amounts. However there are some important reasons why ham should only be an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your dog’s diet.
High Sodium Content
One of the biggest concerns with ham is its very high sodium content. The curing process used to preserve deli meats like ham involves packing them with sodium and preservatives.
Too much sodium can cause excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and even kidney damage or death in dogs. So while a single piece likely won’t cause major issues, regular high sodium intake puts dogs at risk.
High Fat Content
In addition to being salty, ham is very high in fat compared to other meats. Too much fat can lead to obesity, pancreatitis and other digestive issues in dogs.
The rich, fatty flavor that makes ham taste so good to us is hard for dogs to digest on a regular basis. Leaner meats like chicken, turkey and fish are healthier proteins.
Preservatives
The nitrates and nitrites used to cure ham are thought to potentially be carcinogenic in large amounts. While occasional small amounts are likely fine, you don’t want your dog eating deli meats regularly.
Difficult to Digest
There’s some debate about how digestible ham is for dogs. Some sources claim it’s highly digestible, while others state it’s inferior to other meat sources. In general, natural whole food proteins like chicken, beef, lamb and fish tend to be easiest for dogs to digest and utilize efficiently.
Healthier Meat Choices
While ham is tasty, there are healthier and more nutritious meat choices for your dog’s primary protein sources. Lean options like:
- Chicken or turkey breast
- Lean ground beef or lamb
- Salmon or whitefish
- Eggs
These provide quality protein without excess fat or sodium. Rotate through different proteins to give your dog variety.
Is Some Ham Okay?
Based on the considerations above, here are my guidelines on ham for dogs:
- Avoid frequent large amounts
- The occasional small piece is likely fine
- Remove excess fat/skin before feeding
- Skip glazes or seasonings
- Monitor for GI upset afterward
I don’t recommend making ham a regular part of your dog’s diet. But the occasional small, lean piece probably won’t do harm, as long as your dog tolerates it well.
Monitor stool consistency and appetite in the 1-2 days afterward to be sure. If you see vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite, avoid giving ham again.
Puppies & Seniors
Puppies and senior dogs may be more susceptible to digestive upset. Start with even smaller portions or avoid altogether. Check with your vet for guidance tailored to your individual dog.
Dogs With Health Conditions
Dogs with kidney disease, diabetes, pancreatitis or other conditions requiring a strict diet should not eat ham. The salt, fat and difficulty digesting can aggravate medical issues. Always follow your vet’s recommended diet for any dog with a health condition.
While the occasional small piece of ham as a treat is unlikely to harm an otherwise healthy dog, it’s best avoided as a regular part of their diet. Leaner, low sodium proteins like chicken, fish and eggs are healthier choices long-term. Check with your vet for advice tailored to your dog. As with any human foods, monitor closely for any signs of GI upset after feeding.
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What To Do If Your Dog Eats Ham
Sometimes dogs try to sneak food when we’re not looking. So, if your pup gets into the holiday ham, stay vigilant of the following signs of stomach upset:
- Lethargy or weakness
- Lack of appetite
- Excessive drooling
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms. If you see that your dog is choking on a bone, call your vet right away. They can show you how to do the Heimlich maneuver or tell you what to do if your pet needs to be taken to the emergency room.
Can Dogs Have Ham Bones?
You shouldn’t give your dog ham, but you should never give them a ham bone to chew on. Cooked bones can splinter, which can be a choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage.
There are dog-safe alternatives to bones you can give your dog instead, such as Virbac CET Chews. These won’t splinter and they’re not hard on your pet’s teeth.
Can Dogs Eat Ham?
FAQ
Can I feed my dog cooked ham?
What should I do if my dog ate ham?
How much ham is too much for a dog?
Can dogs have spiral cut ham?
Can dogs eat ham?
Ham has a higher fat content than many other types of meat. A high-fat content diet isn’t any better for your dog than it is for people. Although dogs do need fat in their diet, most dog foods have the necessary amount of fat to meet your dog’s needs. A healthy amount of animal fat in dog food is about 15 to 20 percent.
Is ham gluten free?
Ham naturally by itself is gluten-free. Although, many companies made their ham with gluten-containing ingredients like broth, spices, and glazes. So, you must prefer brands that indicate they are gluten-free on the packaging.
Can dogs eat ham & pork?
While dog food typically contains any of several animal-based ingredients, ham and pork are rarely used because these are considered fatty meats that encourage weight gain. Processed ham is also high in salt and may contain other ingredients that are bad for dogs so these should be avoided.
Can dogs eat pre-sliced ham?
And pre-sliced ham from supermarkets tends to have a lot of sodium added, which won’t be good for your dog. Not to mention the fact that pre-packaged sandwich meats will often use preservatives which are also sodium based and not good for your dog.