Dogs · Guide
Can Dogs Eat Ham Bones?
No, ham bones are not safe for dogs. They can splinter and block or cut the gut. Learn the warning signs, what to do if your dog ate one, and safer chews.
No. Dogs should not eat ham bones. Pork bones are likely to splinter and crack when chewed, whether they are raw or cooked. Sharp pieces can cause choking, a blocked gut, or cuts inside the mouth, throat, and belly. Skip the bone and give your dog a chew made for dogs.
Why are ham bones bad for dogs?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) says pork bones are likely to splinter and crack, and cooking does not make them safer. Pork bones are also fairly small, so a big dog may try to swallow one whole.
Here is what can go wrong, according to the AKC:
- Choking. Pieces can get stuck in the throat.
- Cuts and holes. Sharp bits can hurt the mouth, tongue, stomach, or intestines.
- A blockage. A piece that is too big to pass can stop food from moving through the gut. This can become very serious fast.
- Pain and constipation. Pieces of rib bone can get stuck near the end of the colon.
- Pancreatitis. Rib bones, especially pork ones, are high in fat. Too much fat can cause pancreatitis, a painful swelling of the pancreas.
The Merck Veterinary Manual adds that bones are the most common thing to get stuck in a dog’s esophagus, the tube between the mouth and the stomach.
What about the ham meat on the bone?
Ham itself is not a good treat either. The AKC says store-bought ham is high in salt, and too much salt can make dogs vomit, have diarrhea, and drink and pee a lot. It is also fatty, which can lead to pancreatitis. A tiny bit once in a while is unlikely to hurt, but the AKC says it is better to keep ham for people.
Other pork bones and ham products
Can dogs eat ham hocks?
No. A ham hock is a bone with salty, fatty meat on it, so both problems above apply. The sources we read don’t talk about ham hocks by name, so this answer comes from putting the bone advice and the ham advice together.
Can dogs eat pork shoulder, pork chop, or rib bones?
No. The AKC says pork bones are likely to splinter whether raw or cooked, and it lists pork chop bones as unsafe. It also points out that pork ribs are very fatty.
Can dogs eat cooked pork bones?
No. For more on cooked bones of every kind, see can dogs eat cooked bones.
Signs to watch for after your dog ate a bone
The AKC lists these signs of a blocked gut:
- Vomiting
- Drooling a lot
- Strange poop, or trouble pooping
- Not wanting to eat
The Merck Veterinary Manual says a bone stuck in the esophagus can cause drooling, gagging, trouble swallowing, and bringing food back up. Call your vet right away if you see any of these. A bone stuck in the esophagus needs to be removed quickly.
What to do if your dog ate a ham bone
- Take away what is left, if you can do it safely.
- Call your vet. The AKC says to call for advice or book a visit after your dog eats a cooked bone, to rule out serious problems.
- Watch your dog closely. Your dog may pass the bone with no trouble, but it could also cause a major problem.
- Go in fast if signs appear. The AKC says your vet may choose to wait and watch, remove the bone with a camera (endoscopy), or do surgery.
How to keep ham bones away from your dog
- Put bones in a trash can your dog cannot open, or take the bag outside right away.
- Don’t leave platters with bones where your dog can reach them.
- Tell guests not to slip your dog scraps at holiday meals.
What can my dog chew instead?
The AKC suggests chew toys and fake bones made for dogs. It also says some people give a large raw cow or bison bone. The bone must be too big to swallow and must be supervised. Raw bones can carry germs like salmonella, and a bone that is too hard can break a tooth, so ask your vet first.
For more on what to keep away from your dog, see our list of foods that are toxic to dogs.
Common questions
Can dogs eat ham hocks?
A ham hock is a bone with salty, fatty meat on it, so you get both problems. The AKC says pork bones are likely to splinter, and it says ham is high in salt and fat. It is better to skip ham hocks.
Can dogs eat pork rib bones or pork chop bones?
No. The AKC says pork bones are likely to splinter whether they are raw or cooked, and it names pork chop bones as unsafe. It also says pork rib bones are high in fat, which can lead to pancreatitis.
What if my dog swallowed a piece of ham bone and seems fine?
Call your vet for advice anyway. The AKC says a dog may pass a bone with no trouble, but it can also cause serious problems. Your vet can tell you whether to watch at home or come in.
Is a ham bone okay for making broth for my dog?
The AKC says pork bones can be used to make broth, and that a small amount mixed into food adds flavor. Your dog should not chew the bones. Ask your vet first, especially if your dog has stomach problems.