Can Dogs Eat Ham?

Dogs can eat a tiny bite of plain ham once in a while, but vets do not recommend it. Ham has a lot of salt and fat. Too much salt can make a dog sick, and too much fat can cause pancreatitis. Ham bones, glazed ham and raw ham are worse choices.

Why is ham not a good food for dogs?

The AKC says store-bought ham has too much salt for dogs. Ham is also high in fat, which is hard for dogs to digest. The AKC says a tiny piece now and then probably will not hurt, but it does not advise feeding ham.

There are two main worries:

• Salt. Too much salt makes dogs very thirsty and makes them pee more. The ASPCA says large amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, shaking, seizures, and even death.
• Fat. A fatty meal can lead to pancreatitis. The AKC says this is when the pancreas becomes inflamed. It can cause stomach upset and other digestive problems.

What are the signs of too much salt?

The AKC and ASPCA list these signs:

• Being very thirsty and peeing a lot
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Feeling tired or sad
• Shaking or seizures in serious cases

The Merck Veterinary Manual says salt poisoning is unlikely when a dog has fresh drinking water. Keep a full bowl out. If your dog already ate a lot of salt, Merck says to give water in small amounts, often. Drinking a large amount too fast can make the nerve problems worse. It adds that salt poisoning has no specific cure and can be deadly.

What should I do if my dog ate ham?

1. Take away any leftovers, including bones, string, and foil.
2. Figure out how much your dog ate and whether the ham had a glaze, onions, or garlic.
3. Call your vet if it was more than a tiny bite, if your dog is small, or if you see any signs above.
4. Keep fresh water out.

A small piece of plain ham in a big dog usually is not an emergency. When you are not sure, call.

Other kinds of ham

Is a ham bone safe for dogs?

No. The ASPCA warns that bones can hurt a dog’s mouth and gut or block the digestive tract, and sometimes surgery is needed. The ASPCA’s page names raw bones. We did not find a source we could open that says cooked ham bones are safer, so do not give them either.

What about ham hocks, including smoked ham hocks?

Skip them. A ham hock is mostly bone, skin, and fat, so it brings the bone risk and the fat risk together. We did not find a source on smoking itself, so check with your vet. Keep ham hock bones out of reach and out of the trash can.

Can dogs eat cooked ham?

Cooked ham is the kind people usually mean. The answer is the same as above: a tiny bite at most, because of the salt and fat.

Can dogs eat ham fat?

No. Fat is the main reason ham can cause pancreatitis. Trim fat and rind off anything you share, or better yet, share something else.

Can dogs eat raw ham?

It is best to avoid it. The ASPCA says raw meat can carry germs such as Salmonella and E. coli that can harm pets and people. Raw ham can also be very salty. Wash your hands and counters after you handle it.

Can dogs eat glazed or seasoned ham?

Avoid it. The ASPCA says onion, garlic, and chives can hurt a dog’s red blood cells and cause stomach upset. Dogs are less sensitive than cats, but the amount matters. Many hams have glaze or seasoning. Check the label, and skip anything with those ingredients.

Can dogs eat Quorn ham?

We could not find a reliable veterinary source on this meat-free product, so we cannot say. Check with your vet, and read the label for salt and seasoning like onion or garlic.

What can I give my dog instead?

Pick treats made for dogs, or a plain treat with no salt or seasoning. For more ideas, see can dogs eat cheese or can dogs eat bananas. For a full list of foods to avoid, see our guide to foods that are toxic to dogs.