Why
Ham is not poisonous to dogs, and the AKC says a small sliver now and then probably won't hurt. It is still one of the least suitable meats to share. Cured ham is high in salt, and the nitrates and nitrites used to cure it are sodium-based too.
Ham also contains more fat than many other meats. A large helping of fatty food can upset a dog's stomach and can lead to pancreatitis. Glazed holiday ham adds sugar and spices, and the leftover bone is a choking and blockage hazard.
Risks to watch for
- Ham bones and hocks, cooked or raw
- Rind, fat trimmings and drippings
- Honey, brown sugar or spiced glazes
- Heavy thirst and frequent urination after eating a lot
- Vomiting, diarrhea or belly pain
How to share safely
- If you share, give a thin sliver of lean meat with the fat, rind and glaze trimmed off.
- Never give the bone, and bag it before it goes in the trash.
- Choose plain cooked turkey or chicken instead when you want a meaty treat.
- Keep fresh water available, especially if your dog got more than a taste.
How much?
A dog can have no more than a sliver or two of ham, and not as a regular treat. Skip it for dogs on a low-fat or low-salt diet.
Is ham salty enough to hurt a dog?
A sliver of ham is not going to cause salt poisoning. The concern is a dog that eats a lot at once, such as a whole pack of deli ham, a plate of leftovers or a pan of salty drippings. The ASPCA notes that too much salt can cause increased thirst and urination and sometimes abnormal electrolytes. The AKC lists vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and abnormal fluid buildup, and in severe cases kidney damage, seizures, coma and death.
Call your vet if your dog ate a large amount of ham or other salty food, or if it seems wobbly, confused or very lethargic. Dogs with heart or kidney disease are often on low-sodium diets, and even small amounts of ham can work against that plan.
Ham bones and ham hocks
Ham bones are sold as holiday leftovers, soup bones and even packaged "dog treats," but they carry the same risks as other cooked bones. They can splinter, break teeth, get stuck in the mouth, throat or gut, and cause constipation or internal injury. Smoked ham hocks add salt and fat on top.
If your dog swallowed a piece of bone, do not try to make it vomit. Call your vet and watch for gagging, repeated vomiting, loss of appetite, a painful belly, straining to pass stool or blood in the stool. Choose a chew made for dogs and sized for your dog instead.
Bacon, prosciutto and dishes made with ham
Other cured pork, such as bacon and prosciutto, has the same problems as ham, often more so.
- Bacon and bacon fat are extremely fatty and salty. Do not pour bacon grease over your dog's food.
- Prosciutto, salami and other dry-cured meats are even saltier than ham.
- Split pea soup, scalloped potatoes, quiche and fried rice with ham often contain onion or garlic.
- Ham and cheese sandwiches add bread, butter, cheese and sometimes mustard or onion.
- Dogs that are overweight get a lot of calories from even small pieces of fatty meat.
Common questions
Is ham good for dogs?
Only in limited ways. Ham is not poisonous to dogs, and the AKC says a small sliver now and then probably won't hurt. It is still one of the least suitable meats to share.
Is ham bad for dogs?
It can be. Risks to watch for: ham bones and hocks, cooked or raw; rind, fat trimmings and drippings.
Are dogs allowed to have ham?
Only in small amounts and the right form. If you share, give a thin sliver of lean meat with the fat, rind and glaze trimmed off.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Pancreatitis in Dogs and Cats.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.
- American Kennel Club (AKC). “Can Dogs Eat…?” article series.
If your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. Do not wait for symptoms. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).