Can Dogs Eat Ham in Boynton Beach, FL?
Have you ever thought about giving your dog some ham from your family’s dinner or from your lunchmeat sandwich? Are you unsure whether dogs can really eat ham safely? Is there something you need to know before giving your dog a bite or two of ham?
In the article below, you’ll find out all the basic information you need to know about feeding your dog ham. With the help of this knowledge, you can make the best decision for your dog’s health the next time you’re thinking of sharing a meal with her!
Pro: Ham is a Protein
Ham is a protein, which means it falls into a category of foods your dog needs to survive. Just like humans, dogs need enough protein in their diets to give them energy and keep their bodies functioning properly. There is a lot of protein to be found in even a small amount of ham, which means it does have some benefits for your pet.
Ham is also digestible by dogs. It is not as digestible as other types of meat, but it is still something that dogs can eat and digest physically.
Pro: Ham is a High Value Treat
If you’re looking for a high value treat you can use when training your dog or when trying to redirect her from something she shouldn’t be doing, ham usually works well. It smells and tastes good to dogs, which means they are more likely to choose the treat over whatever other activity they are participating in at the time.
You should not give ham as a treat regularly to your pet. However, you can fall back on some small pieces of ham in situations where your dog needs to be convinced to do something difficult for her—such as getting in the car to go to the veterinarian.
Pro: Ham is Safe in Small Quantities
The good news is that, despite the cons (which we will discuss further below), ham is still safe to give your dog in small quantities. You can give your pet a bite or two of lunchmeat or sliced ham without worrying too much about the dangers or risks.
That’s not to say you should get in the habit of doing this, however. You should also think about your pet’s underlying health and wellness; for example, a dog who has frequent pancreatitis probably should not be given ham. In general, however, sharing a bite of ham with your pet now and then is harmless.
Con: Ham is High in Sodium
Ham that comes straight from the butcher may not be treated with much, or any, sodium. However, since most people buy their ham from a supermarket instead of a butcher or farmer, they are purchasing ham that is packed with sodium.
Too much sodium in a dog’s diet can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, seizures, and excessive thirst. Over time, the buildup of too much sodium can even be fatal to a dog. While a couple of bites of ham every now and then won’t cause this severe outcome, it is still worth considering when choosing ham as a protein for your pet.
Con: Ham is High in Fat
Dogs need some fats in their diets just like humans. But, like humans, it’s important for dogs to eat fats in moderation too. Wet and dry dog food is well balanced to give a dog the right amount of healthy fats she needs every day, but ham is very high in fat content.
The fatty nature of ham makes it difficult for dogs to digest well and can sometimes lead to pancreatitis.
Con: Ham is Often Cooked with Harmful Ingredients
If you are thinking of sharing your cooked ham dinner with your dog, think about the other ingredients that may be present too. Ham is often prepared with garlic and onions, both of which are harmful and can be toxic to dogs when ingested in high enough quantities.
Some hams are also glazed with a sugary coating that may be too high in sugar for your dog’s health and safety. Think about the ingredients and flavors beyond just the ham when considering whether to give your dog this food.
In Conclusion
It’s usually okay to give your dog a couple of bites of ham, if it doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients or seasonings like garlic or onions. However, it’s not a good idea to get her used to the taste of ham, as she may come to expect it as part of her regular diet or treat routine. Ham in moderation is safe for dogs to eat, but too much of it can be dangerous.
If you have any other questions or concerns about your pet’s health, call your Colonial Animal Hospital or Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center veterinarian for more information or book an appointment online.