Can Dogs Eat Ham?

Naturally, you’d think that of course dogs can eat ham, but it turns out ham may not be the ideal protein source for your dog. Don’t get me wrong ham is perfectly safe for dogs, non-toxic, and harmless, but in the long run, we still have to look at it as processed cured meat, meaning that other lean protein sources would be better for dogs.

The main reason I said that ham is not an ideal protein source for your dog, is because it’s super high in sodium! Hams, whether they are honey-glazed or cooked hams that you usually make for your holiday roast are high in sodium and fat. While an occasional piece won’t cause any harm, the compound effect could be dangerous if you give your dog too much ham all the time. Too much fat and sodium is known to cause inflammation of the pancreas in dogs, and that’s why you need to be careful.

Is ham for bad for dogs?

It’s not that unsafe, as ham is still protein, but dogs have sensitive stomachs and too much fat and sodium can cause stomach problems like bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea.

If they eat too much ham, they’ll be very thirsty so please provide plenty of fresh water. Some dogs may handle sodium well, especially larger dogs, but if you have a small dog be careful as if they vomit and have diarrhea and are constantly thirsty which can lead to nutrient disbalance.

Overall, I wouldn’t worry too much about ham. Is it ideal — no. Will it cause immediate harm — again, no. But it shouldn’t be your dog to treat, no matter how much your dog is begging you to give a piece.

Types of hams and what we can give to our dogs

Ham comes in all sorts of varieties, and it’s good to know what’s safe to share with our dogs. Most types of ham are cured, which just means they have lots of salt, sometimes nitrates, and maybe even sugar or spices to keep the meat tasty and preserved. Ham usually comes from the back leg of a pig, and it’s either cured, smoked, or cooked. Here’s a rundown of different hams and what’s okay for our dogs:

Deli ham and lunch meat ham (sandwich ham, cold cuts, and sliced ham): These are processed and contain sodium, preservatives, and sometimes added sugar or seasonings. They’re not toxic, but they’re far from healthy. A little nibble here and there is fine, but don’t make it a habit. Don’t give your dog deli ham every time you’re making a sandwich, but as an occasional treat, it’s okay, even though there are better options.

Honey baked ham: This one comes with a sweet glaze of honey and other sugary stuff. All that sugar makes it even worse for dogs as it will upset their stomach. Don’t give dogs honey baked ham if you can help it. If they steal some, don’t worry too much, but don’t make it a habit.

Turkey ham: Made from turkey instead of pork and also processed and cured. It might be a touch leaner, but it’s still loaded with sodium and preservatives. A small bite isn’t the end of the world, but it’s not the best choice for a treat.

Canadian bacon: In the U.S., this isn’t really bacon but more like thinly sliced pork loin that’s been cured. It’s leaner but still salted. It’s better to steer clear of it for dogs, though a tiny taste now and then is okay.

Smoked ham: This type is cured and smoked for that added flavor. The smoking itself isn’t a problem, but the salt and any seasonings are. A small piece won’t hurt, but it’s not something to feed often.

Black forest ham: This one is known for its seasoning and dark, spiced edge. Those spices and the salt content make it something to offer very sparingly, if at all.

Spiral ham: This ham is pre-sliced, cooked, and usually glazed. The sweet glaze and high sodium make it a no-go for dogs as a regular thing. If they sneak a piece, don’t stress, but don’t serve it on purpose.

What to do if your dog eats a lot of ham

If your dog eats a lot of ham, the first thing to remember is that the impact depends on your dog’s size, what else they might have eaten, and whether they’re drinking lots of water.

A small dog is more likely to feel the effects of salty, fatty foods than a larger dog. If ham was the only thing they ate, that’s a good sign, as it’s easier to manage their digestion.

Here’s what you may notice if your dog eats lots of ham (and these things happen due to lots of salt and fat):

If your dog shows these signs, the best thing you can do is give them lots of water so they stay hydrated. Then for their next meal, it would be good to cook some pumpkin or give them some pumpkin puree as pumpkin is one of the best foods for dogs with upset stomachs.

You should also keep an eye on them, and make sure that they seem normal. After they drink lots of water and rest, take them out for a walk to help get things moving and let them poop comfortably.

Processed meats are not really a healthy snack for dogs

Remember that all hams are usually cured hams. The whole process of curing is what turns pork into ham, using salt and sometimes nitrates to keep it from spoiling and add that distinct taste. But with all that curing comes lots of sodium, which isn’t great for dogs. If you want to share, stick to a tiny, plain piece now and then. Dogs shouldn’t eat too much processed meat, even though it’s often one of the first things people may share with them. I wrote a lot about this topic, and if you’re interested you read more!

• Spam is really bad for dogs because it’s so high in sodium.
• Hot dogs are bad for dogs because they are high in sodium.
• Bologna isn’t great for dogs as it’s high in sodium and loaded with preservatives.
• Sausage is not ideal for dogs due to its high-fat content and added seasonings.
• Vienna sausages are not recommended for dogs since they are very salty and contain preservatives.
• Chorizo is not recommended for dogs since it has lots of spices.
• Pepperoni can upset your dog’s stomach since it’s high in sodium and spices and sometimes hot.
• Salami should be avoided as it’s high in fat and sodium and often contains added seasonings.
• Slim Jims are bad for dogs due to their high salt content and preservatives.

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Can dogs eat ham hocks?

Ham hocks aren’t safe for dogs because they are fatty, salty, and can be a choking hazard or cause digestive issues. The bones can also splinter and pose a risk for blockages or internal damage.

Can dogs eat baked ham?

Baked ham is not ideal for dogs since it’s often seasoned or glazed with sugary toppings. The high sodium and added spices make it a treat to avoid. If your dog sneaks a small piece, they should be fine but don’t share it regularly.

Can dogs eat honey ham lunch meat?

Honey ham lunch meat isn’t good for dogs because it’s processed, high in sodium, and has added sugars. While a tiny piece won’t harm them, it’s best to avoid giving it to your dog.