Just because your dog enjoys eating a particular food doesn't necessarily mean that it's good for them. For instance, most dogs love pork, but this isn't the best meat for your canine companion. Let's take a look at why pork is bad for dogs.
High in Fat
One of the reasons why pork isn't ideal for dogs is because it contains high concentrations of fat. Just 3 ounces of whole, broiled pork loin contain up to 12 grams of saturated fat. Granted, some of the leaner cuts contain less fat, but pork is still considered a fatty type of meat when compared to chicken, fish or even certain types beef. When fed to a dog as part of his regular diet, all of that fat can contribute to obesity and subsequent health problems.
Statistics show that more than half of all pet dogs in the United States are overweight. This problem is largely attributed to owners feeding their canine companions table scraps, including pork. Some owners assume that it's okay to allow their dog to eat their dinner scraps. In doing so, they unknowingly give their dog high-fat, high-salt foods that contribute to weight gain.
Seasoning
There's also the issue of seasoning on pork, which your dog's stomach may not tolerate. Pork that's prepared and cooked for human consumption may contain lots of salt, garlic and onion powder, all of which are bad for dogs.
Don't Feed Your Dog Raw Pork
Perhaps the biggest health risk pork poses to dogs is the potential for a parasitic infection. The parasite larvae trichinella spiralis is often found in raw and undercooked pork. While usually not fatal, it's still a serious disease that causes some unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy, fatigue, muscle inflammation and pain.
Choose Pig Ears Instead
Not all pork is bad for dogs, however. Your dog can enjoy the savory flavor of pork without risking harm to his health by chewing on pig ear treats. Pig ear treats contain high-quality, lean cuts of pig ears. There's no artificial flavorings, preservatives or other chemicals. They are made simply of dehydrated pig ears.
The bottom line is that most sources of pork are bad for dogs and shouldn't be used a part of their regular, daily diet. Pork contains high concentrations of fat, as well as seasoning that your dog may not tolerate. So, stick with pig ear treats from Dog Treat House if you want your dog to enjoy the delicious flavor of pork.
This article was brought to you by Dog Treat House. We offer premium private label pet treats, dog treats, dog jerky, and more, for independent retailers, boutiques, and online e-commerce sellers.
