Can dogs eat ham?

Updated 01/05/2024

From Christmas ham to a winter roast and the humble ham sandwich, it's safe to say we humans are pretty crazy about the stuff. And when the ham is served, we wouldn't be surprised if your pup gets a whiff and trots into the kitchen for a slice, snout-first. But can dogs eat ham? Or is it far too salty and fatty for our furry friends? Sadly (for your pup's taste buds), ham isn't the best choice for dogs. While a small morsel here and there shouldn't do them any harm (unless there are any health conditions your pup is suffering from), ham shouldn't be your dog's go-to treat. For more on why, take a look below.

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Is ham poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat ham in some form or another, or is it always pretty bad news for dogs? And can ham even be poisonous for our furry friends? Well if your pooch just managed to nab a morsel from your plate, there's no need to panic - ham isn't toxic to dogs. Rather, ham is bad for dogs due to other reasons which we'll explore below. On the toxicity front though, the main thing to be cautious of when it comes to dogs and ham is the other ingredients it's been cooked with. As you might already know, alliums (like onions and garlic) are toxic to dogs, so contact your vet immediately for advice if you think your pup ate a piece of ham that was cooked with either of these ingredients.

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Why is ham bad for dogs?

Now we've settled the question - can dogs eat ham - you might be wondering - why can't dogs have ham? If it's such a common source of protein for us humans, why is it so unwelcome in the canine diet? Well part of ham's moreish flavor is created by the sheer amount of salt added to the meat during the preservation and curing process. While this is what gives ham its unique flavor (and it's likely the smell that gets Fido's snout twitching), ham's salt content is the primary reason dogs shouldn't be eating it. As you'll probably already know, dogs do need salt in their diets, but this will be already added to the dog food you choose for them, so there's rarely ever a need for any additional salt in your dog's diet. In fact, consuming too much salt can cause nasty health complications in dogs, like hypertension, heart disease and kidney disease.

Then there's the meat's fat content. While your furry friend might consider the fat the yummiest morsel to ever greet their nostrils, huge chunks of fat are bad news for dogs. And ham simply has far too much of the stuff for it to be considered a healthy snack choice for your furry friend. Why? Well too much fat in your dog's diet can lead to obesity and increases the risk of pancreatitis, so you're best off sticking to dog-safe treats like pooch-friendly peanut butter or cucumber chunks.

And despite all of this, you might be curious to know - is ham good for dogs in any way, or should it always be avoided? Well while we can't deny the fact that ham is certainly a good source of protein, the cons (in their salt and fat form) far outweigh any nutritional pros. 

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What to do if your dog eats ham

Unless your furry friend has a health condition that means they need to be super careful when it comes to their diet, there’s really no need to panic if your pooch managed to steal a ham slice. A tiny (accidental) morsel on the odd occasion shouldn’t be any cause for concern, but if the ham was cooked with anything toxic to dogs (like garlic or onions) then be sure to contact your vet immediately for advice.

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Other ham and pork products

Can dogs eat lunch meat?

So can dogs eat ham products like lunch meat? What about salami and other pork-based cured specialities? Sadly not - the curing and preservation process adds far too much salt for it to be considered part of the canine diet.

Can dogs eat turkey ham?

And can dogs have ham if it's made from turkey? Unfortunately you'll have to resist those puppy dog eyes on this one as well. Turkey ham is heavily processed, containing high levels of salt and preservatives.

Can you give a dog a hambone?

Cooked or uncooked, ham bones should never be given to our furry friends. They can easily splinter and puncture the lining of your dog’s intestines, which can be seriously damaging and require immediate medical attention. Plus, uncooked ham bones easily grow bacteria like salmonella that could result in a seriously sick pup.

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Meet our veterinary expert, Liam

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS.

As a small animal vet, Liam has spent time working in both first-opinion and referral-level practices. After gaining a strong affinity for educating owners about their pets, Liam decided to dedicate some of his non-clinical time to tutoring students, who were preparing for exams or struggling at school. By combining a passion for teaching others, and a keen interest in raising awareness about animal health issues, Liam decided to begin writing veterinary content. This now also allows him to raise awareness of important animal health issues outside of the consultation room.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So now we've settled the question - can dogs have ham, and we know dogs and ham are simply not a match, why not explore the other foods dogs can't eat?

• Pistachios
• Pecans
• Pickles