Can Dogs Have Pork Bones?

Updated 16/09/2024

Can dogs have pork bones?

Pork bones aren't safe for dogs - they can be super brittle, splintering in your dog’s mouth or gastrointestinal system, causing punctures and a whole host of other health problems. Raw pork bones are less brittle but pose the risk of food poisoning from bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. Coli. For more on why dogs and pork bones aren’t a match, take a look below.

Are pork bones poisonous to dogs?

Pork bones aren’t poisonous to dogs - they’re a meat product, after all. With that said though, raw pork bones can make your dog sick. Why? Well, they’re prone to growing bacteria - like salmonella - which can cause food poisoning in dogs. Symptoms of food poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and abdominal pain.

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Why are pork bones bad for dogs?

There are multiple hazards when it comes to dogs and pork bones. The first is choking - they could easily swallow morsels far too big. The next is intestinal blockages - bones aren’t the easiest to digest, after all.

Pork bones are also super brittle, meaning they’re prone to splintering and puncturing your pup’s intestinal tract.

And if you were wondering - can dogs have raw pork bones - sadly they’re prone to growing bacteria like Salmonella, listeria, and E. Coli, which could cause food poisoning in dogs.

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Symptoms of intestinal blockage in dogs:

Vomiting.
Excessive drooling.
Abdominal pain.
Inability to defecate.
Diarrhea.
Reduced appetite.
Lethargy.
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Related article: Can dogs eat pears?

What to do if your dog eats pork bones

If you're here because your dog ate a rib bone or a bone from another part of the animal, you should contact your vet immediately for advice and potentially an emergency appointment.

If you're here just in case the worst occurs, stay with us as we explore some advice on what to do if your dog eats a pork bone.

Firstly, if your pup still has the bone in their mouth, take it away immediately and wash their mouths with water if the bone was raw. Then, while we advise going straight to your vet if your pup has somehow swallowed a pork bone, it's always worth knowing the symptoms of intestinal blockage as this is a key hazard that pork bones for dogs pose (see above for these).

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Other pork products

So, now we've settled the question - can dogs eat bones from pork - you might be wondering - can dogs eat pork bones if they're cooked in some sort of dog-friendly way?

Well sadly cooked pork bones are even more likely to split than raw, so they should never be shared with dogs, no matter how they're prepared.

If you'd like your dog to benefit from some of the nutrients in pork bones though, boil the bones up (without any seasoning), strain the broth thoroughly, let it set and then mix the jelly into your dog's food for a nutrient boost without the risk of choking.

If you want to know more about dogs and specific pork bones, take a look below for answers to common questions on dogs and pork bones.

Can dogs have pork rib bones?

Pork rib bones are not safe for dogs for a few reasons - cooked bones are brittle, and could cause choking or a puncture to your dog’s gastrointestinal system. Raw pork bones often grow bacteria (such as salmonella) that can cause food poisoning, and often, pork ribs are smothered in sauces unfit for canine consumption.

Can dogs have pork chop bones?

Pork chop bones are just as dangerous for dogs as pork ribs - they can splinter and puncture your pup's insides, get stuck or cause choking, so never be tempted to share pork chop bones with your dog.

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Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

Other foods that are not safe for dogs

So, now we know that dogs and pork bones are frankly a match made in doggy hell, explore the other foods dogs can't eat.

Can dogs eat pork bones?