Can dogs eat ham? Why it’s not a good idea for your dog

Ham isn’t a good choice for your dog. It isn’t toxic, but it’s one of the saltiest, fattiest foods in the fridge, and fatty food is a well-known trigger for pancreatitis in dogs. At most, a tiny piece of lean ham, once in a while.

We get it: those eyes are hard to ignore when you’re slicing the holiday ham or making a sandwich. Here’s why it’s not worth it, which kinds are worst, what to do if your dog helped itself to a plate, and what to give instead.

Is ham bad for dogs?

It isn’t poisonous like chocolate or grapes, but it stacks up three problems:

• Salt. Deli ham and spiral-cut holiday ham often contain roughly 1,000–1,300 mg of sodium per 100 g (3.5 oz), and dry-cured hams like prosciutto or country ham can have twice as much or more. A single slice now and then won’t poison a healthy dog, but making it a habit is a sodium load your dog doesn’t need, and for dogs with heart or kidney disease it’s a firm no.
• Fat. Ham fat, skin and trimmings are almost pure fat. A very fatty meal can trigger pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas that sometimes requires hospitalization. Miniature Schnauzers and overweight dogs are at higher risk.
• Additives and glazes. Ham is cured with salt and nitrites, many deli hams include sugars and phosphates, and holiday hams are often coated in brown sugar or honey glaze. Some seasoning blends also contain garlic or onion powder.

Yes, ham has good-quality protein, but plain cooked chicken or turkey provides the same without the salt or most of the fat.

Types of ham: which are worst for your dog?

Sodium varies a lot by brand and style, so check the nutrition label if you’re unsure.

How much ham can a dog eat?

Ideally, none. If you do decide to share once in a while, choose lean, low-sodium deli ham with every bit of fat trimmed off, and keep it a rare exception, not a habit:

• Toy dog (under 11 lb / 5 kg): a lentil-sized piece.
• Small dog (11–22 lb / 5–10 kg): a chickpea-sized piece.
• Medium dog (22–55 lb / 10–25 kg): a couple of chickpea-sized pieces.
• Large dog (over 55 lb / 25 kg): half a thin slice at most.

Don’t turn ham into the reward every time someone makes a sandwich: your dog will quickly learn to beg, and the small amounts add up.

The ham bone: never

Handing over the leftover ham bone is a holiday tradition in many homes, but it’s one of the most dangerous parts of the ham. It’s cooked or smoked, so it’s brittle: chewing can fracture a tooth, especially the large upper premolar dogs use for shearing, and it breaks into sharp fragments that can injure the mouth, get stuck or puncture the intestines. On top of that, it’s still loaded with salt and fat. You’ll find all the risks in can dogs eat bones?.

What to do if your dog ate ham

• A bite or a slice: no action needed. Just make sure fresh water is available.
• Several slices, a plateful or fatty trimmings: watch your dog for 2–3 days. Drinking a little more than usual is normal; repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, belly pain or refusing food are not.
• A large amount in a small dog, or the bone: call your vet even if your dog seems fine.

Don’t make your dog vomit on your own, and never use salt or hydrogen peroxide without a vet’s instructions. If your dog starts vomiting, our guide to dog vomiting explains what to do.

Better treats than ham

If you want to give your dog something special, plain cooked chicken is just as tempting and much healthier. A small cube of low-sodium cheese also works as a high-value reward if your dog handles dairy well. And if prosciutto-wrapped melon is on the party menu, share the melon, minus the rind and seeds, not the prosciutto. For the full list of risky foods, see toxic foods for dogs.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs eat deli ham?

Of all the hams, plain deli ham is the least problematic because it’s usually leaner than holiday or dry-cured ham, but it still isn’t a recommended food: it carries salt, sugars and preservatives. If you share it once in a while, pick a low-sodium version, trim any fat and offer just a tiny piece. For everyday treats, plain cooked chicken or turkey is a much better option.

Can dogs eat glazed or spiral-cut ham?

It’s best not to. On top of the salt and fat in the ham itself, the glaze adds sugar and sometimes spices, and the fatty edges where the glaze collects are the most tempting part for a dog. A sliver from the lean center is unlikely to cause harm in a healthy dog, but a plate of glazed scraps is exactly the kind of meal that can trigger pancreatitis.

Can I use ham as a training treat?

It’s not a good idea, because a training session involves lots of rewards, and the sodium adds up quickly. Plain cooked chicken or turkey cubes, or soft commercial training treats, work just as well as high-value rewards. Cut them pea-sized and subtract those calories from your dog’s daily food so treats stay under 10% of daily calories.

Can dogs eat pork?

Lean pork cooked all the way through, with no salt, fat or bones, is an acceptable protein in small amounts. What your dog should never eat is raw pork, especially raw feral hog meat, which can carry parasites and the pseudorabies virus, a disease that is fatal to dogs. Skip bacon, sausage, pepperoni and other cured pork products too.

Is ham dangerous for dogs with heart or kidney disease?

Yes, especially so. Dogs with heart or kidney disease are often on prescription diets with controlled sodium, and extra salt can worsen fluid retention or blood pressure. For these dogs, even the occasional small piece isn’t a good idea. Ask your vet which treats fit your dog’s treatment plan.

Sources

• Merck Veterinary Manual: pancreatitis in dogs and salt toxicosis.
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: fatty and salty foods that are dangerous for pets.
• USDA FoodData Central: nutrient profiles of cured ham and deli ham.
• U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS): pseudorabies in feral swine.
• American Kennel Club (AKC): ham and other processed meats in your dog’s diet.