Dogs may naturally love and crave meat, but not all meat is good for them. Some meat can cause your pet digestive problems, poisoning, or even overall health issues. These are 10 meats your dog should not eat, and what might happen if he does.
1. Bacon & Processed Meats
Bacon, ham, and deli meats are very salty and full of preservatives, such as nitrates, which can lead to pancreatitis, dehydration, and even high blood pressure. They can also result in your dog being obese or having heart problems. Your dog may be happy to eat bacon up in a flash, but this doesn’t mean it’s good for him.
2. Sausages
Spicy, seasoned, and fatty sausages are a real threat to a dog’s digestive system. Garlic, onion, and high-fat food can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis. Some sausages may also contain unwanted harmful chemicals. Feeding your dog a small piece of sausage shouldn’t hurt, but feeding it frequently is not recommended.
3. Raw Pork
Raw pork is a risk factor in the transmission of parasites. Trichinella spiralis is a parasite that causes severe muscle inflammation and pain. The problem with pork is that it is also very fatty, which puts a lot of stress on a dog’s pancreas. If you want to give your dog pork, make sure it’s lean, cooked, and free of seasonings.
4. Raw Fish
Fish is a good source of protein, but raw fish, particularly salmon, is dangerous. It may contain parasites that can cause Salmon Poisoning Disease (SPD), which results in symptoms such as vomiting, fever, and even death if the disease is not treated. Plain, cooked fish is fine, but raw fish is risky for your pet’s health.
5. Cooked Bones (Especially Poultry)
Many dog owners believe bones are good for dogs, but cooked bones are dangerous as they tend to break. They can get stuck in the dog’s throat or pierce its intestines, causing pain through inflammation. Raw bones are safer, but cooked bones can be a disaster.
6. Fatty Cuts of Meat
Fats may be tasty, but high-fat meats such as lamb or beef fat are dangerous for a dog’s pancreas and can cause pancreatitis. Some of the signs of this condition include vomiting, diarrhea, and severe abdominal pain. Dogs need some fat, but too much fat is dangerous for them.
7. Seasoned or Marinated Meats
We use garlic, onion, and spices to make our meals tasty, but these are toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can destroy red blood cells and result in anemia. Dogs don’t need fancy flavors; they need plain, lean, and simple food.
8. Deli Meats & Hot Dogs
These processed meats, rich in sodium, preservatives, and artificial flavors, are bad for your dog’s kidneys and heart. Too much salt can also cause sodium poisoning, which causes symptoms like tremors, vomiting, and seizures.
9. Meat With High Mercury Levels
Tuna and swordfish are rich in mercury, which can accumulate in a dog’s body and cause neurological problems over time. In moderation, cooked fish is fine, but high mercury contents should not be given frequently to your dog. Instead of tuna or swordfish, give your dog small amounts of salmon or whitefish.
10. Spoiled or Rotten Meat
Dogs can eat almost anything (even if it’s bad for them), but rotten meat is dangerous because it may contain bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. Methane produced from the decomposition of meat can also cause tremors and seizures. If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your dog (and vice versa?).
The Effects of Feeding Your Dog the Wrong Meat
Feeding your dog the wrong meat can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. In the long run, it can lead to pancreatitis, kidney disease, weight problems, and even cancer. Knowing what is good for your furry friend is essential to ensure he enjoys his doggie years in the best of health.
Maybe Give it a Miss
It’s common practice for dogs to beg for food, but this doesn’t mean you should give them anything. Not all meats are suitable for dogs. Stick to low-fat, lightly cooked, and unseasoned proteins, and avoid the ones on this list. Keep your dog happy, healthy, and satisfied with moderate portions of good-quality food. If certain types of meats aren’t good for your dog’s health, should you really consume much of it (if any) yourself? Healthier alternatives for your pet might prompt you to adopt better eating habits too.
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