Is Pork Good for Dogs? Debunking Myths and Exploring the Benefits

In this blog, Alison Frost, Canine Nutritionist with ProDog Raw breaks down the most common myths and FAQs about feeding pork to dogs — so you know what to avoid, what to embrace, and why this powerhouse protein deserves a place in your dog’s raw bowl.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Can dogs eat pork?” or “Is pork good for dogs?”, you’re not alone. Many dog owners worry about adding this meat to their dog’s diet — especially with so many mixed messages online and outdated advice still circulating. So let’s clear the confusion.

As a canine nutritionist I hear concerns all the time — from fears about pancreatitis to the belief that pork just isn’t safe for dogs.

It’s easy to see why people might think that pork is off-limits for dogs, especially when we see processed pork products like bacon and ham in the grocery store. This raises common questions like “can dogs eat bacon?” or “can dogs eat ham?” — and the short answer is no.

These heavily processed meats are packed with unhealthy fats, high levels of sodium, and preservatives that can lead to gastric upset, pancreatitis, and other health issues.

Processed meats, meaning meats cured, smoked or salted products specifically to enhance flavour or to improve preservation, are classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) [1]. That applies to humans and dogs alike.

We still don’t know exactly which components are to blame, but the nitrates are often suggested as topping the list [2]

Ultimately processed meats are not species-appropriate for dogs, and they do more harm than good.

However, this doesn’t mean pork in general should be avoided. In fact, ‘raw pork’ , meaning pork that hasn’t been cooked or processed in anyway, can be an excellent choice when it’s sourced properly and fed as part of a balanced diet. Unlike processed pork, raw pork is packed with high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals that are highly digestible for dogs.

Dogs can eat raw pork when it is part of a balanced raw feeding plan. It’s essential to choose lean cuts and avoid fatty, processed pork products like bacon or sausages.

A common concern is whether cooked pork is safe for dogs. The answer isn’t straightforward — cooked pork, especially when it’s processed (such as bacon, ham, sausages, salami etc), can be dangerous for dogs as mentioned in Myth 1 above. Additionally, the fat content becomes oxidised when cooked, which turns it into an inflammatory fat that can lead to digestive issues, pancreatitis, and other long-term health problems [3].

If you are considering cooking pork for your dog, ensure it’s lean and not overloaded with fat. However, pork raw dog food retains its nutritional profile and is far easier for dogs to digest. I always recommend feeding raw pork as part of a raw, species-appropriate diet for dogs, as cooking alters the proteins and destroys enzymes that are beneficial to your dog’s health.

Many pet owners are concerned that feeding pork could trigger pancreatitis in their dogs, particularly if they’ve heard about pork being linked to high-fat diets. The truth is, pancreatitis is typically caused by oxidised fats, inflammatory ingredients, and highly processed foods — not the pork itself [4, 5].

If you’re interested in learning more about the real causes of pancreatitis in dogs, I highly recommend checking out my blog on Pancreatitis in Dogs, where we dive deep into how processed foods and oxidised fats can be the real culprits behind this condition. The takeaway is that when pork fed raw and is sourced from high welfare, pasture raised pigs, your dog is less likely to develop pancreatitis.

At ProDog Raw, all our meals avoid inflammatory triggers thanks to being made with100% fresh, raw, unprocessed ingredients. A raw dog food diet is how dogs evolved to eat — their digestive systems are perfectly designed to process raw meat, bones, and offal. When given the chance to eat in this natural way, dogs thrive and truly flourish.

If you’re new to raw feeding, our Raw Dog Food for Beginners guide is the perfect place to start and learn more about how to transition your dog to a healthier, species-appropriate diet.

Another myth that’s commonly tossed around is that dogs can get parasites from pork. While this fear likely stems from outdated concerns about trichinosis, the reality is that modern pork is extremely safe for dogs. Today’s pork is subject to strict regulations, and the chances of your dog contracting parasites from properly sourced and prepared pork are incredibly low. [6]

To be extra cautious, if you’re feeding raw pork, it’s important to follow safe handling procedures. Freezing the pork before feeding kills any potential parasites, including Trichinella. At ProDog Raw, we ensure that all our meat is frozen at -18°C to preserve freshness and eliminate any risk of parasites.

Our meals are produced in a UK DEFRA-approved facility, adhering to the highest standards of safety and quality. We go the extra mile by third-party testing our products to ensure they meet our rigorous standards for nutritional value and safety. Additionally, we produce in small batches, which ensures better quality control and freshness for your dog’s meals.

So, rest assured — pork is safe when it’s frozen and sourced from a reputable supplier. Always do your research when looking for a trusted pet food provider that follows Pet Food UK standards and ensures your dog’s safety and health.

Some owners believe that puppies shouldn’t eat pork, but this is far from the truth. At ProDog Raw, we’ve recently introduced a new meal option for pups — Pork and Lamb Raw Puppy Food , offering a FEDIAF standard balanced nutrition that’s perfect for growing pups. Raw, balanced pork can be an excellent protein for puppies, helping them build strong muscles, support immune function, and maintain energy levels.

Our meals are third-party tested, created in a UK DEFRA approved facility, and frozen at -18°C to ensure the utmost safety and nutritional value.

For more puppy feeding tips check out our Puppy Raw Feeding guide.

Let’s talk about the nutrition profile of pork — especially raw pork, as it offers excellent nutritional benefits for your dog. When you choose pork raw dog food, you’re giving your dog:

High-quality protein that is easily digestible and supports muscle development and growth.

Healthy fats, including Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which help maintain skin and coat health, reduce inflammation, and support overall well-being.

Vitamins and minerals, including B-vitamins (B6 and B12), thiamine (Vitamin B1), zinc, and iron, all of which are important for energy production and immune health.

Balanced fatty acids (including linoleic acid), which support a healthy coat and contribute to brain function and development.

Raw pork also retains all of these nutrients in their most bioavailable form.

Now that the myths have been busted — and it’s clear that pork can absolutely earn its place in your dog’s raw food rotation. When fed raw, responsibly sourced, and as part of a balanced diet, pork delivers digestible protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients that support everything from energy and immunity to skin and coat health.

Whether you’re just starting out or already feeding raw, introducing pork raw dog food can add welcome variety to your dog’s bowl, and that variety supports a broader nutrient intake and better long-term health.

Curious about how raw feeding supports your dog’s health and happiness? Our Top 12 Health Benefits of Raw Feeding guide is the perfect place to start.

We’ve created a pork range to make it easy for you to feed this underrated protein with complete peace of mind. All our recipes are made with higher-welfare, British pork, frozen at -18°C to lock in freshness and safety, and third-party tested and small-batch produced in our DEFRA-approved UK facility. Plus, our Complete pork raw dog food, pork raw puppy food are nutritionally balanced to FEDIAF standards using only natural ingredients.

From puppies to seniors, our pork meals are formulated to meet your dog’s needs — supporting growth, vitality, and everyday health the way nature intended.

Got questions? Our expert team is on hand with free, personalised feeding advice—no fluff, no upsell, just honest guidance to help your dog thrive. Contact us today.