Skip to Content

Can Dogs Eat Pork Shoulder Bones and Meat? (Quick Answers)

It is very important to know what type of meat and bones your dogs are allowed to eat and what they should avoid eating. Pork shoulder bones and meat is one of the many options that you should research so that you can avoid any kind of complications for your animal. 

Can dogs eat pork shoulder bones and meat?

Your dog can eat pork shoulder bones if it is done correctly. The bone itself should not be too big and it must be fully raw to avoid choking on the bone or dental issues. The pork meat must also be cooked well before giving your dog as it may contain harmful parasites that may harm your dog.

It is best to avoid giving pork meat or pork bones to your dog altogether. However, if prepared correctly and if you are sure that your dog does not have any problems with pork then you can feed your dog pork shoulder bones and meat.  

First of all, the pork shoulder bones must be raw at all costs. This is because cooking the pork bones makes them soft and ends up causing dental and choking issues for your dog such as cracking and splintering. 

The cooking method does not matter, as long as the bone is cooked you must avoid giving it to your dog to prevent splinters. You must also monitor your pup because compared to other bones, pork bones tend to be more hazardous.  

You can also give your dog pork meat but it must be cooked in this way so that all the parasites are terminated and do not cause an infection to your dog. Pork meat can cause more issues than the meat of other animals. 

This is why it is best to avoid pork or pork bones in general for your dogs because there are much better and less hazardous options available.    

How bad are pork bones for dogs?

Pork bones, especially cooked bones, are very harmful to dogs. It can cause splinters and be really harmful to your dog. The bone might also be slightly larger in size for your dog which can, in turn, cause a choking hazard. 

Pork bones in particular can also be harmful even if you serve it to your dog uncooked. 

This is because they have the tendency to crack and cause harm when you compare them with other bones. Bones from a pig’s rib are even more harmful because the bones consist of larger levels of fat which your dog might have trouble digesting. 

This is why there are better bone options to look out for when it comes to your dog. 

Why is pork not good for dogs?

There are many reasons why you should avoid pork for your dogs. Some dogs are tolerant of it and it is alright to feed them pork meat, but it can also be harmful to some dogs. 

Raw pork:

Raw pork can be extremely harmful to dogs. This is because it contains certain parasites. These parasites can latch onto your pet and cause it to suffer from issues such as stomach ache, nausea, vomiting as well as loose motion. 

If your dog has a weaker immune system feeding it pork meat can cause fever and be even more lethargic.  

Fat:

Pork meat tends to have a high concentration of fat. This is particularly harmful to your dog as it may not be able to digest the fat. This can end up causing irritation in your dog’s stomach and cause serious stomach issues. 

Allergy:

A lot of dogs are actually quite allergic to pork meat which is why many people actively avoid feeding them the meat to prevent any forms of irritation. Pork meat is also not that rich in nutrients which is why there are better alternatives for your dog. 

Pancreas issues:

Since pork meat is very lean, your dog might be quite sensitive to it. Alongside stomach irritation, it can also cause irritation in your dog’s pancreas. It can have inflammatory effects on your dog’s pancreas. 

High salt content:

Preserved pork meat is a big no-no for your dog. This is because not only is it fatty and can cause pancreas issues, it also contains a high salt content. This can particularly be bad for your dog as it can end up making your dog thirsty for longer periods of time. 

This can lead to bloating where your dog’s stomach will expand due to excess gas or fluid. When that happens and if your dog drinks too much water it can cause stress to their organs and be extremely harmful. 

What happens if my dog eats a pork bone?

Pork bones have a tendency to splinter and crack even when raw. Cooked bones are even more dangerous because they have a higher tendency of cracking and hurting your dog. If your dog chews and tries to swallow on the bone it can end up choking, 

Especially if the bone is larger in size. It can cause it to block your dog’s throat or intestine. It can get even more dangerous if your dog tries to swallow it whole.  

You must look out for your dog and any signs of discomfort. Your dog might end up swallowing it and digesting it without a problem but if it emits any signs of distress such as abnormal behavior, choking, vomiting, or excess drooling then you must take it to a vet immediately. 

What do I do if my dog ate a cooked pork bone?

There are certain measures you must follow if your dog happens to eat a cooked pork bone. 

Check your dog thoroughly:

You must check to see if your dog is emitting any signs of anguish. This includes choking, vomiting, or excess drooling. If you see any signs contact a vet immediately. 

Do not make your pet vomit:

Do not attempt to forcefully make your dog vomit because the bone can get stuck in the way. If it reaches the stomach then wait for it to digest or seek professional help if your dog is allergic or shows signs of stomach or pancreas issues. 

Contact a vet:

Even if your dog seems to have no issue it is best to take advice from a vet regardless. There may be other issues going on inside your body that may prove to be lethargic later on, especially if your dog is not able to digest the bone. 

It can cause bloody stool or even pain in the abdomen. You should feel your dog’s solid food with advice from a vet such as bread to help excrete the bone in an easier manner. 

Can dogs eat cooked ground pork?

As long as the ground pork is cooked plainly it is fine. You must not give any additives such as onion and salt to the meat for flavor because it may end up causing stomach and pancreas issues for your dog. 

Processed ground pork in that case may be an issue because they can contain additives and a higher concentration of salt so you must be informed as to what is added to it before giving it to your dog. 

Can you give a dog-cooked pork rib bones?

You should never give cooked bones in general to your dogs as it can cause splinters very easily and hurt your dog. Other than that, rib bones are particularly harmful because they contain a higher concentration of fat. 

This can cause stomach issues for your dog since it can be quite difficult for your dog to digest the fats. 

Can dogs have pork butt bones?

You can give raw pork butt bones to your dog. However, it is worth noting that pork bones in general even if it is raw or cooked can be harmful to your dog. This is because pork bones have the tendency to splinter and crack despite being cooked or raw. 

When consuming it, your dog might end up gagging or choking on it. Even worse, the bone pieces might even end up damaging an organ. 

What meat bones are safe for dogs?

Almost all meat bones are safe for dogs to eat as long as they are raw and cut into pieces that are easy for your dog to swallow. Some meat bones that are particularly favored can include chicken, beef, lamb, and turkey because they have a lessee chance of cracking. 

However, even then bones can tend to be quite hazardous especially if your dog tries to swallow without chewing properly. 

Final thoughts: 

Even though your dog can eat pork bones when it is prepared correctly, it is still best to avoid them. This is because pork bones even when raw have a chance of cracking and ending up hurting your dog. Pig meat also tends to be quite lean which might make it difficult for your dog to digest it.