Can Frenchies eat pork?
This delicacy comes in different forms like bacon and ham.
It has both nutritional and health benefits for our bodies.
But can you give it to your Frenchie?
What are the benefits and risks of this delicacy?
Read through to find answers to these and much more.
Can Frenchies eat pork?
Yes, Frenchies can eat pork. But, there is a catch: the pork should neither be raw nor undercooked.
This is because raw or undercooked pork has a parasite called Trichinella Spiralis that causes infections.
Nutritional Value of Pork Meat:
Rich in proteins
Pork meat is an excellent source of proteins necessary for bodybuilding and muscle repair.
Dry pork contains 89% proteins while cooked pork has 26% (1)
Vitamins and minerals
Pork contains vitamins B6, B12, and niacin which aid in the formation of red blood cells, brain functioning, and energy production.
Health Benefits of Pork For Dogs
- Vitamin B1 found in pork is essential for the conversion of food to energy for daily activities.
- Pork is rich in proteins necessary for muscle mass. As your dog ages, muscles wear out, but proteins aid in muscle generation and ensure a longer lifespan.
- Consumption of pork promotes your dog’s physical activity as it contains taurine, creatine, and beta-alanine that reduce fatigue and improve physical strength.
- Zinc in pork is essential for improved immunity and fast wound healing.
- Furthermore, pork is rich in selenium necessary for proper thyroid functioning. Phosphorus in pork is responsible for thick bones and strong muscles.
Which pork parts can be eaten safely by Frenchies?
Pork Bones
Pork bones are a great source of calcium and phosphorous for strong joints and muscles
However, they are a choking hazard and pose a risk of obstruction making them unsafe for dogs
Pork Ribs
Pork ribs are tasty and take a shorter time to cook making it the best snack when in a hurry
But the ribs have bones that break easily when cooked.
To lower the risks of hurting your dog, remove the bones before cooking
Raw Pork
Raw pork is a powerhouse of healthy nutrients. however; it has a parasite called Trichinella Spiralis, which causes an infection known as Trichinosis hence unhealthy for Frenchies
Cooked Pork
Cooked pork is safe for Frenchies and has lots of proteins for body-building. However, the pork should be free from seasonings such as onions and garlic.
Pork Sausage
It aids in the repair and growth of muscles but It has lots of fats so you should serve in moderation
Pork Skin
Pork skin is carb-free
However, it contains lots of fats, salt, and spices which are harmful to dogs
What are the Harms of Pork for Frenchies?
Raw Pork: Bacteria’s hiding place has Trichinella spiralis, a parasite found in raw pork that causes Trichinosis. Consuming raw pork leads to diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle inflammation.
Seasoned Pork: Additives dogs don’t need. Seasoned pork contains additives like onions, garlic, salt, and oils. Onions and garlic have toxic chemicals, while salt and fats lead to dehydration and heart problems.
Fat: A problem with pancreatitis. Pork contains lots of fats that overwork the pancreas causing pancreatitis.
Processed Pork: Not a part of a dog’s regular diet. Processed pork has toxic ingredients like salt, onions, oils, and spices, which negatively affects Frenchies
How to Safely Give Your Dog Pork
- Cut pork into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
- Remove the bones and the skin.
- Cook the pork thoroughly.
- Avoid additives like onions, salt, and spices.
- Since pork is rich in fats, do not add any oils to lower the risks of pancreatitis and heart problems.
- Do not give pork regularly.
Can dogs eat bacon?
No, dogs cannot eat bacon as it has lots of fats and salt.
Consuming bacon leads to pancreatitis, cardiovascular problems, and obesity.
The high salt content in bacon causes dehydration.
Can dogs eat ham?
No, dogs cannot eat ham as it contains lots of preservatives that are harmful.
Fats and salt are the main components of ham, making it unhealthy for your Frenchie.
Can dogs eat cooked pork?
Yes, dogs can safely eat cooked pork.
Cooking kills the parasite in pork, thus lowering the risks of infection.
Cooked pork is also easy to digest hence low stomach upsets.
Can dogs eat pork ribs?
No, dogs cannot eat pork ribs.
When subjected to cooking, pork ribs contain bones that become fragile, posing a threat of wounds in the mouth and along the digestive tract.
Can dogs eat pork sausage?
We do not recommend pork sausage for dogs as it is rich in unhealthy fats and has lots of additives like salt and powdered onions that are toxic to dogs.
Can dogs eat pork fat?
Yes, pork fats in small amounts and, on rare occasions, are not harmful to dogs.
However, consuming large amounts of fats is a recipe for health problems like heart conditions.
Can dogs eat pork chops?
Yes, dogs can eat pork chops.
However, the pork chops should be boneless and free from additives like onions, garlic, salt, oils, and spices which can negatively affect your Frenchie.
Easy and Fun Pork recipe for dogs
Ingredients
- 2 kgs pork
- 1 sweet potato (chopped)
- 1 apple ( cored)
- 2 carrots ( chopped)
- 2 kale ( chopped )
- ½ cups blueberries
- 1 cup rice
- 1 ½ cups water
Preparation
- Cook pork over low heat
- When tender, add the potato, apple, carrots, blueberries, and rice
- Stir for five minutes
- Add water
- Cook for 30 minutes
- Serve
How do I know if my dog has overeaten pork?
Pork is tasty, and your dog can overfeed on this delicacy leading to these symptoms.
- Stiff neck
- Lack of appetite
- Pale gums
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle inflammation
- Weakness
Which dog diseases can affect dogs’ pork eating?
Trichinosis
This is a parasitic infection caused by Trichinella Spiralis found in raw or undercooked pork.
The symptoms associated with Trichinosis include muscle stiffness and inflammation.
The vet will carry out routine tests like urinalysis, blood count, and fecal examination.
Treatment includes the administration of antiparasitic drugs.
Pancreatitis
Pork contains a lot of fats which can overwork the pancreas causing pancreatic inflammation.
The symptoms to watch out for include abdominal pain, lethargy, nausea, and diarrhea
Laboratory tests will reveal elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes.
For mild cases, lots of rest are advisable, while extreme circumstances call for the administration of analgesics and intravenous fluids.
What is alternative meat to feed my Frenchies?
Wild boar
Wild boar has the same nutritional benefits as pork.
It is preferred to pork as it is relatively leaner and easy to digest
Chicken
Chicken has all the vitamins and minerals found in pork, but it is easier to digest and has less fat.
Give your Frenchie unseasoned chicken as additives like oils are harmful.
Turkey
Turkey has proteins for the repair and maintenance of muscles.
It is a substitute for dogs with sensitive stomachs and allergies to pork and chicken.
Lean ground beef
It is rich in omega 3 fatty acids for a smooth coat and strong joints.
How much pork can a Frenchie eat?
Give pork sparingly as too much pork causes health problems for Frenchies
Frenchies can consume between 25 to 30 calories per pound of their body weight daily.
Can I give my Frenchies pork bones?
No, pork bones are harmful to your Frenchie.
Cooking makes the bones brittle, thus hurting your dog’s mouth and the digestive tract
They are also a choking hazard and can cause obstruction.
Is preserved pork, such as ham and bacon, safe for my Frenchies to eat?
No, preserved pork such as ham and bacon is not safe for your Frenchie as it contains fats, a recipe for pancreatitis and obesity.
They also have lots of salt.
My dog ate a pork bone! What do I do?
If your dog accidentally ate a pork bone, take them to the vet for diagnosis and treatment.
The bone might have gotten stuck, thus causing a life-threatening obstruction.
Can Frenchies eat pork skin?
No, Frenchies cannot eat pork skin as it contains lots of additives like salt and fats, which results in health problems like cardiovascular diseases, pancreatitis, canine obesity, and salt toxicity.
Can Frenchies eat pulled pork?
No, pulled pork has barbecue sauce which contains harmful ingredients like onions and garlic.
Moreover, barbecue in pulled pork has sugar which is unhealthy and can cause diabetes in dogs.
Can I give my Frenchies pork if it’s raw, fresh pork?
No, you should not give your Frenchie pork if it is raw, fresh pork.
Raw, fresh pork has parasites that cause Trichinosis, which can be fatal if not treated.
What pork is bad for dogs?
Raw or undercooked pork is bad for dogs as it contains Trichinella Spiralis larvae responsible for infections.
The symptoms to look out for include pale gums, stomach upsets, and fever
Why is there no pork in dog food?
Like soya and eggs, pork presents allergic reactions in dogs; hence it is excluded from dog food.
Consuming dog food that has pork can lead to allergic reactions.
Is chicken or pork better for dogs?
Chicken is better for dogs as it contains fewer fats.
The high-fat content in pork makes it less healthy as it exposes your dog to diseases like pancreatitis.
What pork does to dogs?
Well-cooked pork has proteins that aid in the conversion of food to energy.
Phosphorus in pork is essential for healthy growth and development.
Raw pork makes dogs sick due to parasites.
What meat should dogs avoid?
Dogs should avoid raw or undercooked meat.
Raw or undercooked meat has bacteria and parasites which cause diseases for your dog.
Cooking kills the bacteria and makes digestion easier.
What is the healthiest meat for dogs?
The healthiest meat for dogs is one with lean proteins, low fats and is easy to chew and digest
These characteristics are found in chicken, making it the best meat.
Is pork skin good for dogs?
No, pork skin is not suitable for dogs as it contains salt and lots of fats.
High salt intake leads to dehydration while consuming foods rich in fats causes pancreatitis.
Are dogs allergic to pork?
Yes, some dogs are allergic to pork and pork products like sausage.
The allergic symptoms include itchiness and muscle stiffness.
Stop giving your dog pork if you notice these signs.
Can French Bulldogs eat ground pork?
French bulldogs cannot eat ground pork as it is processed and has onion and garlic powder.
They destroy your Frenchie’s red blood cells, thus causing anemia.
What human food can Frenchies eat?
Frenchies can eat human food, including peanut butter, fish, chicken, white rice, plain popcorn, carrots, apples, bananas, and watermelon.
However, you should serve in moderation.
Can dogs eat pork when sick?
No, dogs should not eat pork when sick due to the high-fat levels.
Sick dogs have lower immunity levels; hence raw or undercooked pork exposes them to more infections.
Can an anemic dog eat pork?
Yes, an anemic dog can eat pork as it is an excellent source of iron.
Anemia results from a lack of iron in the body, and pork aids in replenishing lost iron
Can dogs with kidney disease eat pork?
No, dogs with kidney disease should not eat pork as it contains fats and proteins.
The kidney is responsible for removing toxins, and adding fats and proteins might overwork it.
Can dogs eat pork to help with diarrhea?
No, pork cannot help dogs with diarrhea.
Raw or undercooked pork escalates the problem; hence should be avoided.
Feed your dog bland foods like white rice until diarrhea subsides
Can a nursing dog eat pork?
Yes, pork is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals essential for a nursing dog.
Pork ensures fast conversion of food to energy, boosts immunity, and strengthens bones for dogs.
Is Pork Good for Frenchies? Final Thoughts
Pork is good for Frenchies
However, you should serve in moderation as large amounts can cause pancreatitis and obesity.
Pork should also be well-cooked to kill parasites and prevent infections.
Other healthy meat alternatives like chicken can substitute pork in your dog’s diet.
Always consult the vet before introducing pork.
