Pork is a safe and nutritious meat used in many commercial dog foods. And best of all, many pooches simply love the way pork tastes! However, with so many pork food options on the market, finding the perfect pork dog food can feel overwhelming.
Don’t worry! We will help you narrow things down, so you can pick the best pork-based dog food one for your four-footer.
We’ll share some key factors to consider, discuss why pork is a preferred protein for some dogs, and identify a few of our favorite pork-based dog food options.
In a hurry? Just check out our quick picks below!
Best Pork Dog Food: Quick Picks
- #1 Acana LID Dog Food [Best Overall Pork Dog Food] — If you just want one of the best pork-based dog foods on the market, it’s hard to argue with Acana’s LID formula. Made in the USA, packed with pork, and fortified with taurine, we think this is simply the best option available.
- #2 Zignature Pork Dog Food [Best for Dogs with Chicken Allergies] — This is a great choice for owners in need of a completely chicken-free product, as well as those who simply want a high-quality, US-made, pork-based food.
- #3 Inception Pork Dog Food [Most Affordable Pick] — Because of its remarkably affordable price tag, you’ll have to forego some of the “extras” many other foods have, but Inception’s pork-based recipe is a great option for budget-conscious owners.
Is Pork Safe for Dogs? Is It a Good Protein for Them?
In general, pork is a perfectly safe protein for dogs when prepared and served appropriately. But that doesn’t mean you can start shoveling swine down your pooch’s gullet with reckless abandon.
Here are a couple of safety guidelines to keep in mind before passing the pork to your pooch:
- Pork kibble is safe. Generally, kibble or wet food with pork protein is a safe pick for healthy dogs. However, it’s always a good idea to run a prospective pooch food by your veterinarian before making a switch. Your veterinarian will be more familiar with the individual dietary needs of your dog based on his breed, size, and lifestyle.
- Pork-caused illness is pretty rare. Some owners may be hesitant to introduce pork-based dog food due to Trichinella parasites (which cause the disease known as trichinellosis or trichinosis) that are found in some pigs. However, thorough cooking kills off the worms, making commercial dog foods with pork pretty darn safe. In addition, US-raised pigs are now kept in better conditions which makes trichinellosis pretty rare, averaging only 16 human cases per year.
- Cooked pork is OK as an occasional treat for most dogs. If you’re yearning to treat your pooch to some freshly cooked pork, make sure the pork is prepared safely. The pork should be deboned and cooked to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit to minimize the risk of transmitting food-borne parasites. You’ll also want to feed Fido pork in small quantities since it has a high-fat content.
- Stay away from seasoning. Common cooking seasonings like garlic, onions, and others can be toxic for dogs even in small amounts. For that matter, the salt we often add to our foods isn’t good for Fido either. So, make sure that any pork your pup consumes is served without added seasoning.
- Heavily salted meats like bacon, ham, or cured pork are NOT safe for dogs. These foods simply have too much sodium for your floof. We get it — bacon tastes good. But that’s just one of the foods you should keep for yourself. Toss your pup a long-lasting chew instead!
- Pork bones are NOT safe. Any cooked pork given to your dog needs to have all bones removed. Meat bones of all types can splinter and cause serious damage to your dog’s mouth, throat, or intestines, and they are a serious choking hazard too.
What To Look For In A Pork-Based Dog Food
Not all pork dog foods are created equally, so it’s important to evaluate each food on an individual basis. Just be sure to consider the following factors if you’re ready to introduce pork into your pup’s palette:
- Made In USA — Simply put, American made dog foods are typically the highest quality dog foods since all pet food is regulated by the FDA. While foods from places like Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or Western Europe are also OK, it’s hard to beat US-made foods.
- No Unlabeled/Improperly Identified Meat Meals or Byproducts — While meat meals and byproducts aren’t inherently bad, you’ll want to make sure you pick a dog food brand that’s fully transparent and discloses exactly what kinds of meat meals or meat byproducts are contained in their recipes. Byproducts and meat meals are actually quite nutritious for your pooch — humans just think they’re gross.
- Whole Protein — Ideally, your dog food of choice has a whole meat protein (not pork meal) as the first ingredient. Pork meal is an OK farther down the ingredient list or as a substitute if the rest of the ingredient list is stellar.
- Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables — Our dogs need their daily dose of fruits and canine-friendly veggies just as much as we do, so it’s a good idea to make sure these nutritious foods are included in your pup’s pork-based food. Look for foods that contain things like blueberries, sweet potatoes, spinach, or other vitamin- and antioxidant-rich produce.
- Omega-3 Rich Ingredients — Omega 3 fatty acids can help facilitate proper pooch brain development, support coat and skin health, reduce inflammation, and ease canine arthritis. If you can’t find a good pork food with Omega-3s, you can always opt for a standalone fish or salmon oil supplement.
Foods that use meat meals instead of whole proteins aren’t necessarily bad.
After all, meat meals have more protein per unit of measure than whole proteins (thanks to the reduced water content). So, don’t be dissuaded by foods containing (appropriately identified) pork meal or pork byproducts.
However, we typically note that the use of a whole protein at the top of a food’s ingredient list is a fairly reasonable indicator of quality. Typically, higher-quality foods are more likely to start their ingredient list with a whole protein, while cost-cutting manufacturers often use meat meals instead.
The 9 Best Pork Dog Foods
Without further ado, here are some of our favorite pork-based dog foods for your pup. Remember to consult your veterinarian before switching to new food and to transition your dog gradually to his new diet for the best results.
1. Acana LID
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Acana LID
Grain-free, protein-packed, and fortified with supplemental taurine
About: This pork and squash dog food from Acana has whole, deboned pork as the first ingredient making it a great pick for most dogs. In fact, 65% of the food’s ingredients come from Yorkshire pork.
Importantly, this food has added taurine, which may be helpful for sidestepping the problems with grain-free foods. It also contains organ meats and cartilage, and it is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to keep Fido’s tail wagging.
Features:
- Acana food is made exclusively out of Kentucky ensuring freshness and quality
- Pork-based dry food has a substantial 31% protein content
- Food is infused with vitamin- and antioxidant-rich sweet potatoes
- Made without gluten, potato, rice, or tapioca
Ingredients List
Deboned pork, pork meal, pork liver, sweet potato, whole chickpeas...,
pork fat, whole lentils, lentil fiber, pollock oil, whole butternut squash, natural pork flavor, pork cartilage, whole pumpkin, whole cranberries, salt, choline chloride, taurine, vitamin E supplement, dried kelp, zinc proteinate, mixed tocopherols (preservative), freeze-dried pork liver, niacin, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, copper proteinate, chicory, turmeric, citric acid (preservative), rosemary extract, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product
PROS
Dogs seemed to love the taste of this food, and it’s ingredient list is off-the-charts awesome. Owners also loved knowing that this food is cooked up in a single facility in Kentucky. Finally, this recipe is infused with pumpkin, sweet potato, and probiotics, which make it a great pick for pups with tummy troubles.
CONS
Most owners had few complaints about this food other than the fact that it’s quite a bit pricier than other options. But that’s to be expected — this kind of quality comes at a price.
2. Zignature Pork
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Zignature Pork
Limited ingredient, pork-based food with no chicken or eggs
About: This LID Zignature kibble is protein-packed and features whole pork as the first ingredient.
A pretty good option for four-footers with food allergies, this limited ingredient dog food recipe only includes a single primary protein source, and it is made without chicken, eggs, potatoes, or several other common allergens.
This grain-free formula is fortified with taurine, which may help prevent DCM problems, and it contains omega-3-rich ingredients like flaxseed.
Features:
- Simple dog food formula has 31% protein content
- Made in the USA food with 4, 12.5, and 25-pound bag sizes
- Food is made without eggs, wheat, corn, soy, or gluten
- Added taurine for heart health
Ingredients List
Pork, Pork Meal, Peas, Pea Flour, Chickpeas...,
Pork Fat, Natural Flavors, Flaxseed, Choline Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Vitamins (Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D‐Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Mixed Tocopherols Preserved, L-Carnitine.
PROS
This single-protein food is a great pick for dogs who have allergies or food sensitivities. Dogs seem to love the flavor of this food, and many owners reported that the kibble led to shinier, healthier coats. Additionally, this is a completely chicken-free food, which is not always easy to find.
CONS
There weren’t many complaints from owners other than that the food is a little bit on the pricey side. Additionally, as with just about every other kibble ever created, some dogs won’t love the taste — all doggos are individuals.
3. Stella & Chewy’s Purely Pork
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Stella & Chewy’s Purely Pork
Freeze-dried, pork-based dog food topper with 40% protein content
About: If you’re looking for a perfect pork topper to add to your dog’s daily meals, these pork mixers by Stella & Chewy’s are a great choice.
The pork toppers are freeze-dried, they’re made without peas, lentils, or potatoes, and they give you a great chance to make your pup’s kibble more appealing.
Most owners use these as dog food toppers, but they can serve as your dog’s primary food too. You can feed these mixers as-is, straight out of the bag, but you’ll likely find your pooch appreciates them even more if your rehydrate them with a few tablespoons of water first.
Features:
- Made in the USA, freeze-dried pork topper
- Impressive 40% crude protein content
- Fortified with organic fruits and vegetables like beets, spinach, pumpkin, and cranberries
- Designed as a topper, but can be used as your pup’s complete diet
Ingredients List
Pork, Pork Liver, Pork Bone, Fenugreek Seed, Pork Kidney...,
Pumpkin Seed, Organic Cranberries, Organic Spinach, Organic Broccoli, Organic Beets, Organic Carrots, Organic Squash, Organic Blueberries, Potassium Chloride, Dried Kelp, Sodium Phosphate, Tocopherols (Preservative), Choline Chloride, Dried Pediococcus Acidilactici Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Longum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Salt.
PROS
Owners loved the flexibility of this topper, as it could be used as a food supplement for picky eaters, a complete kibble-replacement, or as an occasional treat. Dogs loved the taste of these toppers and the crumbly texture of the pork patties makes them an excellent training treat. We also like that this topper contains fruits and veggies, which many other lack.
CONS
The biggest downside to Stella & Chewy’s Topper is its price tag. However, this shouldn’t be a problem for owners who use it as a topper — you only need a little bit for each meal. However, it may be too expensive for owners who want to use it as a complete diet.
4. Nature’s Logic
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Nature’s Logic Canine Pork Meal Feast
High-quality, probiotic-enriched, pork-based dog food
About: This pork food from Nature’s Logic is a great dog food for pups with stomach sensitivities. It is not only a high-quality food that’s made without any ingredients sourced from China, it’s also packed with pumpkin and probiotics to facilitate easy digestion for your doggo.
This Nature’s Logic recipe is also packed with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, and it is made with a few unusual ingredients, such as almonds and pork plasma. Also, this recipe uses no synthetic vitamins, which many owners will find reassuring.
Features:
- Packed with protein with a 34% crude protein minimum
- Made without wheat, corn, rice, soy, potato, peas or lentils
- Dry food is enriched with probiotics for easy digestion
- Contains antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits including broccoli, blueberry, and spinach
Ingredients List
Pork Meal, Millet, Pork Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pumpkin Seed, Yeast Culture...,
Spray Dried Pork Liver, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Montmorillonite Clay, Dried Kelp, Spray Dried Porcine Plasma, Dried Tomato, Almonds, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Carrot, Dried Apple, Menhaden Fish Meal, Dried Pumpkin, Dried Apricot, Dried Blueberry, Dried Spinach, Dried Broccoli, Dried Cranberry, Parsley, Dried Artichoke, Rosemary, Dried Mushroom, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium bifidium Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Pineapple Extract, Dried Aspergillus niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract
PROS
This probiotic- and pumpkin-infused pork food is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs, and it is rich in protein too. Owners loved that this food is made without artificial flavors, preservatives, or Chinese-sourced ingredients, and dogs simply seemed to love the taste.
CONS
This food does not contain whole pork — only pork meal. That being said, it’s still a great option for pups especially if your dog cannot process wheat, corn, rice, soy, potato, peas, or lentils. Also, while we love that it is designed to support your doggo’s digestive health, we wish it were more affordable.
5. Primal Pet
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Primal Pet Freeze-Dried Nuggets
US-made, human-grade topper or kibble replacement
About: This freeze-dried raw dog food from Primal Pet is a great choice for owners who demand only the best for their pet, as it is made in the USA using human-grade ingredients.
Because of its price, most owners will use this as a topper, but it is formulated to provide a “complete and balanced diet for all life stages,” meaning that you can use it to replace your dog’s kibble entirely.
Pork, bones, and organs represent 85% of the ingredients in this protein-packed recipe, with the other 15% coming from produce and supplements. You can feed this food as-is, straight out of the bag, but most pooches will appreciate you mixing it with a bit of warm water before serving.
Features:
- Made with human-grade ingredients and without corn, wheat, or soy
- Pork “nuggets” are packed with antioxidant-rich organic fruits and vegetables
- Limited ingredient diet designed for dogs with food allergies or sensitive stomachs
- Formulated to work as a topper, treat, or complete diet
Ingredients List
Pork Hearts, Ground Pork Bones, Pork Livers, Organic Kale, Organic Squash...,
Organic Celery, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Organic Blueberries, Organic Cranberries, Organic Cilantro, Organic Ginger, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Montmorillonite Clay, Fish Oil, Organic Rosemary Extract, Organic Quinoa, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Ground Alfalfa, Vitamin E Supplement, Dried Organic Kelp
PROS
Dogs — including the pickiest pups around — seemed to love the taste of these nuggets. The limited-ingredient food didn’t cause intestinal issues for most dogs, so it’s a great pick for pups with sensitive stomachs. We also love some of the “extras” this food includes, such as a litany of organic fruits and veggies, as well as crushed bone powder for extra calcium.
CONS
This food isn’t as convenient as regular kibble since most dogs will want it to be mixed with water before serving. Also, while we love that it can be used as a total kibble replacement, many owners will simply find it to expensive to completely replace their pet’s current food.
6. Grandma Lucy’s
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Grandma Lucy’s Artisan Pork Recipe
Freeze-dried dog food made in a family-owned kitchen
About: If you’re an owner who puts your pup’s nutrition and happiness ahead of price tags, this artisan dog food from Grandma Lucy’s definitely deserves consideration.
Made with freeze-dried whole pork, a wide variety of nutritious fruits and veggies, and very little else, this is a great option for owners who like short and simple ingredient lists.
Grandma Lucy’s Artisan Pork Recipe is made in small batches in the company’s family-owned, California-based facility, making it an ideal pick for owners who like boutique-style foods and supporting small businesses.
Features:
- Freeze-dried food is minimally processed giving the recipe a taste your dog will love
- Food is made in the USA in small batches
- Packed with natural antioxidants from blueberries and cranberries
- Shelf-stable food can stay fresh for up to 18 months
Ingredients List
USDA Pork, Potatoes, Flax, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots...,
Celery, Apples, Blueberries, Cranberries, Garlic, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Niacin, Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Riboflavin, Thiamin, Potassium, Manganese, Chloride, Copper, Magnesium, Pyridoxine, Cyanocobalamin.
PROS
Dogs seemed to love the taste and freshness of this boutique dog food, and most owners willing to cough up the necessary cash felt that it was money well spent. We like that the food is made in small batches inside a California-based kitchen, and that the ingredient list is supremely streamlined and primarily comprised of familiar ingredients.
CONS
This dog food needs to be mixed with water and sit for about 3 minutes before serving so it’s not the most convenient pick. In addition, the food is pretty pricey when compared to other food options, but that’s simply the nature of boutique dog foods. Finally, this food contains garlic, which may give some owners pause.
7. Open Farm
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Open Farm Pork & Root Vegetables
Eco-friendly food that’s good for your pooch and the planet
About: Open Farm Dog Food is a great option for owners who care about animal welfare and the planet.
It’s not only sustainably sourced, but it is also made with North American pork that’s 100% certified humane. In fact, you can even trace each ingredient in this food back to its source with the embedded lot code on each bag of kibble.
But this isn’t just an eco-friendly option — it’s also a nutritious dog food. In addition to high-quality pork, this recipe also includes antioxidant- and Omega-3-rich ingredients for your pup’s health and well-being.
Features:
- Whole pork is humanely raised without the use of antibiotics
- Made with peas, lentils, and sweet potato instead of grains
- Fish integrated recipe makes this a good source of Omega-3s
- Transparent labelling and ingredient trackability
Ingredients List
Humanely Raised Pork, Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas), Ocean Whitefish Meal, Field Peas, Green Lentils, Ocean Menhaden Fish Meal...,
Sweet Potato, Coconut Oil, Tomato,Natural Flavour, Flaxseed, Sunflower Oil, Pumpkin, Squash, Beet Root, Carrots, Sun Cured Alfalfa, Chicory Root, Salmon Oil, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, Mixed Tocopherols, Vitamin E Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Choline Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Calcium Carbonate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Selenium Yeast, Calcium Iodate, Rosemary Extract, Taurine, Cinnamon, Turmeric
PROS
Dogs seemed to love the way this food tasted, and this kibble’s simple recipe was great for sensitive stomachs. Owners appreciate Open Farm’s commitment to sustainably and humanely processed dog food, and we think it’s awesome that it includes fish-based Omega-3s.
CONS
While many dogs loved it, some four-footers didn’t take to the flavor of this food. Also, as you may expect of a food that uses so many premium ingredients, Open Farm’s pork recipe is pretty expensive. Also, this is a grain-free food, so caution is warranted.
8. Merrick Slow-Cooked BBQ Recipe
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Merrick Slow-Cooked BBQ Recipe
High-quality, budget-friendly, pork-based canned food
About: If you’re looking for a pork-based wet food, this canned Slow-Cooked BBQ Food from Merrick is an excellent choice.
Wet and canned foods help keep your hound hydrated, and they are usually more appealing to four-footers too (especially when made with tasty ingredients, like this food’s slow-cooked pork).
Unlike some other popular canned foods, Merrick’s Slow-Cooked BBQ Recipe is made in the USA under stringent safety and quality-control standards. In addition to slow-cooked pork, this food contains other dog favorites, such as tasty carrots and potatoes.
Features:
- Made in the USA
- Fortified with vitamins D3 and B12
- Can be served on it’s own or as a supplement to kibble
- BBQ inspired wet food is a great pick for choosy canines
Ingredients List
Deboned Pork, Beef Broth, Vegetable Broth, Pork Liver, Potatoes...,
Carrots, Dried Egg Product, Potato Starch, Whey Protein Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, Dried Tomato, Sodium Phosphate, Fruit Juice Color, Natural Smoke Flavor, Sunflower Oil, Salmon Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salt, Cane Molasses, Apple Cider Vinegar, Guar Gum, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, d- Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Xanthan Gum, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Cobalt Glucoheptonate, Potassium Iodide).
PROS
Dogs seemed to love the taste of this wet food on its own or with dry food mixed in — in fact, many owners found that it worked marvelously for tempting finicky four-footers. This is also one of the more affordable pork-based dog food options that’s made with whole pork.
CONS
While this food is made with a few high-quality ingredients (such as whole, deboned pork), it isn’t exactly packed with produce. Also, it lacks the probiotics found in many other modern dog foods (of course, you can always provide standalone dog probiotics as a supplement).
9. Inception Dry Dog Food
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Inception Dry Dog Food
Surprisingly High-Quality, Yet Affordable, Dog Food
About: This dry dog food by Inception is a budget-friendly, pork-based dog food that rises above many similarly priced options. For example, unlike many other bargain-priced kibbles, Inception’s Pork Recipe is made in the USA and features a whole protein at the top of the ingredient list.
Additionally, this food comes with a few nutritional bells and whistles, such as ground flaxseed, which serve as a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Also, this is a grain-inclusive food, which means it probably won’t contribute to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
Features:
- Whole pork is the first ingredient
- Crude protein content of 25%
- No potato, wheat, soy, legumes, or corn
- Made in the USA
Ingredients List
Pork, Pork Meal, Oats, Millet, Milo...,
Pork Fat (Mixed Tocopherol Preserved), Natural Flavor, Ground Flaxseeds, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salt, Tricalcium Phosphate, Taurine, L-Carnitine, Vitamins (Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate)
PROS
Owners were impressed with the value of this food for the price, especially taking into account that this food uses whole protein and is made in the USA. Also, most (but not all) dogs seemed to love the taste of this food, even if they were previously picky eaters.
CONS
There were surprisingly few complaints about this food, given its affordable price tag. Most related to dogs not liking the taste, or suffering gas or other minor intestinal issues. It is also important to note that this food is not recommended for dogs over 70 pounds.
Benefits of Pork-Based Dog Food
Now that you’ve seen some of the best pork-based dog foods on the market, it’s time to turn our attention to some of the awesome benefits pork provides.
Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider pork as your pup’s protein of choice:
- Tasty Choice — Dogs tend to like the taste of pork, so it might be worth trying if you have a picky pooch on your hands. However, keep in mind that pork has a higher fat content than other proteins, so you’ll want to adjust Fido’s caloric intake accordingly.
- Excellent Source of Protein — Pork contains all 10 of the essential amino acids dogs need to keep their tail wagging. It’s also pretty easy to prepare as an occasional treat or supplement to your dog’s diet.
- Affordable Food Option — Depending on what your pooch is used to eating, pork is an affordable food option. It’s usually somewhere between the cost of chicken and beef, so you probably won’t experience a significant price increase (if at all) when switching to pork-based dog food.
- Good Choice For Dogs With Allergies — If your doggo has primarily eaten chicken- or beef-based foods, pork will represent a novel protein source. This will make it less likely to trigger an overactive immune response to the food. This means it can make a great dog food for dogs who suffer from food allergies or sensitivities.
- Nutritional Benefits — Pork is packed with protein, as it contains 25.7 grams of protein per 100-gram serving. However, it also contains 20.8 grams of fat per 100-gram serving (though fat varies based on the cut of pork), which makes it delicious, but calorie-dense.
Pork Dog Foods: FAQs
It turns out that a lot of owners have questions about feeding their dogs pork, so we’ve tried to answer some of the most common queries on the subject below. If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments!
Is pork safe for dogs?
Yes — cooked, unseasoned pork is safe for dogs. Pork is calorie-dense and full of fat, so it’s not a great choice for portly pooches, but there’s nothing dangerous about it.
Will pork give my dog trichinosis?
Not if it is properly cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Trichinosis is also rarer in US-raised pork than it was in the past, which further reduces the chances of your dog getting sick. Commercial freeze drying (when carried out properly) will also kill the parasites that cause trichinosis.
Can I give my dog pork bones?
We discourage the feeding of bones, as it is unnecessary and presents serious health risks (broken teeth, esophagus damage, or intestinal obstructions, among other things). There are other, better things to let your dog chew on.
Is pork good for dogs with allergies?
It can be — it just depends on whether or not your dog is allergic to pork proteins. Consult with your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog is suffering from food allergies.
Do dogs like pork?
Most dogs love the way pork tastes, but all dogs are individuals with varying preferences.
***
Any of these pork-based dog foods are sure to please your pooch. However, don’t forget to talk it over with your veterinarian before switching to a new food to ensure Fido’s transition is a smooth one.
Have you added any of these pork-based foods to your pup’s palette? What’s your mutt’s mealtime routine? We’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!
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