Can my dog eat pork?
Almost every four-legged friend has probably been captivated by the pleasantly fragrant, crispy pig ears at the pet food store. They are considered a popular snack and are enjoyed by most dogs. But what about pork meat - and where does the negative reputation come from when it comes to its use in dog food?
In principle: Your dog can have pork and can digest it just like any other conventional type of meat. The reason many people raise the alarm bells when it comes to feeding pork to dogs is the raw state of the meat and its health hazards.
Caution: This is why raw pork is dangerous for dogs
If you are wondering whether you can feed your dog raw pork as part of BARFing, the answer is definitely: No, because raw pork potentially contains many germs. Pork has a particularly bad reputation because it can possibly transmit the dangerous Aujeszky virus from the herpes virus group. The consequences are damage to the central nervous system, which usually ends fatally. Because the symptoms are similar to rabies, the disease is also called "pseudorabies." Additionally, raw pork can also transmit the E.coli virus as well as various parasites like salmonella and the roundworm trichinae.
Even though the virus has not been found in our pigs for years, wild boars carry it much more frequently.
But how can I ensure that I do not expose my dog to any risk when I feed him pork?
How do I feed pork to my dog?
The solution to kill viruses and parasites in the meat is cooking the pork. Properly cooked through, pork poses no danger to your dog and is a healthy addition to your furry friend's diet. Even with complete feed that contains pork, you can be sure that there is no danger and only a real treat awaits your dog.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Schweinefleisch ist im gekochten Zustand eine super Alternative und versorgt deinen Hund mit wichtigen Proteinen. Auch sensible Mägen im Rahmen einer Futtermittelallergie profitieren hier.
Do you want a dog to experience the true Wiesngaudi and enjoy a juicy roast pork? Our →Wet food Bavarian roast pork with spaetzle provides a delicious change in the bowl and allows your four-legged friend to have a species-appropriate Oktoberfest!
Whether you use the cooked pork for BARFing, as a snack in between, or as a topping on the food is up to you. However, keep in mind to adjust the feeding amount when your dog receives pork regularly, so that the daily needs are optimally covered and there is no overfeeding.
Entdecke unsere BARF Frische-Menüs und werde ganz leicht zum Profi!
My dog ate raw pork, what should I do now?
In case your dog snatched a piece of raw pork while cooking, you are probably worried that he might have contracted the virus. To reassure you, we can say that the Aujeszky virus is relatively rare in Germany. The probability that your dog gets directly infected by a small piece is low. It is generally important that your dog does not regularly consume raw pork, as this increases the risk of infection.
It also depends on the type of pork: There is virtually no danger from German domestic pigs. It is different with wild boar meat, as they carry the herpes virus more frequently.
Your dog may react with →diarrhea, →vomiting, and →abdominal pain. If his condition changes significantly, you should promptly visit your trusted veterinary practice. Unfortunately, there is no medication that can be given to your dog after eating raw meat, so patience is required.
Prevention is better than cure: Dispose of the remains when processing raw meat carefully and ensure that your dog has no access to the countertop if he is known to snatch a bite.
