Dogs can eat pork safely. It provides them with quality protein of up to 81% and B12, both of which are necessary for the maintenance of healthy muscles and a number of other important bodily processes. As protein is broken down in the blood system, amino acid is left behind. Vitamin B12 then transforms this amino acid into a usable form. Pork is also a decent source of vitamin C, niacin and phosphorus and a very good source of iron, and selenium.

RAW OR UNDERCOOKED PORK

Raw and undercooked pork is dangerous to dogs (and humans) as they can potentially cause trichinosis, a condition that can result when the meat is infested with the larvae of a parasitic worm called Trichinella spiralis. This more commonly affects humans than dogs. The infection of Trichinella spiralis will only produce subtle symptoms in dogs:

• Upset stomach

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Elevated fever

• Lethargy

• Muscle inflammation

• Pain & stiffness

Not all these symptoms are present in dogs; typically, pets with a weaker immune system will have more severe symptoms. With Buta at Kuro Snacks, all pork is slowly processed and dehydrated at a minimum of 70°C for over 6 hours at least, to avoid the risk of Trichinella spiralis infections.

PORK BONES

Whilst dogs are always associated with chewing on bones, pork bones are rather tricky. Cooked pork is safe for dogs, but the bones certainly are not. Cooked bones dry them out and can cause them to be fragile and break. This can create tiny bone-splinters that can cause damage to your pup’s mouth and digestive tract. They are a choking hazard, in addition to potentially causing obstructions.

Signs of bones stuck in your dog’s throat:

• Anxious Pacing

• Choking

• Constant Licking of Lips

• Difficulty Sitting or Staying Still

• Drinking Water Excessively

• Gagging

• Vomiting

• Wretching

Not to mention that if your dog has actually eaten pork bones but do not appear to have any of the above signs, you do need to monitor your dog. Provide plain white bread so that this can help cushion the stomach to protect the digestive lining. Make sure bone fragments are eventually passed out in the poo, and if not, it might be wise to consult your vet. 

With Buta at Kuro Snacks, all pork is carefully de-boned, prior to infusion and dehydrated at a minimum of 70°C for over 6 hours to avoid the risk of Trichinella spiralis infection. As the pork pieces are sliced very thinly, there is no risk of any bone being undetected.

Please avoid Buta if your dog is allergic to pork and consider other options or bespoke snacks instead.