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Can Dogs Eat Ham? What Pet Parents Should Know
Published on September 15th, 2023
Updated on June 16th, 2026
Do you have questions about whether or not it is safe to give your dog ham? Petco has the answers to this & other canine diet questions!
Can dogs eat ham? Dogs are omnivores, eating not only meat but also vegetables and fruits. Since ham is unquestionably meat, pet parents might be expecting a resounding ”yes,” but the answer isn’t that simple.
Let's examine a few of the reasons why this is the case in greater detail.
Can dogs eat ham?
Yes and no. While dogs can eat small amounts of ham, there are some important factors to consider before throwing them a slice of deli meat or cutting them off a juicy piece of holiday ham. Above all, consult your veterinarian before adding any new food to your dog’s diet to ensure it’s an appropriate snack for them.
Why can’t dogs eat ham? The primary reason is that ham is a processed meat that has gone through a curing process. It’s generally loaded with sodium, sugar and other preservatives, all of which are unhealthy for your pet. This applies to both deli ham slices and to holiday hams. The primary preservatives in ham are nitrates and nitrites, which are both sodium-based. High-sodium preservatives aren’t healthy for dogs and can even be toxic.
Too much salt can lead to:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea,
- Excessive thirst and urination,
- Lethargy, and
- Abnormal fluid accumulation/ bloating.
In the long term, excessive sodium consumption can lead to more serious problems, including kidney damage, seizures, coma and even death.
Is ham good for dogs?
No. While allowing your dog to have a slice of ham here and there should be fine, doing so offers no significant health benefits. While ham is high in protein, it’s also high in fat and sodium, neither of which is healthy for dogs.
In addition to the salt, fat also makes ham tasty, but a diet high in fat is no better for dogs than it is for humans. An appropriate amount of animal fat in a dog’s diet is about 15 to 20 percent of their total daily calories. High-quality dog foods are balanced to provide the right amount of fat to meet your dog’s dietary needs. Ingesting a large amount of fatty ham can lead to digestive problems for your dog and even painful, life-threatening pancreatic inflammation.
In summary, if you’re asking, “Can dogs have ham?”, be aware that a little bit is fine—just don’t make it too common of a treat.
Can dogs eat ham bones?
No, dogs can’t eat ham bones. Ham bones—whether cooked or not—are inappropriate for dogs as they can present many health risks. Ham bones can break your dog’s teeth, present a choking hazard or even cause internal damage stuck in their GI tract.
If chewing on a cooked ham bone, the brittle bone could splinter and cut your dog’s mouth or break one of their teeth. Additionally, if your dog swallows a ham bone, it could get lodged in their esophagus, resulting in coughing or choking. And if a piece of ham bone enters their digestive system, the bone won’t break down easily and can potentially cause extensive internal damage.
What to do if your dog ate a ham bone
If your dog eats a ham bone, consult your veterinarian immediately. Even if your dog seems fine, it’s important to go to your vet because broken parts or splintered ham bone in your dog’s system can cause perforation or internal obstruction. These would require emergency surgery, so it’s always best to get your pup checked out before the problem occurs. Monitor your dog for symptoms like vomiting, constipation or lethargy, and consult your vet about the next steps.
How to feed ham to your dog
If you’re planning to feed your dog ham, choose one that contains as few additives as possible. Glazed and honey-baked hams aren’t recommended for your pet because they contain added sugar. Low-sodium ham is a better choice. Even though low-sodium ham is plainer than other types of ham, your dog probably won’t care when they’re gobbling it up from their food bowl.
Can you give dogs ham in large chunks? Just like humans need to take small bites to avoid choking on their food, dogs should only be offered ham that’s been cut into small pieces. If your dog consumes a large chunk of ham too quickly without chewing it well, it can get caught in their throat.
Remember that treats—and ham falls into this category—should make up no more than 10 percent of your pet’s total daily calories. Because of its high fat and sodium content, ham should not be offered to your dog every day. Your veterinarian can estimate an appropriate total daily calorie count for your dog based on their weight, age and any medical conditions they might have. Be especially mindful when feeding treats if your pet is overweight or you need to encourage them to pay more attention to their nutritionally balanced and complete dog food
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat ham at all, or should it be avoided entirely? Dogs can eat small amounts of plain, low-sodium ham occasionally, but it offers no meaningful nutritional benefit. Ham is high in fat and sodium — both of which can harm your dog's health over time — so it's best treated as a rare indulgence rather than a regular snack. Always check with your veterinarian before introducing any new food. https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/
How much ham is safe for a dog? There's no universally "safe" serving size, since it depends on your dog's weight, age and health status. As a general guideline, treats of any kind — including ham — should make up no more than 10% of your dog's total daily calories. Because of ham's high fat and sodium content, even that 10% ceiling is better filled with a more wholesome option. Ask your veterinarian to calculate an appropriate daily calorie target for your individual dog. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/
What are the signs of salt toxicity in dogs after eating ham? Excess sodium can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and urination, lethargy and abnormal fluid accumulation. In severe cases, high sodium intake can contribute to kidney damage, seizures, coma or death. If your dog has eaten a large amount of ham and shows any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Which types of ham are least harmful for dogs? If you choose to share a small piece with your dog, plain, low-sodium ham with no glaze, honey coating or added spices is the least problematic option. Glazed, honey-baked and heavily seasoned hams contain added sugars and higher sodium levels that make them even less appropriate. Deli ham slices are also heavily processed and generally high in nitrates and nitrites, so they are not a recommended choice. https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/
Can dogs eat ham bones? No. Ham bones — cooked or raw — are not appropriate for dogs. Cooked ham bones are brittle and can splinter, causing cuts in your dog's mouth, broken teeth, choking or serious internal injury if swallowed. If your dog has eaten a ham bone, contact your veterinarian right away, even if he or she appears fine, as internal obstructions or perforations may require emergency surgery. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
What are better high-protein treat alternatives to ham for dogs? Since dogs are omnivores with specific nutritional needs, a treat that contributes real nutritional value is always preferable to processed deli meat. Plain cooked chicken, turkey or lean beef (unseasoned, boneless) are lower-sodium protein options. Purpose-formulated dog treats that meet AAFCO nutritional guidelines are an even more reliable choice, since they are designed with your dog's dietary needs in mind. https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/ https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals
Ham Types at a Glance: Safety Guide for Dog Parents
| Ham Type | Typical Sodium Level | Added Sugar / Glaze | Fat Content | Safety Verdict for Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deli ham slices | Very high (700–1,500 mg per 2 oz serving) | Often present (honey, maple varieties) | Moderate–high | Not recommended; high sodium and preservatives (nitrates/nitrites) pose health risks https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Holiday ham (glazed/honey-baked) | Very high | Yes — glaze adds significant sugar | High | Avoid; added sugar plus high sodium and fat make this a poor choice for dogs https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/ |
| Low-sodium cooked ham (plain) | Lower, but still elevated relative to canine daily needs | No | Moderate | Occasional tiny piece only; still high in fat and should never be a regular treat https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals |
| Cured/smoked ham | Very high | Sometimes | High | Not recommended; curing process concentrates sodium and preservatives https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Ham bone (cooked or raw) | N/A | N/A | N/A | Never feed; splintering risk, choking hazard and potential for internal injury or obstruction https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
Bottom line: No form of ham is a nutritious choice for your dog. If you do offer a small piece on a rare occasion, plain low-sodium cooked ham in a bite-sized portion is the least risky option — and treats of any kind should never exceed 10% of your dog's total daily calories. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian before sharing any human food with your pet. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat ham safely? In very small amounts, plain cooked ham is unlikely to cause immediate harm to most dogs — but it offers no meaningful nutritional benefit and carries real risks from high sodium, fat and preservatives. It should never be a regular part of your dog's diet. Always check with your veterinarian before introducing any new human food. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals
Why is ham bad for dogs? Ham is a processed meat that is high in sodium, fat and preservatives such as nitrates and nitrites. Excess sodium can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, lethargy and abnormal fluid accumulation in dogs, and chronic overconsumption can contribute to more serious conditions including kidney damage. High fat intake can trigger painful pancreatic inflammation. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Can dogs eat deli ham or honey-baked ham? Neither is a good choice. Deli ham is heavily processed and loaded with sodium and preservatives. Honey-baked and glazed holiday hams add sugar on top of those concerns, making them even less appropriate for your dog. If you want to offer a rare treat, plain low-sodium cooked ham in a very small, bite-sized piece is the least problematic option. https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/
Can dogs eat ham bones? No. Ham bones — whether cooked or raw — should never be given to dogs. Cooked bones become brittle and can splinter, risking cuts to the mouth, choking, esophageal obstruction or serious internal injury requiring emergency surgery. If your dog has already eaten a ham bone, contact your veterinarian right away even if he or she appears fine. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
How much ham can a dog eat? Treats — including any ham — should make up no more than 10% of your dog's total daily calorie intake. Because of its high fat and sodium content, ham should be an extremely rare and very small offering, not a routine snack. Your veterinarian can help you calculate an appropriate daily calorie target based on your dog's weight, age and health status. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/
What should I do if my dog ate a large amount of ham? Monitor your dog closely for signs of distress — vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, bloating or lethargy — and contact your veterinarian promptly. If your dog consumed a ham bone or a very large quantity of ham, treat it as an urgent situation and seek veterinary guidance right away rather than waiting for symptoms to appear. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.
FAQs about feeding your dog ham
If your dog eats a small amount of cooked ham, there should be no immediate cause for concern. Monitor them closely for the next couple of hours for signs of gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. If your pup experiences any of them, contact your veterinarian.
If your dog eats a large amount of ham, they can develop gastrointestinal or neurologic problems from its high fat and salt content. Ingestion of excess sodium can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive thirst, and urination or abnormal fluid accumulation. Ingestion of excess fat can lead to pancreatic inflammation with vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy and abdominal pain. If your dog shows any of these signs after eating ham, they should be checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Yes, dogs can eat cooked ham. Cooked ham by itself isn’t the healthiest treat for your dog, but it should not pose any problems for them when eaten occasionally in small amounts. If the ham was cooked in onions or garlic, however, you won’t be able to offer it to your dog as a treat since both onions and garlic are toxic to dogs.
Cloves are another popular ham preparation ingredient. While a tiny bite of cloves is not likely to cause problems for dogs, larger quantities can be toxic because they contain an ingredient called eugenol that can cause liver failure. Since the exact toxic dose is unknown, dogs should never be offered foods containing cloves or clove oil.
Most ham is cooked with a lot of salt, and all that sodium can cause an upset stomach, dehydration or even kidney failure for your dog. Consequently, to be cautious, you should limit how much cooked ham your dog eats.
Can dogs eat ham bones? No. Ham bones, like all bones,are inappropriate for dogs. When a dog gnaws on a bone, it can splinter and damage their esophagus, stomach or intestinal tract. Cooked ham bones are an even bigger problem because they’re even more prone to splintering than most other bones. Bones, in general, are hard to digest and can lodge in a dog’s intestinal tract, leading to a potentially life-threatening obstruction that requires surgery to treat. Therefore, while it’s fine to offer your pup a small bite of cooked ham on occasion, skip the bone to avoid the possible health consequences.