Benefits and risks
Benefits
- Not toxic in a small accidental bite
- High-value smell and taste
- Lean, plain meats are much better choices
Risks
- Very high sodium
- High fat can trigger pancreatitis
- Ham bones can splinter or cause blockages; glazes add sugar and spices
If you choose to share
- Avoid feeding ham as a treat
- Never give ham bones
- Choose plain chicken or turkey instead
My dog ate ham. What should I do?
A small amount is unlikely to cause serious harm in a healthy dog. Remove any remaining food, offer fresh water and watch for vomiting, diarrhea, a painful belly or lethargy over the next 24-48 hours. Call your vet if your dog ate a large amount, is small, young or has health problems (such as pancreatitis), or if the food contained onion, garlic, chocolate or xylitol.
Safer treats to give instead
These are safe for dogs in treat-size amounts:
Planning treats? Check your dog's full daily needs with the dog food calculator or dog calorie calculator.
Ham and dogs: FAQ
Can dogs have ham?
Ham is not toxic, but it is not a good treat for dogs. It is very high in salt and fat, which can cause stomach upset, excessive thirst and pancreatitis. Ham bones are dangerous.
My dog ate a ham bone. What should I do?
Call your vet. Bones can cause choking, mouth injuries, blockages or perforation.
Can dogs eat a small piece of ham?
A small piece is unlikely to cause serious harm in a healthy dog, but it is not a good regular treat.
What are signs of pancreatitis?
Vomiting, a painful belly, hunching, lethargy and loss of appetite, often 1-3 days after a fatty meal. See a vet.
Can puppies eat ham?
No. Puppies are smaller and more vulnerable than adults, so it is best avoided entirely.
More "can dogs eat" guides
Browse lists: human foods dogs can eat · foods dogs can't eat
Sources
This guide is general information for healthy adult dogs. Dogs with medical conditions (such as diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies) may need different advice from their vet.