Prefurred

Can Dogs Eat Pork Rinds? Everything You Need to Know

No, dogs cannot eat Pork rinds. Of course, they can have pork, but no pork rinds. Whether they go by the name of crackling, scratching, chicharrones, or pork skin, they are not healthy dog treats.  Pork rinds are fried and loaded with harmful ingredients such as salt, non-nutritional fat, and spices. In addition, the oil used for frying pork rinds is not dog-friendly, and they are seasoned with onions, which are also dangerous for your dog’s health.

What Are Pork Rinds?

Pork rinds are the culinary term for the pig’s skin to satiate the human taste buds or palate for oily, savory, crunchy, and salty flavor. You can cook the meat in different ways, either deep fry the pork rinds or shallow fry them in a grill or pan.

Are pork Rinds Safe for Dogs?

No, pork rinds are not safe for dogs as they are spicy, salty, fried and include toxic ingredients. They can also cause serious health issues such as diarrhea, obesity, and pancreatitis.

Why Are Pork Rinds Bad for Your Dog?

Consumption of pork rinds can cause the following health problems:


Include Toxic Ingredients: The toxic ingredients in pork rinds are salt, onion, fried pork skin, garlic, nutmeg, malic acid, maltodextrin (obtained from corn), vinegar, sodium diacetate, citric acid, etc.

Spices cause digestive issues. In the long run, this leads to hemolytic anemia due to disulfides and sulfoxides. Symptoms of hemolytic anemia include:

  • Lethargy
  • Rapid breathing
  • Jaundice
  • Pale or white mucous membrane
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Muscle weakness


Pancreatitis: Fried food is not advised for dogs. Fried food consumption can cause inflammation in the pancreas. symptoms of pancreatitis include:

  •  Stomachache
  •  breathing difficulties
  •  loss of appetite
  •  Vomiting
  •  Irregular heartbeat


Damages immune System: The ingredients present in pork rinds and the cooking methods can adversely harm your dog’s immune system.


Obesity: As pork rinds include ingredients like salt, vegetable oils, and onions, they have excess calories in them. Consuming more than the needed quantity of calories will make your dog obese.


Salt Poisoning: Pork rinds are filled with excessive salt that can cause salt poisoning. This can harm the dog’s kidney or even end in coma. The symptoms of salt poisoning are: 

  • Loss of appetite
  • Headache
  • High fever
  • Weakness
  • Muscle spasms
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Upset stomach
  • Tongue swelling
  • Walking like a drunk person
  • Increased heart rate
  • Extreme thirst
  • Lack of energy 
  • Convulsions
  • Urination
  • Coma
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Confusion
  • Death, in severe cases

Allergies and Stomach Sensitivity: Dogs are susceptible to food allergies, and pork is one of them. Their sensitive stomach makes it difficult to digest pork. Symptoms of allergic reactions in your pet include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Gas
  • Skin inflammation
  • Itchy skin
  • Ear infections
  • Bald spots
  • Excessive licking and scratching

What If My Dog Ate Pork Rinds?

Symptoms to watch out for your dog has consumed pork rinds are:

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Lack of appetite
  • Seizures
  • Discomfort
  • Depression
  • Extreme lethargy
  • Severe dehydration
  • Stomach pain
  • Occasionally collapse and shock

If your dog shows any of these indications, take them to the vet quickly.

You can help your dog recover after consuming pork rinds in the following ways:

  • Allow your pet to drink fresh, pure water now and then.
  • Avoid exposing your dog to extreme weather conditions.
  • Reduce the training sessions and exercises.
  • For the next two days, feed your dog plain baked chicken and white rice.
  • Strictly follow the diet as suggested by your vet.
  • Keep the table scraps away from your dog’s reach.

Alternatives To Pork Rinds for Your Dogs

Pet Pork Chomps
Buy at Amazon


Canine Carry Outs Dog Treats
Buy at Amazon


Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat raw pork rind?

No, dogs should not have raw pork rind due to the risk of infection transmitted by uncooked meat. Pork carries a parasite called Trichinella spiralis larvae. This can cause a parasitic infection called trichinosis. 

Can dogs eat fried pork rinds?

No, any overly fatty food, such as fried pork rinds, is toxic to your dog. If your dog eats excess fried foods, there’s a risk of pancreatitis. 

Can dogs eat spicy pork rinds?

No, spicy pork rinds are not safe for your dog. They can cause adverse reactions in dogs, including gastrointestinal issues, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. 

Can dogs eat pork skin?

Like pork rinds, pork skin will be grilled and covered in salt, which is harmful to your dog.


Conclusion

Dogs should not be fed pork rinds as they are made of toxic ingredients. In addition, it can harm your dog’s immune system and even lead to critical ailments such as pancreatitis and salt poisoning.

Leave a Comment