Overview
Yes, pork shank is okay for dogs to consume when it's raw. If you plan to serve it cooked, remove the bones as cooked bones can easily splinter. Pork shank is a good source of iron, protein, riboflavin, and vitamin B12 for dogs.
Can dogs eat Pork shank?
Benefits
- Pork is very digestible and rich in protein.
- Pork contains high levels of amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E. It is a good source of medium-chain fatty acids for dogs.
- Pork shank is a source of vitamin B12, riboflavin, and iron which help blood cell production and circulation.
Risks
- Pork shank is the front forearm of the pig, and it includes the bone. When cooked, the bone can splinter into shards which can cause injuries to the mouth, throat, and intestines.
- When the bone gets too small, it can be a choking hazard.
- Raw pork may be contaminated with parasites that can cause gastrointestinal problems in dogs.
- Do not feed processed pork shank to dogs, as it often has other added ingredients that could be harmful to them.
Servings
- Try to source the pork shank from pasture-raised pigs as they have the best nutrition.
- Raw pork shank bone can be given to dogs occasionally as a treat.
- Remove the bones if you intend to cook the pork shank and serve the meaty part only.
- When cooking pork for your dog, make sure you cook the meat thoroughly. Never give cooked bones to your dog, as these can splinter and cause internal injury.
