Spam is quite an infamous food among humans, but when it comes to our furry friends—it can be dicey. So as always, we are here to solve the mystery of, “can dogs eat spam?”
In short—no! Feeding spam to dogs is not a good choice, and you should avoid it at all costs. But why? Are there any alternatives? Don’t worry! We have covered answers to all your questions in this article.
Is Spam Good For Dogs?
Nope! Spam, made out of pork, in no way, is a good treat for your pooch! Even if you mix it with highly nutritious foods, its red flags shine like a disco ball on a Monday morning, so it would be hard to ignore these signs:
1. High sodium
It would be an understatement to say that spam has high sodium content, which can be horrible for dogs (study). This notorious element can lead to sodium poisoning which can lead to electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. And who is the main target? Those small dogs with pre-existing kidney problems are at the highest risk, so beware!
2. Risk of pancreatitis
Another reason why we do not suggest this human food to dogs is that, besides sodium, it also has high-fat levels. As a dog owner, it won’t be a shock to you how obesity is one of the common health problems in dogs. But you know what’s even more scary? Pancreatitis! (study) A disease that can be triggered by fatty foods and cannot be cured, but only be managed.
3. Processed
Last but not least, when giving your dog any food, it’s always good to step back and ask yourself, “Is this nutritious?” If the answer is no, keep that food back on the rack! Spam has low nutritional value, and if that wasn’t enough, it also contains preservatives, additives, and flavor enhancers which can lead to long-term health problems.
Alternatives to Spam For Dogs
Now that you know dogs cannot spam, it’s time to move on! There are many fishes in the sea that are waiting to be picked by your pooch, so let’s look into the alternatives to spam for dogs:
1. Lean proteins
If you were expecting high protein out of spam, then lean proteins are your way to make your dog’s meal balanced. You can feed your dog human foods like chicken, turkey, lamb, fish, etc.
2. Fresh fruits and vegetables
Another alternative would be fruits and vegetables if you are seeking a healthy snack or goodness of vitamins and minerals. For this, your dog will love carrots, beans, apples, blueberries, bananas, avocados, etc!
3. Dog treats
If your dog loves simplicity and minimalism, they might love commercial diet more than experimenting with food, and that’s okay! Healthy dog treats with high nutritional value are far better than feeding spam to dogs. Although, look out for dog treats with limited additives or preservatives.
Conclusion
It’s time to let spam be in that spam folder when it comes to feeding it to your dog. One key takeback from this article would be to focus on feeding your dog the alternatives or even go creative with homemade treats—it’s your call! However, because of the high fat and sodium content, it is a big no!
Frequently Asked Questions
No! Dogs should not eat cooked or raw spam as it can make your dog sick. As mentioned before, the high sodium and fat levels make it a big no-no for furry buddies.
It is not recommended to feed your dog spam as a treat or a part of a meal due to its sodium and fat content. However, if your dog accidentally takes a small bite, it should not be harmful.
While spam is not a good choice for dogs, eggs can be an amazing source of protein and many nutrients that are essential for your dog’s growth and development.
If your dog ate spam, you should monitor them for any signs of sickness. We recommend that you take them to a vet if they fall sick or behave unusual.
No! Both spam and ham are bad for dogs and bring no nutritional value to the table. Instead, these two foods have high-fat content, which can cause pancreatitis in dogs.
