Why is there no pork in dog food
Why Is There No Pork Dog Food? Vet-Approved Explanation
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Learn morePork is a staple here in the United States. People love to barbeque, and pork is usually on the menu, especially during holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July. When it comes to our canine fur babies, you usually dont see dog food with pork as part of the ingredients. This begs the question: Why is there no pork dog food? Is pork bad for dogs?
Pork used to be considered bad for dogs, but over time, there is no sufficient evidence that supports this. Whats more, its not that pork is bad for dogs but rather how its prepared, and thats where the real danger lies. Some dog food brands are actually adding pork to their recipes because it contains a sufficient amount of protein for dogs, as well as amino acids and thiamine, which is used in cell function.1 However, you rarely see it in dog food because humans love pork, and because of this great love, there is not much left for our canines.
Can Dogs Eat Pork?
Dogs can eat pork as long as its cooked thoroughly, has no spices or seasonings, and its a lean cut of meat to cut down the fat content. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), people often season pork with seasonings that are toxic to dogs, such as nutmeg, onion powder, and garlic powder. Barbeque sauce is also heavily used with pork, and the ingredients in the sauce itself can be toxic to dogs.
Why Cant I Feed My Dog Raw Pork?
Raw or undercooked pork is not safe for either humans or dogs because you run the risk of contracting a parasite infection known as trichinosis. This is more common in humans rather than in dogs, but dogs can still develop unpleasant symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, fever, lethargy, inflamed muscles, pain, and stiffness.
Can I Feed My Dog Pork Bones?
We do not recommend feeding your dog bones. Some people love to give their dogs bones, and some dogs may never have an issue. However, it is not advised to give your dog bones because the bone can splinter and cause serious injuries to the intestines and esophagus. If this happens, youre looking at an emergency situation. Bones can also cause mouth and tongue injuries, as well as choking.
Is Pork Safe to Give to Dogs Every Day?
Even though some pet food companies are adding pork to some of their recipes, pork should really only be given in moderation. Chicken is easily digestible for dogs, and unless your dog has a chicken allergy, its best to feed a chicken-based diet instead of pork. Beef, turkey, duck, and venison are also excellent options for a protein source that can be fed daily.
Conclusion
While its safe to feed your dog lean pork without spices or seasonings, it still should only be given in moderation. You should also consult your veterinarian before making a switch to ensure its safe to do so. Also, gradually introduce pork to your dog so that the digestive system can acclimate. Its important to never give your dog processed pork, as processed pork contains a high content of salt.
See also:
Featured Image Credit: RossHelen, Shutterstock
9 Best Pork Dog Food: Add Pork To Your Pups Palette
Pork is a safe and nutritious meat used in many commercial dog foods. And best of all, many pooches simply love the way pork tastes! However, with so many pork food options on the market, finding the perfect pork dog food can feel overwhelming.
Dont worry! We will help you narrow things down, so you can pick the best pork-based dog food one for your four-footer.
Well share some key factors to consider, discuss why pork is a preferred protein for some dogs, and identify a few of our favorite pork-based dog food options.
In a hurry? Just check out our quick picks below!
- #1 Acana LID Dog Food [Best Overall Pork Dog Food] If you just want one of the best pork-based dog foods on the market, its hard to argue with Acanas LID formula. Made in the USA, packed with pork, and fortified with taurine, we think this is simply the best option available.
- #2 Zignature Pork Dog Food [Best for Dogs with Chicken Allergies] This is a great choice for owners in need of a completely chicken-free product, as well as those who simply want a high-quality, US-made, pork-based food.
- #3 Inception Pork Dog Food [Most Affordable Pick] Because of its remarkably affordable price tag, youll have to forego some of the extras many other foods have, but Inceptions pork-based recipe is a great option for budget-conscious owners.
Is Pork Safe for Dogs? Is It a Good Protein for Them?
In general, pork is a perfectly safe protein for dogs when prepared and served appropriately. But that doesnt mean you can start shoveling swine down your poochs gullet with reckless abandon.
Here are a couple of safety guidelines to keep in mind before passing the pork to your pooch:
- Pork kibble is safe.Generally, kibble or wet food with pork protein is a safe pick for healthy dogs. However, its always a good idea to run a prospective pooch food by your veterinarian before making a switch. Your veterinarian will be more familiar with the individual dietary needs of your dog based on his breed, size, and lifestyle.
- Pork-caused illness is pretty rare. Some owners may be hesitant to introduce pork-based dog food due to Trichinella parasites (which cause the disease known as trichinellosis or trichinosis) that are found in some pigs. However, thorough cooking kills off the worms, making commercial dog foods with pork pretty darn safe. In addition, US-raised pigs are now kept in better conditions which makes trichinellosis pretty rare, averaging only 16 human cases per year.
- Cooked pork is OK as an occasional treat for most dogs. If youre yearning to treat your pooch to some freshly cooked pork, make sure the pork is prepared safely. The pork should be deboned and cooked to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit to minimize the risk of transmitting food-borne parasites. Youll also want to feed Fido pork in small quantities since it has a high-fat content.
- Stay away from seasoning. Common cooking seasonings like garlic, onions, and others can be toxic for dogs even in small amounts. For that matter, the salt we often add to our foods isnt good for Fido either. So, make sure that any pork your pup consumes is served without added seasoning.
- Heavily salted meats like bacon, ham, or cured pork are NOT safe for dogs. These foods simply have too much sodium for your floof. We get it bacon tastes good. But thats just one of the foods you should keep for yourself. Toss your pup a long-lasting chew instead!
- Pork bones are NOT safe. Any cooked pork given to your dog needs to have all bones removed. Meat bones of all types can splinter and cause serious damage to your dogs mouth, throat, or intestines, and they are a serious choking hazard too.
What To Look For In A Pork-Based Dog Food
Not all pork dog foods are created equally, so its important to evaluate each food on an individual basis. Just be sure to consider the following factors if youre ready to introduce pork into your pups palette:
- Made In USA Simply put, American made dog foods are typically the highest quality dog foods since all pet food is regulated by the FDA. While foods from places like Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or Western Europe are also OK, its hard to beat US-made foods.
- No Unlabeled/Improperly Identified Meat Meals or Byproducts While meat meals and byproducts arent inherently bad, youll want to make sure you pick a dog food brand thats fully transparent and discloses exactly what kinds of meat meals or meat byproducts are contained in their recipes. Byproducts and meat meals are actually quite nutritious for your pooch humans just think theyre gross.
- Whole Protein Ideally, your dog food of choice has a whole meat protein (not pork meal) as the first ingredient. Pork meal is an OK farther down the ingredient list or as a substitute if the rest of the ingredient list is stellar.
- Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables Our dogs need their daily dose of fruits and canine-friendly veggies just as much as we do, so its a good idea to make sure these nutritious foods are included in your pups pork-based food. Look for foods that contain things like blueberries, sweet potatoes, spinach, or other vitamin- and antioxidant-rich produce.
- Omega-3 Rich Ingredients Omega 3 fatty acids can help facilitate proper pooch brain development, support coat and skin health, reduce inflammation, and ease canine arthritis. If you cant find a good pork food with Omega-3s, you can always opt for a standalone fish or salmon oil supplement.
Foods that use meat meals instead of whole proteins arent necessarily bad.
After all, meat meals have more protein per unit of measure than whole proteins (thanks to the reduced water content). So, dont be dissuaded by foods containing (appropriately identified) pork meal or pork byproducts.
However, we typically note that the use of a whole protein at the top of a foods ingredient list is a fairly reasonable indicator of quality. Typically, higher-quality foods are more likely to start their ingredient list with a whole protein, while cost-cutting manufacturers often use meat meals instead.
The 9 Best Pork Dog Foods
Without further ado, here are some of our favorite pork-based dog foods for your pup. Remember to consult your veterinarian before switching to new food and to transition your dog gradually to his new diet for the best results.
1. Acana LID
Best Overall Option
Acana LID
Grain-free, protein-packed, and fortified with supplemental taurine
About: This pork and squash dog food from Acana has whole, deboned pork as the first ingredient making it a great pick for most dogs. In fact, 65% of the foods ingredients come from Yorkshire pork.
Importantly, this food has added taurine, which may be helpful for sidestepping the problems with grain-free foods. It also contains organ meats and cartilage, and it is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to keep Fidos tail wagging.
Features:
- Acana food is made exclusively out of Kentucky ensuring freshness and quality
- Pork-based dry food has a substantial 31% protein content
- Food is infused with vitamin- and antioxidant-rich sweet potatoes
- Made without gluten, potato, rice, or tapioca
Ingredients List
Deboned pork, pork meal, pork liver, sweet potato, whole chickpeas...,
pork fat, whole lentils, lentil fiber, pollock oil, whole butternut squash, natural pork flavor, pork cartilage, whole pumpkin, whole cranberries, salt, choline chloride, taurine, vitamin E supplement, dried kelp, zinc proteinate, mixed tocopherols (preservative), freeze-dried pork liver, niacin, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, copper proteinate, chicory, turmeric, citric acid (preservative), rosemary extract, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product
PROS
Dogs seemed to love the taste of this food, and its ingredient list is off-the-charts awesome. Owners also loved knowing that this food is cooked up in a single facility in Kentucky. Finally,this recipe is infused with pumpkin, sweet potato, and probiotics, which make it a great pick for pups with tummy troubles.
CONS
Most owners had few complaints about this food other than the fact that its quite a bit pricier than other options. But thats to be expected this kind of quality comes at a price.
2. Zignature Pork
Best for Dogs with Chicken Allergies
Zignature Pork
Limited ingredient, pork-based food with no chicken or eggs
About: This LID Zignature kibble is protein-packed and features whole pork as the first ingredient. A pretty good option for four-footers with food allergies, this limited ingredient dog food recipe only includes a single primary protein source, and it is made without chicken, eggs, potatoes, or several other common allergens.
This grain-free formula is fortified with taurine, which may help prevent DCM problems, and it contains omega-3-rich ingredients like flaxseed.
Features:
- Simple dog food formula has 31% protein content
- Made in the USA food with 4, 12.5, and 25-pound bag sizes
- Food is made without eggs, wheat, corn, soy, or gluten
- Added taurine for heart health
Ingredients List
Pork, Pork Meal, Peas, Pea Flour, Chickpeas...,
Pork Fat, Natural Flavors, Flaxseed, Choline Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Vitamins (Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, DCalcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Mixed Tocopherols Preserved, L-Carnitine.
PROS
This single-protein food is a great pick for dogs who have allergies or food sensitivities. Dogs seem to love the flavor of this food, and many owners reported that the kibble led to shinier, healthier coats.Additionally, this is a completely chicken-free food, which is not always easy to find.
CONS
There werent many complaints from owners other than that the food is a little bit on the pricey side. Additionally, as with just about every other kibble ever created, some dogs wont love the taste all doggos are individuals.
3. Stella & Chewys Purely Pork
Best Pork-Based Food Topper
Stella & Chewys Purely Pork
Freeze-dried, pork-based dog food topper with 40% protein content
About: If youre looking for a perfect pork topper to add to your dogs daily meals, these pork mixers by Stella & Chewys are a great choice. The pork toppers are freeze-dried, theyre made without peas, lentils, or potatoes, and they give you a great chance to make your pups kibble more appealing.
Most owners use these as dog food toppers, but they can serve as your dogs primary food too. You can feed these mixers as-is, straight out of the bag, but youll likely find your pooch appreciates them even more if your rehydrate them with a few tablespoons of water first.
Features:
- Made in the USA, freeze-dried pork topper
- Impressive 40% crude protein content
- Fortified with organic fruits and vegetables like beets, spinach, pumpkin, and cranberries
- Designed as a topper, but can be used as your pups complete diet
Ingredients List
Pork, Pork Liver, Pork Bone, Fenugreek Seed, Pork Kidney...,
Pumpkin Seed, Organic Cranberries, Organic Spinach, Organic Broccoli, Organic Beets, Organic Carrots, Organic Squash, Organic Blueberries, Potassium Chloride, Dried Kelp, Sodium Phosphate, Tocopherols (Preservative), Choline Chloride, Dried Pediococcus Acidilactici Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Longum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Salt.
PROS
Owners loved the flexibility of this topper, as it could be used as a food supplement for picky eaters, a complete kibble-replacement, or as an occasional treat. Dogs loved the taste of these toppers and the crumbly texture of the pork patties makes them an excellent training treat. We also like that this topper contains fruits and veggies, which many other lack.
CONS
The biggest downside to Stella & Chewys Topper is its price tag. However, this shouldnt be a problem for owners who use it as a topper you only need a little bit for each meal. However, it may be too expensive for owners who want to use it as a complete diet.
4. Natures Logic
Best Pork Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
Natures Logic Canine Pork Meal Feast
High-quality, probiotic-enriched, pork-based dog food
About: This pork food from Natures Logic is a great dog food for pups with stomach sensitivities. It is not only a high-quality food thats made without any ingredients sourced from China, its also packed with pumpkin and probiotics to facilitate easy digestion for your doggo.
This Natures Logic recipe is also packed with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, and it is made with a few unusual ingredients, such as almonds and pork plasma. Also, this recipe uses no synthetic vitamins, which many owners will find reassuring.
Features:
- Packed with protein with a 34% crude protein minimum
- Made without wheat, corn, rice, soy, potato, peas or lentils
- Dry food is enriched with probiotics for easy digestion
- Contains antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits including broccoli, blueberry, and spinach
Ingredients List
Pork Meal, Millet, Pork Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pumpkin Seed, Yeast Culture...,
Spray Dried Pork Liver, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Montmorillonite Clay, Dried Kelp, Spray Dried Porcine Plasma, Dried Tomato, Almonds, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Carrot, Dried Apple, Menhaden Fish Meal, Dried Pumpkin, Dried Apricot, Dried Blueberry, Dried Spinach, Dried Broccoli, Dried Cranberry, Parsley, Dried Artichoke, Rosemary, Dried Mushroom, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium bifidium Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Pineapple Extract, Dried Aspergillus niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract
PROS
This probiotic- and pumpkin-infused pork food is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs, and it is rich in protein too. Owners loved that this food is made without artificial flavors, preservatives, or Chinese-sourced ingredients, and dogs simply seemed to love the taste.
CONS
This food does not contain whole pork only pork meal. That being said, its still a great option for pups especially if your dog cannot process wheat, corn, rice, soy, potato, peas, or lentils. Also, while we love that it is designed to support your doggos digestive health, we wish it were more affordable.
5. Primal Pet
Best Freeze-Dried Raw Option
Primal Pet Freeze-Dried Nuggets
US-made, human-grade topper or kibble replacement
About: This freeze-dried raw dog food from Primal Pet is a great choice for owners who demand only the best for their pet, as it is made in the USA using human-grade ingredients. Because of its price, most owners will use this as a topper, but it is formulated to provide a complete and balanced diet for all life stages, meaning that you can use it to replace your dogs kibble entirely.
Pork, bones, and organs represent 85% of the ingredients in this protein-packed recipe, with the other 15% coming from produce and supplements. You can feed this food as-is, straight out of the bag, but most pooches will appreciate you mixing it with a bit of warm water before serving.
Features:
- Made with human-grade ingredients and without corn, wheat, or soy
- Pork nuggets are packed with antioxidant-rich organic fruits and vegetables
- Limited ingredient diet designed for dogs with food allergies or sensitive stomachs
- Formulated to work as a topper, treat, or complete diet
Ingredients List
Pork Hearts, Ground Pork Bones, Pork Livers, Organic Kale, Organic Squash...,
Organic Celery, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Organic Blueberries, Organic Cranberries, Organic Cilantro, Organic Ginger, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Montmorillonite Clay, Fish Oil, Organic Rosemary Extract, Organic Quinoa, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Ground Alfalfa, Vitamin E Supplement, Dried Organic Kelp
PROS
Dogs including the pickiest pups around seemed to love the taste of these nuggets. The limited-ingredient food didnt cause intestinal issues for most dogs, so its a great pick for pups with sensitive stomachs. We also love some of the extras this food includes, such as a litany of organic fruits and veggies, as well as crushed bone powder for extra calcium.
CONS
This food isnt as convenient as regular kibble since most dogs will want it to be mixed with water before serving. Also, while we love that it can be used as a total kibble replacement, many owners will simply find it to expensive to completely replace their pets current food.
6. Grandma Lucys
Best Boutique Option
Grandma Lucys Artisan Pork Recipe
Freeze-dried dog food made in a family-owned kitchen
About: If youre an owner who puts your pups nutrition and happiness ahead of price tags, this artisan dog food from Grandma Lucys definitely deserves consideration. Made with freeze-dried whole pork, a wide variety of nutritious fruits and veggies, and very little else, this is a great option for owners who like short and simple ingredient lists.
Grandma Lucys Artisan Pork Recipe is made in small batches in the companys family-owned, California-based facility, making it an ideal pick for owners who like boutique-style foods and supporting small businesses.
Features:
- Freeze-dried food is minimally processed giving the recipe a taste your dog will love
- Food is made in the USA in small batches
- Packed with natural antioxidants from blueberries and cranberries
- Shelf-stable food can stay fresh for up to 18 months
Ingredients List
USDA Pork, Potatoes, Flax, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots...,
Celery, Apples, Blueberries, Cranberries, Garlic, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Niacin, Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Riboflavin, Thiamin, Potassium, Manganese, Chloride, Copper, Magnesium, Pyridoxine, Cyanocobalamin.
PROS
Dogs seemed to love the taste and freshness of this boutique dog food, and most owners willing to cough up the necessary cash felt that it was money well spent. We like that the food is made in small batches inside a California-based kitchen, and that the ingredient list is supremely streamlined and primarily comprised of familiar ingredients.
CONS
This dog food needs to be mixed with water and sit for about 3 minutes before serving so its not the most convenient pick. In addition, the food is pretty pricey when compared to other food options, but thats simply the nature of boutique dog foods.Finally, this food contains garlic, which may give some owners pause.
7. Open Farm
Best Eco-Friendly, Pork-Based Dog Food
Open Farm Pork & Root Vegetables
Eco-friendly food thats good for your pooch and the planet
About: Open Farm Dog Food is a great option for owners who care about animal welfare and the planet. Its not only sustainably sourced, but it is also made with North American pork thats 100% certified humane. In fact, you can eventrace each ingredient in this food back to its source with the embedded lot code on each bag of kibble.
But this isnt just an eco-friendly option its also a nutritious dog food. In addition to high-quality pork, this recipe also includes antioxidant- and Omega-3-rich ingredients for your pups health and well-being.
Features:
- Whole pork is humanely raised without the use of antibiotics
- Made with peas, lentils, and sweet potato instead of grains
- Fish integrated recipe makes this a good source of Omega-3s
- Transparent labelling and ingredient trackability
Ingredients List
Humanely Raised Pork, Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas), Ocean Whitefish Meal, Field Peas, Green Lentils, Ocean Menhaden Fish Meal...,
Sweet Potato, Coconut Oil, Tomato,Natural Flavour, Flaxseed, Sunflower Oil, Pumpkin, Squash, Beet Root, Carrots, Sun Cured Alfalfa, Chicory Root, Salmon Oil, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, Mixed Tocopherols, Vitamin E Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Choline Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Calcium Carbonate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Selenium Yeast, Calcium Iodate, Rosemary Extract, Taurine, Cinnamon, Turmeric
PROS
Dogs seemed to love the way this food tasted, and this kibbles simple recipe was great for sensitive stomachs. Owners appreciate Open Farms commitment to sustainably and humanely processed dog food, and we think its awesome that it includes fish-based Omega-3s.
CONS
While many dogs loved it, some four-footers didnt take to the flavor of this food. Also, as you may expect of a food that uses so many premium ingredients, Open Farms pork recipe is pretty expensive. Also, this is a grain-free food, so caution is warranted.
8. Merrick Slow-Cooked BBQ Recipe
Best Canned Pork Dog Food
Merrick Slow-Cooked BBQ Recipe
High-quality, budget-friendly, pork-based canned food
About: If youre looking for a pork-based wet food, this canned Slow-Cooked BBQ Food from Merrick is an excellent choice. Wet and canned foods help keep your hound hydrated, and they are usually more appealing to four-footers too (especially when made with tasty ingredients, like this foods slow-cooked pork).
Unlike some other popular canned foods, Merricks Slow-Cooked BBQ Recipe is made in the USA under stringent safety and quality-control standards. In addition to slow-cooked pork, this food contains other dog favorites, such as tasty carrots and potatoes.
Features:
- Made in the USA
- Fortified with vitamins D3 and B12
- Can be served on its own or as a supplement to kibble
- BBQ inspired wet food is a great pick for choosy canines
Ingredients List
Deboned Pork, Beef Broth, Vegetable Broth, Pork Liver, Potatoes...,
Carrots, Dried Egg Product, Potato Starch, Whey Protein Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, Dried Tomato, Sodium Phosphate, Fruit Juice Color, Natural Smoke Flavor, Sunflower Oil, Salmon Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salt, Cane Molasses, Apple Cider Vinegar, Guar Gum, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, d- Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Xanthan Gum, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Cobalt Glucoheptonate, Potassium Iodide).
PROS
Dogs seemed to love the taste of this wet food on its own or with dry food mixed in in fact, many owners found that it worked marvelously for tempting finicky four-footers. This is also one of the more affordable pork-based dog food options thats made with whole pork.
CONS
While this food is made with a few high-quality ingredients (such as whole, deboned pork), it isnt exactly packed with produce. Also, it lacks the probiotics found in many other modern dog foods (of course, you can always provide standalone dog probiotics as a supplement).
9. Inception Dry Dog Food
Most Affordable Pork-Based Dog Food
Inception Dry Dog Food
Surprisingly High-Quality, Yet Affordable, Dog Food
About: This dry dog food by Inception is a budget-friendly, pork-based dog food that rises above many similarly priced options. For example, unlike many other bargain-priced kibbles, Inceptions Pork Recipe is made in the USA and features a whole protein at the top of the ingredient list.
Additionally, this food comes with a few nutritional bells and whistles, such as ground flaxseed, which serve as a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.Also, this is a grain-inclusive food, which means it probably wont contribute to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
Features:
- Whole pork is the first ingredient
- Crude protein content of 25%
- No potato, wheat, soy, legumes, or corn
- Made in the USA
Ingredients List
Pork, Pork Meal, Oats, Millet, Milo...,
Pork Fat (Mixed Tocopherol Preserved), Natural Flavor, Ground Flaxseeds, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salt, Tricalcium Phosphate, Taurine, L-Carnitine, Vitamins (Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate)
PROS
Owners were impressed with the value of this food for the price, especially taking into account that this food uses whole protein and is made in the USA. Also, most (but not all) dogs seemed to love the taste of this food, even if they were previously picky eaters.
CONS
There were surprisingly few complaints about this food, given its affordable price tag. Most related to dogs not liking the taste, or suffering gas or other minor intestinal issues. It is also important to note that this food is not recommended for dogs over 70 pounds.
Benefits of Pork-Based Dog Food
Now that youve seen some of the best pork-based dog foods on the market, its time to turn our attention to some of the awesome benefits pork provides.
Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider pork as your pups protein of choice:
- Tasty Choice Dogs tend to like the taste of pork, so it might be worth trying if you have a picky pooch on your hands. However, keep in mind that pork has a higher fat content than other proteins, so youll want to adjust Fidos caloric intake accordingly.
- Excellent Source of Protein Pork contains all 10 of the essential amino acids dogs need to keep their tail wagging. Its also pretty easy to prepare as an occasional treat or supplement to your dogs diet.
- Affordable Food Option Depending on what your pooch is used to eating, pork is an affordable food option. Its usually somewhere between the cost of chicken and beef, so you probably wont experience a significant price increase (if at all) when switching to pork-based dog food.
- Good Choice For Dogs With Allergies If your doggo has primarily eaten chicken- or beef-based foods, pork will represent a novel protein source. This will make it less likely to trigger an overactive immune response to the food. This means it can make a great dog food for dogs who suffer from food allergies or sensitivities.
- Nutritional Benefits Pork is packed with protein, as it contains 25.7 grams of protein per 100-gram serving. However, it also contains 20.8 grams of fat per 100-gram serving (though fat varies based on the cut of pork), which makes it delicious, but calorie-dense.
Pork Dog Foods: FAQs
It turns out that a lot of owners have questions about feeding their dogs pork, so weve tried to answer some of the most common queries on the subject below. If you have any other questions, dont hesitate to let us know in the comments!
Is pork safe for dogs?
Yes cooked, unseasoned pork is safe for dogs. Pork is calorie-dense and full of fat, so its not a great choice for portly pooches, but theres nothing dangerous about it.
Will pork give my dog trichinosis?
Not if it is properly cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Trichinosis is also rarer in US-raised pork than it was in the past, which further reduces the chances of your dog getting sick. Commercial freeze drying (when carried out properly) will also kill the parasites that cause trichinosis.
Can I give my dog pork bones?
We discourage the feeding of bones, as it is unnecessary and presents serious health risks (broken teeth, esophagus damage, or intestinal obstructions, among other things). There are other, better things to let your dog chew on.
Is pork good for dogs with allergies?
It can be it just depends on whether or not your dog is allergic to pork proteins. Consult with your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog is suffering from food allergies.
Do dogs like pork?
Most dogs love the way pork tastes, but all dogs are individuals with varying preferences.
***
Any of these pork-based dog foods are sure to please your pooch. However, dont forget to talk it over with your veterinarian before switching to a new food to ensure Fidos transition is a smooth one.
Have you added any of these pork-based foods to your pups palette? Whats your mutts mealtime routine? Wed love to hear all about it in the comments below!
