It is well known that dogs are excellent carnivores (actually omnivores) who really enjoy eating meat!
Given that SPAM is primarily composed of pork, you might assume it is safe for your dog to consume.
However, SPAM is not like your regular slice of meat. It is a canned, cooked pork that is packed with preservatives. This became popular during World War II when standard meat prices were too high for many families.
So a question many of us dog lovers have is, “Can Dogs Eat SPAM?”
In this article, we will tell you whether dogs can eat SPAM. We will tell you if this food has health benefits or harmful effects on our dogs.
Can Dogs Eat SPAM?
The short answer is no; dogs should absolutely not consume SPAM as it is an unhealthy food choice for our canines.
There are many types of foods that are not good for dogs, such as grapes, bones, chocolate, and SPAM is one of them.
It is true that meat is generally a suitable type of food for dogs and that SPAM is meat. However, SPAM is processed meat, which is not necessarily natural.
Why is SPAM Unhealthy for Dogs?
In general, processed meat contains less protein and more fat compared to a natural meat option, like beef. So, there’s less of the good and more of the bad here. Let’s go into a breakdown of all the contents in SPAM.
First off, SPAM is high in fat. A high-fat diet can lead to a lot of health problems like obesity. One serving size or a can of SPAM packs about 96 grams of fat.
However, fats are not the only concern when it comes to SPAM. SPAM is also high in sodium or salt. Salt is always bad for dogs, and it can cause salt poisoning.
Next, certain SPAM flavors may be highly seasoned, depending on what kind you buy. This is especially true for flavored SPAM.
We have mentioned in previous articles that seasonings can be harmful and unhealthy, if not toxic, to your dog. For example, some SPAM may contain high amounts of garlic.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Spam
If your dog eats a little too much SPAM, watch out for these symptoms:
- Nausea
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
If you detect these symptoms, be sure to call your local animal hospital right away.
Is it Ever Okay to Feed SPAM to Dogs?
While SPAM is not good for dogs, it is not toxic to them. So if your dog gets a little bit of SPAM, it’s generally not an emergency.
SPAM can be given to dogs every once in a blue moon, but only in very small amounts. Overall, however, we recommend finding an alternative meat source for them.
Alternative Foods to SPAM for Dogs
Instead of feeding your dog(s) processed meat like SPAM, feed them authentic meat, poultry, fish, or seafood.
For example, lamb is rich in certain minerals and vitamins. It is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Protein, Zinc, Copper, Iron, and Omega-6. How do these nutrients help your pooch?
First, Vitamin A can help prevent medical conditions caused by irregular blood sugar levels.
Second, Vitamin B12 promotes good cognitive function.
Next, Zinc and Copper support an essential enzyme in dogs’ bodies. And additionally, Omega-6 fatty acids play an important role in brain function and growth, and development.
Finally, lamb is an excellent source of protein. Protein is an essential nutrient that can contribute to muscle development and tissue repair.
In conclusion, SPAM is a terrible food for our furry pups. It is considered an unhealthy food for our dogs, and we suggest you try a safe and healthy protein alternative!
Learn More About What Human Foods Are Healthy Or Harmful For Dogs
This article is a part of our series of articles about “What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?”
In the next article in this series, find out the answer to the question “Can dogs eat grits?”