Can Dogs Eat Ham? Salt, Fat and Glazes
A bit of ham is tempting to share, especially around the holidays. But ham is cured with a lot of salt and often glazed with sugar, so it is better as a rare taste than a treat. Here is what to watch for.
Written by the TailorPup team, updated October 2026. See our editorial approach.
In this article · 11 sections+
01
Why ham is a problem
The ASPCA explains that excessive salt can cause thirst and urination, with vomiting and diarrhea, and in severe cases tremors and seizures. Cured meats are salty, and rich meats can cause stomach upset and pancreatitis in susceptible dogs.
02
Glazes and sides
Holiday hams often come with sugary glazes, mustard, and cloves, and are served with sides that may include onion, garlic or raisins. The ASPCA lists onion, garlic and raisins as harmful to dogs. Do not share anything from the plate without checking.
03
Ham bones
Cooked bones can splinter or cause blockages. Do not give ham bones to dogs, and keep them out of the bin.
04
What to do instead
Offer a few tiny pieces of unseasoned cooked chicken if you want to include your dog. If your dog got a lot of ham or a bone, call your vet. If your dog may have eaten something harmful, call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 straight away. A consultation fee may apply, and it is far cheaper than waiting. This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Dogs differ by size, age and health, so ask your veterinarian if your dog has a medical condition, is a puppy, or is on a special diet.
05
Holiday leftovers
Around holidays, vets see more cases of pancreatitis and stomach upset from rich leftovers. A whole plate of ham, fat trimmings or drippings can be a problem. Keep the bin closed, clear the table, and tell guests not to feed the dog.
06
Deli meats and processed ham
Sliced deli ham is often high in salt and may contain flavourings. The ASPCA warns about excess salt and about onion and garlic. A small scrap is rarely a problem, but do not use it as a regular training reward.
07
When to call the vet
Call your vet if your dog ate a lot of ham, fat or a bone, or if there is repeated vomiting, belly pain, bloody stools, or extreme thirst. These can signal pancreatitis, salt problems or a blockage.
08
Portions and dog size
A small crumb is more than enough, and for small dogs even that is a lot of salt. Because ham is cured, it is high in salt per bite. A big serving in one go is a problem for dogs of any size.
Do not use ham as a regular reward.
09
Common mistakes
Common mistakes include giving ham trimmings, sharing glazed ham, leaving the roasting tin in reach, and letting dogs steal the bone. Another is assuming leftover ham is safe because it is cooked.
If your dog ate a lot of ham, watch for thirst, vomiting and diarrhea, and call your vet if they appear.
10
Puppies, seniors and health conditions
Puppies and small dogs are more at risk from salt. Seniors with heart or kidney problems should avoid salty food. Dogs with pancreatitis should avoid fatty meats.
If your dog has any condition, ask your vet.
11
A holiday table safety plan
Holiday tables are full of risks: rich meats, bones, stuffing with onion, desserts with raisins and chocolate, and drinks with alcohol. A plan helps. Decide in advance who is responsible for the dog, keep the bin closed, and clear plates promptly.
Offer your dog a small plain treat of its own at dinner time, such as a few pieces of unseasoned cooked chicken, so it is not tempted. Tell guests not to feed the dog, and give your dog a quiet space with a chew if the house is busy. Keep the number of your vet and a poison helpline handy.
FAQ
Common follow-ups.
Can dogs eat deli ham?+
It is high in salt, so better to avoid.
Can dogs eat ham bones?+
No.
Is a small piece of ham okay?+
A tiny piece is unlikely to harm a healthy dog, but it is not a good treat.
Can dogs eat honey-glazed ham?+
No, because of sugar and other toppings.