Why
Ham is safe in itself but high in sodium and fat, so it should not become a habit.
How to serve ham
- A small plain piece with fat trimmed.
Watch out for
- Salty food can make dogs very thirsty.
- Fatty scraps can trigger pancreatitis.
- No cooked bones.
How much ham can a dog eat?
Treats of every kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories, says the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Here is that daily treat budget by size, and how much ham it buys if ham is the only treat that day. Ham has about 164 kcal per 100 g; 1 slice (28 g) is about 46 kcal.
| Dog size | Daily treat budget | Max ham a day |
|---|---|---|
| Small (10 lb) | 26 kcal | 16 g (half of slice) |
| Medium (30 lb) | 59 kcal | 36 g (about one and a half slice) |
| Large (60 lb) | 100 kcal | 61 g (about 2 slice) |
| Giant (90 lb) | 136 kcal | 83 g (about 3 slice) |
Less is better for small, overweight or diabetic dogs. Work out your own dog's numbers with the dog food calculator. Calories: USDA FoodData Central, Ham, sliced, regular (approximately 11% fat).
Other meat, fish and eggs: quick answers
| Food | Verdict | Short answer |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken bones | Avoid | No. Cooked chicken bones splinter and can choke a dog or tear the gut. |
| Pork | Small amounts | Yes, plain, fully cooked pork with the fat trimmed. |
| Shrimp | Small amounts | Yes, a few fully cooked shrimp with the shell, tail and legs removed. |
| Tuna | Small amounts | Small amounts only. Tuna contains mercury. |
| Chicken | Safe | Yes. Plain cooked chicken is a good protein source. Never cooked bones. |
| Eggs | Safe | Yes, fully cooked. Cooked eggs are a good protein source; raw eggs are not. |
| Fish | Safe | Yes, fully cooked and deboned, up to twice a week. |
| Salmon | Safe | Yes, fully cooked and boneless. Never raw. |
Rules for any new food
- Plain is the rule: no salt, butter, oil, onion, garlic, sugar or sweeteners. Most of the danger in human food comes from what is added to it.
- Keep all treats under 10% of your dog's daily calories (WSAVA). The rest should come from a complete dog food.
- Check labels for xylitol, raisins, chocolate and macadamia nuts, which turn up in baked goods, snacks and spreads.
- If your dog has a health condition, such as diabetes, pancreatitis or kidney disease, ask your vet before adding any new food.
Frequently asked questions
Is ham safe for dogs?
A small piece is fine now and then, but ham is salty and fatty.
How much ham can a dog eat?
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories (WSAVA). For a 30 lb dog that is about 59 kcal a day, or roughly 36 g of ham if it is the only treat that day.
Sources
- American Kennel Club, "Human Foods Dogs Can and Can't Eat" (updated Aug 17, 2026)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control, "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets"
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee, "Feeding treats to your dog"
- USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy (April 2018 release)
Checked October 17, 2026. We are a reference, not a vet: if in doubt, call yours. How we check.