The AKC says feeding ham isn't advisable: store-bought ham is very high in sodium and fattier than many meats. A tiny sliver now and then probably won't hurt a healthy Lab, but plain turkey or chicken is a better treat. Never give a ham bone.
It’s not a good idea. The AKC says store-bought ham is very high in sodium and fattier than many meats, and too much fat can lead to pancreatitis. Roasted cured ham has about 1,500 mg of sodium per 100 g. A tiny sliver now and then probably won’t hurt, but never give a ham bone. Answer page →
Short answer: ham isn’t a good treat for your Lab. The American Kennel Club says feeding ham is “not advisable.” It’s very salty and fattier than many other meats. A tiny sliver once in a while probably won’t hurt, but there are better ways to share the holiday table.
Why ham is a poor choice
Salt. The AKC notes that store-bought ham contains a great deal of sodium, including from the curing salts. USDA data put regular roasted cured ham at about 1,500 mg of sodium per 100 g. The ASPCA says excess salt can cause heavy thirst and urination and abnormal blood electrolytes.
Fat. Ham is fattier than many meats, and glazed holiday ham often comes with a thick fat cap. The AKC says too much fat can lead to pancreatitis. VCA notes pancreatitis may be set off by a fatty meal and causes vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and lethargy.
Calories. The same USDA entry lists about 178 kcal per 100 g, or roughly 50 kcal an ounce. Labs are prone to weight gain, and treats should stay under about 10% of daily calories (about 150 kcal for a 70 lb neutered adult Lab). Work out your own dog’s budget with the calorie calculator, and see our Lab weight guide.
Glazes and seasonings. Honey, brown sugar and spice glazes add sugar, and some rubs and sauces contain onion or garlic, which can damage a dog’s red blood cells.
Bones. The AVMA warns that bones can cause choking or intestinal blockage. A ham bone is not a chew toy.
Better options than ham
Plain cooked turkey or chicken breast, skinless and boneless. See can Labs eat turkey?
Plain green beans or carrots from the vegetable tray, before they’re buttered or glazed.
A long-lasting chew from our chews and bones guide to keep your Lab busy while you eat.
If your Lab ate ham
A small piece: usually nothing to do but watch. Look for vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain, heavy thirst or lethargy over the next day or two, and call your vet if you see them.
A lot of ham, the fat trimmings or the glaze: call your vet. Fatty meals are a known pancreatitis trigger.
A ham bone: call your vet. Don’t try to make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to. Our chicken bones guide covers what to watch for.
Anything with onion, garlic, raisins or chocolate in the glaze or sides: call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
No. The AVMA warns that bones can cause choking or intestinal blockage. Throw ham bones away in a closed bin your Lab can't reach.
My dog ate a piece of ham. Should I worry?
A small piece is unlikely to cause serious harm to a healthy Lab. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain, heavy thirst or lethargy over the next day or two and call your vet if you see them. Call right away if your dog ate a lot of ham, fat or a bone.
Is ham too salty for dogs?
Yes. The AKC says store-bought ham contains a great deal of sodium. USDA data put regular roasted cured ham at about 1,500 mg of sodium per 100 g. The ASPCA says excess salt can cause heavy thirst and urination and abnormal blood electrolytes.
Can dogs eat deli ham?
It's the same issue: deli ham is cured and salty, so it isn't a good everyday treat. Plain cooked turkey or chicken breast is a better choice.
Can Labs Eat Turkey? Yes, if it's plain. Skinless, boneless, unseasoned turkey is a safe treat for Labs. How much to give, and why skin, bones and stuffing are off limits.
My Lab Ate Chicken Bones: What to Do Now Dog ate chicken bones? Don't induce vomiting. Call your vet, and go to an emergency vet for choking, gagging, drooling or regurgitation. Vet-sourced steps.
Can Labs Eat Grapes or Raisins? No. Grapes, raisins and currants can cause kidney failure in dogs, with no known safe amount. Symptoms, what to do and who to call if your Lab ate one.
Can Labs Eat Chocolate? No. Chocolate's theobromine and caffeine can poison dogs. See how much is dangerous for a Lab by chocolate type, symptoms, and what to do right now.
Can Labs Eat Strawberries? Yes, in moderation. Strawberries are a low-calorie treat for Labs. How many to give, how to prepare them, and the few things to avoid.
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