Is Ham Toxic to Pets?
Yes — ham is mildly toxic to cats. Yes — ham is mildly toxic to dogs.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Toxic compound
- High fat and salt
- Toxic parts
- Fatty meat, glaze, bones
- Also known as
- holiday ham, prosciutto
Symptoms
Cats (mildly toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Belly pain or a hunched posture
- Lethargy
- Signs of pancreatitis after fatty meals
Dogs (mildly toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Belly pain or a hunched posture
- Lethargy
- Signs of pancreatitis after fatty meals
What to do
If your cat ate ham
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your cat is small, young or elderly.
If your dog ate ham
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your dog is small, young or elderly.
Good to know
Ham is very salty and fatty. A tiny piece is unlikely to hurt, but a holiday-sized portion can trigger stomach upset or pancreatitis.
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Frequently asked questions
Is ham toxic to cats?
Yes — ham is mildly toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain or a hunched posture.
Is ham toxic to dogs?
Yes — ham is mildly toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain or a hunched posture.
Which parts of ham are toxic?
Fatty meat, glaze, bones.
What makes ham toxic?
High fat and salt.