Lard

Is lard suitable for dogs?

Lard is not generally toxic to dogs, but it can cause serious health problems if it is fed in too large quantities or too frequently. The main risks are:

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: Lard is very difficult for dogs to digest and can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. It can lead to flatulence, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation.
• Pancreatitis: Lard is very high in fat and can cause inflammation of the pancreas, which can be life-threatening. The symptoms of pancreatitis are nausea, fever, lethargy, abdominal pain and loss of appetite.
• Obesity: Lard has a high calorie content and can lead to overweight or obesity if fed regularly. This increases the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, joint problems or cancer.
• Trichinosis: Lard can contain trichinosis, which are parasites that can become lodged in the muscle tissue of pigs or other animals. If dogs eat raw or undercooked lard, they can become infected with trichinosis, which can lead to muscle pain, fever, diarrhea or respiratory distress.

How much lard can a dog eat?

The amount of lard a dog can tolerate depends on its individual energy requirements, size, age and state of health. As a rule of thumb, a healthy adult dog can eat between 1 and 10 g of fat per kg of body weight per day. This corresponds to approximately one teaspoon to one tablespoon of lard for a 10 kg dog.

However, lard should not be the only source of fat for a dog, as it does not contain all the essential fatty acids a dog needs. In addition, lard should only be fed occasionally and in small amounts to minimize the risks mentioned above.

What alternatives are there to lard?

If you want to give your dog some fat, there are better alternatives to lard that are more natural, species-appropriate and healthier. These include:

• Raw animal fat: You can offer your dog raw fat from beef, poultry or game, which is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These have an anti-inflammatory effect and strengthen your dog's immune system and coat.
• Vegetable oils: You can also give your dog vegetable oils such as linseed oil, hemp oil or olive oil, which also contain valuable fatty acids. However, these should only be fed in small quantities as they can quickly become rancid and put a strain on digestion.
• Fish oil: Fish oil is another good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are particularly suitable for dogs with skin or joint problems. Fish oil can be administered as a capsule or liquid, but here too the dosage should not be exceeded.