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Can Dogs Eat Scrapple?

Can Dogs Eat Scrapple?

Scrapple is a traditional pork dish that is made from pork scraps, such as the head, skin, and organs, which are ground up and combined with cornmeal, flour, and spices to form a loaf.

The mixture is then boiled until it forms a thick, porridge-like consistency, which is poured into a loaf pan and allowed to cool.

Once it has cooled and set, it can be sliced and fried until it is crispy on the outside and hot on the inside.

Some variations of the recipe may also include additional ingredients, such as diced onions, spices, or other flavors.

Scrapple is a popular breakfast food in parts of the United States, particularly in the mid-Atlantic region.

 It is typically served with eggs, toast, or pancakes.

Some people enjoy scrapple for its unique flavor, while others consider it to be an acquired taste.

But can you share it with your furry friends?

In other words…

Can Dogs Eat Scrapple?

The simple answer is yes; your dog can eat scrapple.

But like every other food that is safe for your dog, there are some important caveats to consider.

First of all, the scrapple should be unseasoned because most of the spices that are safe for humans may not be very safe for your doggy.

Some of the commonly used spices like nutmeg, onion powder, and garlic powder can be very toxic to your dog.

Just serve the scrapple plain as is and your dog will enjoy it without any ramifications.

Also, do not overdo the portions because scrapple is a rich meat source and could potentially lead to gastronomical issues. 

But before you jump the gun, make sure you are sure of the ingredients in your scrapple because some brands or scrapple recipes may include ingredients that are not safe for your doggy.

Here is a list of common ingredients that are used to make scrapple:

I. Pork Scraps

These include various parts of the pig, such as the head, skin, and organs.

According to the AKC, pork is safe for your dog as long as it doesn’t have any spices.

Also, the pork should be cooked because raw pork might have parasites and microbes that might cause diseases.

Since the pork and other ingredients are usually boiled during the making of scrapple, the pork scraps can be deemed safe for your dog.

II. Cornmeal

This is made from ground corn and is used to give the scrapple a firm texture.

It is actually a very common ingredient in most dog foods.

The cornmeal must be ground and undergo processing to make it digestible for dogs.

It must also be cooked properly because uncooked cornmeal can cause digestive problems.

III. Flour

This is typically used to help bind the ingredients together and give the scrapple a softer texture.

Just like cornmeal, flour may not necessarily have nutritional value for the dog, so it should be given in moderation.

However, it is not harmful to the dog as long as it is not served uncooked.

IV. Spices

 Various spices, such as black pepper, thyme, and marjoram, are often used to give the scrapple flavor.

While some spices are safe for your furry friend, most aren’t and it is therefore better to steer clear of them.

For instance, some variations of the recipe may also include additional ingredients, such as diced onions, herbs, or other flavors.

V. Water

This is used to help cook the scrapple and create a porridge-like consistency.

 By the time the scrapple binds, most of the water will no longer be in the food.

However, water is non-toxic and actually very good for your dog, so it should be no cause for alarm.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Scrapple?

Scrapple is usually cooked as part of the manufacturing process.

So, for the most part, you can serve it to your dog without cooking and there will be no health ramifications.

However, there is a slim chance that it could still have some parasites, so it is best to avoid serving it raw.

 See, eating uncooked pork is not a good idea for your dog because raw pork might have trichinella spiralis larvae. This parasite can cause a disease called trichinosis in dogs.

The larvae of T. spiralis are typically transmitted to dogs through the consumption of infected meat, such as pork or bear meat.

Once inside the dog’s body, the larvae can migrate to the muscles and form cysts. This can cause muscle pain, swelling, and weakness, and in severe cases, it can lead to death.

Trichinosis can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

In addition to these symptoms, trichinosis can also affect the respiratory, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. If left untreated, trichinosis can be life-threatening for dogs.

But do not be afraid of serving your dog scrapple on account of the parasites. Just cook it well and any parasites will die from the heat.

In Summary

Do not be afraid of sharing your scrapple with your furry baby.

Scrapple is primarily composed of pork and as you may know, any meat is typically safe for your dog.

However, pork is known to have roundworms (trichinella spiralis larvae), so it might be unsafe if eaten raw.

For this reason, make sure to cook the scrapple properly before serving.

 Also, do not serve your dog scrapple that has spices in the recipe or add spices when cooking it.

Most spices that are safe for humans may be unsafe for your furry friend.

Other than that, scrapple is not only safe but also good for your dog.

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Last Updated on January 5, 2023 by

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