Better to avoid
Better to avoid. Ham is very high in salt and fat, and the bones splinter. A tiny scrap won’t poison a healthy dog, but it’s a poor, risky treat.
Ham is cured pork, which means it is loaded with salt and often sugar and preservatives, plus a lot of fat. For dogs that adds up to two problems: high sodium (bad for the heart and for dogs with certain conditions) and a fat load that can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes serious inflammation of the pancreas. Ham bones are dangerous too — cooked bones splinter and can damage the mouth, throat or gut.
Not recommended as a regular treat. A fingernail-sized scrap of lean ham on rare occasions will not harm most healthy dogs, but skip it for dogs that are overweight, have heart issues, or have had pancreatitis. Never give ham bones.
Plain cooked chicken or turkey is a far leaner, lower-salt protein treat. See pork for the full picture.
Related: Can dogs eat pork? · Can dogs eat cheese? · Can dogs eat eggs?
General information, not veterinary advice. If your pet has eaten something potentially harmful or shows symptoms, contact your vet or an emergency clinic immediately. Full disclaimer.