When someone asks, Do Americans eat dog, the question might spark shock or curiosity. In the U.S., dogs are nearly always seen as beloved companions, not cuisine.
Yet, the reality is more nuanced. Let’s dig into what’s legal, what’s cultural, and why the idea of Americans eating dog is rare, but not entirely impossible.
Legal Landscape in the U.S.
Under the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2018, the U.S. federal government banned the slaughter, sale, transport, or trade of dogs and cats for human consumption.
The law, effective December 20, 2018, imposes penalties up to $5,000 per violation, and it explicitly includes an exception for Native American religious ceremonies.
Despite this, the federal law targets commercial trade and slaughter, not personal consumption. In practice, that means there’s no nationwide ban on simply eating your dog, so long as the killing wasn’t commercial, and was done “humanely.”
Some states go further: California, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Michigan, Hawaii, and Georgia outlaw dog meat at the state level. In the remaining states, consuming dog meat may technically be legal, though highly uncommon.
Cultural Attitudes & History
Historically, dog meat was consumed by some Native American tribes and even by explorers like Lewis and Clark during times of scarcity.
North American indigenous groups like the Kickapoo included dog meat in certain ceremonies, and explorers found it a practical food source.
Nowadays, the notion of Americans eating dog is almost universally taboo. Dogs are “family members”; Pew polls show over 97% of Americans consider pets as such, so imagining a canine on the dinner plate is emotionally jarring.
Click here to learn how many hot dogs to serve for 30 people.
Why Does This Topic Even Arise?
Sometimes, the idea that Americans or certain immigrant communities eat dogs surfaces in political rhetoric or xenophobic stereotyping.
Notable examples include false claims made against Haitian immigrants or old stereotypes about Asians. Authorities have debunked these myths time and again, but they persist, fueled by fear and racism.
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Summary: So, do Americans eat dogs?
- Commercially and legally: No, both federal and many state laws ban the trade and sale of dog meat.
- Personally, in a few states, technically possible—but rarely done. The idea remains deeply taboo.
- Culturally: deeply, no. The vast majority of Americans value dogs as pets, not food.
- Exception: Rare, ceremonial use by some Native American tribes, legal but culturally specific.
Click here to learn more about how many hot dogs to serve for 50 people.
A Word from GetMe Treated
So, do Americans eat dog? In short: virtually never. Legally, commercial trade is banned; culturally, the idea is repugnant to most people.
Exceptions are rare and ceremonial. Given the strong emotional bond Americans have with dogs, this taboo isn’t likely to change.
But exploring the question helps shed light on how laws, culture, history, and ethics intersect—and how we define who counts as “food” in different societies.
Click here to learn more about why dogs may turn out to be better friends than people.
FAQs About Do Americans Eat Dog
Do Americans eat dog in restaurants?
No, it’s banned commercially under federal and many state laws.
Can someone legally eat their dog at home?
In most states, it’s not explicitly outlawed, though frowned upon and practically unheard of.
Why is dog meat taboo in America?
Dogs are cherished companions; eating them triggers strong emotional and cultural resistance.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes, some Native American tribes may include dog meat in religious ceremonies, under federal law exceptions.
Has the U.S. always been anti-dog meat?
No, historical cases include necessity-driven practices by explorers and some tribal traditions.
What’s a reliable resource for this info?
The Environmental Literature Council offers a thoughtful legal and ethical overview.