In the Bible: Concerning the dietary laws of the Old Testament?

is following them the same as trying to earn salvation by works? IF so is it wrong to do so anyways? IF not is it okay to not follow them. I realize what Act 10 says about Peters Dream where God told him he could eat the unclean meat, but I think that story had nothing to do with God giving him permission to eat the meat but rather permission to be social with the gentiles. I for one follow them because of health reasons. But I am curious if this is a salvation by works thing.