Starting with taking a look at what exactly it is and then discussing if this is a safe food for our purr babies to eat. So it makes sense to give them that. Bacons high phosphorous content in theory will keep bones in tip-top shape and help with kidney function. What You Need to Know. Do They Suffer Depression Too? Raw bacon can contain bacteria that can make your cat sick. With a few considerations. When Chantelle isnt snuggling her cats on the couch or taking pictures of them being hilarious, shes outside exploring in the Rocky Mountains, binging the same shows on Netflix over and over, and reading about whatever random topic pops into her brain. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it depends on the individual cats health and dietary needs. Simply put, can cats eat bacon as treats? Back pork tends to be more ham-like, whereas side cuts, when cooked in just the right way, yield those crunchy, irresistible strips of salty pork that are hard to put down. Cats Can Eat Bacon Raw In SMALL Amounts. Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Because a small slice of bacon contains more than ten times the salt content of a regular cats diet, eating it in large quantities can cause salt poisoning in your pet. Yes, most certainly! They need animal protein to survive and crave its taste. While bacon isnt used in commercial cat foods, its sometimes contained in cat treats. Bacon is not toxic to cats, so a small piece wont harm them. Commonly Allergenic: No Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. The quick answer: Yes, cats can eat bacon sparingly, but it is not recommended to feed bacon to your cat regularly. And, if your cats are indoor felines, they are not going to get as much exercise as, say, barn cats or outdoor cats who only come inside at night. It is possible for cats to eat bacon, but only on occasion. It has a parasitic infection in its stomach, which is comparable to how much fat you have. The cat would enjoy the treat and move on -cats love bacon. Find Out Why! So, offering up high-calorie bacon regularly and in large amounts is a surefire way to cause your cat to become obese. This is animal protein, so kitties will be attracted to the smell and taste, but this is not the high-quality kind of animal protein that felines need. Because bacon contains toxic chemicals such as PCBs, cats may become ill if consumed in large quantities. Yes, its fully confirmed that a batch of well-cooked bacon, bite-sized pieces that are taken appropriately for an occasional yummy treat for cats to eat. Obesity in cats often leads to diabetes, which shortens their lifespan and causes serious discomfort to the animal. Its a win-win for you, really! Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive. Bacon is a fatty meat, though, and can cause health problems for cats if given in large quantities. The answer is a resounding no. You should never offer your cat raw pork meat. Moreover, can cats eat raw bacon? Still, it is very high in fats and salt (sodium), and you should follow our feeding guidelines as eating too much bacon may cause health problems like obesity, salt poisoning, high blood pressure, or pancreatitis in cats. No, this pork cut is not good for cats. It is common knowledge that bacon is a salty food part of why it is so appealing. The high levels of grease and sodium pose as detrimental to your cats' health. Because Canadian bacon strips are much leaner, they contain a lower amount of calories than normal bacon. A balanced diet and avoiding foods that are high in fat will promote better digestive health. Its advised that cats occasionally eat bacon, but in only small doses. Yes. So, can cats eat bacon too? The grease contains lots of saturated fat and sodium, which your cat is better off without. Keep reading to learn more about when its okay to offer bacon to your feline family members. Its best not to give your cat bacon at all. margin-bottom: 30px; Self-educated pet care nerd. Bits from the kitchen counter can mess with this important mixture, particularly foods like bacon that are high in calories and salt. Salt is actually poisonous to cats (and dogs). Wheat gluten is often used to create meaty chunks in cheaper pet foods, so be on the lookout for that. Fat is a dangerous substance for a small animal, especially one that consumes it on a regular basis. Its chock full of nitrates, and saturated fat and the World Health Organization (WHO) classified it as a carcinogen in 2015. Take care to prepare it safely. While the occasional bite of salty meats will make your purr babys taste buds dance, there are some better and healthier alternatives. The fat content might cause another issue too, and thats obesity. Vous pouvez modifier vos choix tout moment en consultant vos paramtres de vie prive. And dont forget, as long as their main cat food is nutritionally complete, theyll be getting the exact ingredients they need to stay healthy anyway. I know thats a sad fact, but its a sadder reality if we push it upon themselves to eat what isnt entirely healthy for them. These delicious snacks are made with real bacon and are sure to tantalize your cats taste buds. So, as cat owners, youve got a parenting role to develop a careful nutrition profile for your feline friend to address their ever-present lack of mobility. It isnt a particularly nutritious food for cats. In severe cases, they may also experience pancreatitis. The health risks associated with bacon for cats are high, but the benefits of bacon for cats are limited. WebYes, cats can eat bacon, but they shouldnt. Can Cats Eat Bacon? To cover the basics, turkey bacon typically contains a lot of salt and fat, which is just as harmful to cats as it is for us. When you purchase Select Food, you will receive an additional 20% discount on Select Treats. Weve learned the consequences of too much salt or fat, typically causing clogged arteries, obesity, and high blood pressure in cats. The obligate carnivore, such as a cat, consumes meat because its own body requires it. Bacon is also very high in fat. Felines are obligate carnivores. Because it is smoked, the flavor of American bacon is distinctive. For cats, it is recommended that they consume no more than 800 milligrams of sodium per day, but bacon contains approximately 137.4 milligrams of sodium. Yes, most certainly! WebYes, cats can eat bacon, but they shouldnt. Its not healthy in any way, but a small piece as an occasional treat will not harm your kit. Can Cats Eat Popcorn? Its also a good source of potassium, which has many roles in your cats body, including keeping their heart, bones, and muscles healthy. Dont give your cat bacon that has been sweetened, bacon bits, or raw bacon. Too much sodium in a cats diet can cause a host of unfortunate symptoms for your kitty like: You may notice the following signs of digestive upset if your cat has eaten bacon: Anyone who thinks dogs are the biggest beggars of food in the pet world clearly hasnt met a cat! Cat Food Guide. Be careful to not give too much meat because as with anything, your cat can get an upset stomach. If you give your cat bacon that has been fried in the pan, he or she may become burned. So how much food does your cat need? All is well when its given as an occasional treat because youre about to see why bacon is NOT recommended as a daily meal for cats. So, can cats eat bacon too? A cat overindulging in these fried pork strips will make for an uncomfortable couple of days, but things should pass through and clear up without much trouble. Cats Can Eat Bacon Raw In SMALL Amounts. Always discuss giving your cat raw meat of any kind with your veterinarian first, if possible. Too much fat in your cats' diet can lead to digestive issues, obesity, and other more serious health problems. Cats tend to love the taste of bacon! Because of its high salt and fat content, bacon should only be given to people with limited health care needs. In small doses and served on rare occasions, bacon wont bother your cat as it is not toxic to them. One ounce of Canadian bacon is roughly 30 calories with less than 1 gram of fat. Meat bones, especially cooked ones can get lodged and cause your cat to choke or can splinter and cause digestive issues. They may vomit, experience stomach upsets, and develop diarrhea as a result of consuming dairy products. Technically, yes. If you are considering feeding your cat bacon, it is best to speak to your veterinarian first to see if it is a safe and appropriate option for your pet. Read more here. Cats are carnivores, and most of their diet should consist of high-protein cat food. Meat bones, especially cooked ones can get lodged and cause your cat to choke or can splinter and cause digestive issues. Another risk is related to the fat content of bacon, and this is the risk of pancreatitis or an upset tummy. Animal adoption advocate. How Often to Feed: Occasional Although bacon is high in animal protein, which should be the main energy source for cats, its just not suitable and will do more harm than good. These are often made with ingredients that are toxic to animals or high in chemical content. Cats, in collaboration with fuzz and unkempt hair, Thrive. Can Cats Eat Sardines? All rights reserved, WEST AUSTIN 509 HEARN STREET AUSTIN, TX 78703 512.236.0642, The Definitive Guide To Safely Enjoying Turkey Bacon, Making Back Bacon The Star Of Your Meals: Delicious And Creative Recipes, Smoking Bacon Strips The Perfect Way To Add Flavor And Texture To Your Bacon, A Comprehensive Guide On How To Cook Vegan Bacon, The Health Benefits Of Jowl Bacon: Exploring Why Its So Popular Among Health-Conscious Eaters. They love meat. Most commonly, at least in the United States, this pork strip is cut from the pigs side. Its not recommended to give your cat bacon due to the high fat content. Cooked meat is safest and chicken, beef, and pork are number one on their list of what theyd like to eat. If a small piece of bacon were to fall on the ground, and your cat was to eat it, nothing would happen. Chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, and fish are all good choices for protein. It can be very tempting for owners to share a little nibble, and extremely common for curious kitties to hang around the kitchen, hoping to scoop up any crumbs or accidental morsels that fall to the floor. That said, continue reading to find out what the risks are if you decide to feed bacon to your kitty. Cats are natural meat-eaters, and the aroma of bacon, as well as the flavor of the flesh, should attract them. Please discuss your pets specific dietary needs (based on his breed, weight, age, and health status) with a veterinarian. If you want to give your kitty a bacon-like treat, turkey bacon isnt healthier than its pork counterpart. Look for foods that state they offer complete nutrition, as well as meet the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) pet food nutritional guidelines. While it will not poison them, it does not do anything good either. border-radius: 3px; When fed as a small treat on rare occasions, cats can eat bacon without fear of dying, and it is not fatal to them. Cats should not eat bacon on a daily basis, according to the American Veterinary Medical Society. Its meant to give an idea of the nutritional content, and exact values will vary a little. Cats can become ill if they eat raw meat and develop a number of food poisoning symptoms. The element of saltiness never fails to put a smile on our face at breakfast time. That said, however, bacon needs to remain an occasional treat and not something they get every day. This amount will provide them with a tasty snack without any of the harmful side effects of larger quantities. However, felines should not eat this food. This process cures the cuts, which are then smoked, packaged, and sold. Its fine to occasionally feed your cat bacon, but dont feed it on a regular basis. Cooking the meat by frying or smoking will kill the bacteria, although you should keep in mind that even cooked bacon is not recommended. In the short term, eating too much of it may cause your kitty to have gastrointestinal distress and stomach pain. So, what about Canadian bacon? Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis in cats, and too much salt can cause dehydration. 2023 Cliverse Media Ltd. Be the first to get our latest updates, insider videos, cat health resources, and more. Kittens should be fed nutritionally balanced kitten food so that they have all the nutrients they need to grow and develop. Cats on a food elimination trial. Feeding your cat bacon is fine as long as you dont overdo it. However, its important to include them here to showcase how dangerous too much bacon can be. Still, it is very high in fats and salt (sodium), and you should follow our feeding guidelines as eating too much bacon may cause health problems like obesity, salt poisoning, high blood pressure, or pancreatitis in cats. Lets find out why. Cats can eat a wide range of vegetables, which can be prepared in a variety of ways. Bacon has a fair amount of protein in it, and cats need all the protein that they can get. Seasonings could cause your cat to vomit or have diarrhea, and some foods, like onions and garlic, are poisonous. 5: Cats are carnivores. Bits from the kitchen counter can mess with this important mixture, particularly foods like bacon that are high in calories and salt. A form of cured sausage that typically blends beef and pork, salami (and its popular pizza topping relative, pepperoni) is technically safe to offer your cat. Processed human foods are not ideal for animals, and bacon is one of the most highly processed foods out there. Because milk is beneficial to our fur babies, we recommend giving it to our cats every day, as well as bacon to our dogs. Your cat will require 137.4 milligrams of sodium per meal, and raw bacon can be beneficial to your cat. box-shadow: 0px 10px 20px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.07); We all can agree that bacon is delicious, salty, crunchy, and one of the best parts about Sunday brunch. Cats may eat bacon, however, like with other human meals, they should only consume it in moderate amounts. Bacon, ham, bacon grease, and the fat trimmings are loaded with fat. Bacon is heavily processed as it goes through several stages like curing, smoking, and salting before it winds up in the grocery store. You might also wonder about the types of bacon you can offer. Informations sur votre appareil et sur votre connexion Internet, y compris votre adresseIP, Navigation et recherche lors de lutilisation des sites Web et applications Yahoo. The final risk to bear in mind is the risk posed by other ingredients cooked with the bacon. This option is made from light and dark cuts mixed together, seasoned to taste similar to pork, and then pressed into strip form. Too much fat and meat can cause diarrhea. Its advised that cats occasionally eat bacon, but in only small doses. Dr. Ivana Crnec, DVM. Ive even caught her stealing bacon off my plate when Im not looking! Making Cat Food: Homemade And Raw Cat Food Diets Explained, 6 Common Reasons Why Cats Pee Outside The Litter Box, The 5 Best Cat Exercise Wheels: Tested & Reviewed, Eyelid Agenesis In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment. Too much fat and meat can cause diarrhea. None of that black pepper or honey BBQ stuff. Bacon as part of a cat treat wont do any harm, but as with all treats, they should only be given in moderation. A piece of a slice of bacon on occasion isnt going to hurt your cat, but it doesnt provide any nutritional benefits for them, either. Many people love to eat bacon. Stay away from any kind of unnamed meat or unnamed by-product. If you suspect your pet has eaten a lot of salt through cured meat or otherwise, it is important to seek medical care immediately. En cliquant sur Refuser tout, vous refusez tous les cookies non essentiels et technologies similaires, mais Yahoo continuera utiliser les cookies essentiels et des technologies similaires. Cat bacon treats are the latest invention from the masterminds at the pet food company, and they are sure to be a hit with your feline friend. Additionally, cooked meats, without any added ingredients, are also ok. Its lower in calories and fat than traditional bacon, so it must be healthier for our cats (and us) to eat, right? Raw bacon is definitely a no-no, but a small piece of cooked bacon will not harm your cat. The tip-top shape of cooked will most likely will not harm your cat in any way. It has a little less protein, somewhat lower fat, and fewer calories. So, is it okay to offer your kitty a taste of your salty, crunchy, and delicious bacon? A properly prepared, bite-size piece of fried bacon or smoked bacon is OK as a rare treat. Your pet will likely love the raw taste of this food, but it will not add much to their diet nutritionally. If you want to treat your cat on occasion, feed him cooked bacon. WebCats should not eat bacon bits because they tend to be overloaded in salt, sodium, and preservatives which are very bad for your cats health. A small piece is not likely to make them sick. Wondering if your cat can eat bacon? While bacon can be fed to your cat on a regular basis, it is safe to share a small amount with your cat at this time. To begin with, there is a lot to consider when feeding cats human foods, especially things like bacon, which are not considered to be super healthy. As obligate carnivores, cats, too, love meat and may be tempted to try a bite of your crispy breakfast side. I hope this helped. Cats are natural meat-eaters, and the aroma of bacon, as well as the flavor of the flesh, should attract them. Your cat may contact trichinellosis a rare but very serious parasitic disease from eating raw meat. There is also a turkey option, which is an alternative to the pork strips. In fact, some pet owners even pour bacon grease on top of their pets dry food to make it more appetizing. 2023 Cover Story Media, Inc. All rights reserved. However, bacon can also contain fats and sodium which can make your cat sick if it eats too much of it. In terms of your cats health, bacon-flavored products have a distinct advantage over bacon-flavored foods. While it may be tempting to share our food with them, especially tasty meat snacks, it is best to stick to treats and foods made for felines to eat. In her spare time, she takes consultations on the small island of Guernsey. Salt in extremely large quantities has the potential to be poisonous to felines. To help them keep their food intake and diet healthy, lets decide on a few things on what our cats can and cannot eat. Although bacon is not toxic to your furry family member, it may still be a health risk. Technically speaking, yes, cats can eat bacon in that they have the ability to chew it up and swallow it. In a lot of cases, too much bacon can damage their organs. This is the reason why bacon, and even bacon treats for cats, should be served on a rare basis. Actually, veterinarian Ivana Crnec advises that: Its acceptable to feed bacon when trying to give your cat a medicine. Anything that isnt natural should be avoided. Some people claim that their favourite meat is raw meat. Bacon is a tasty snack for cats because it is high in protein and other nutrients like selenium and choline. In contrast, one ounce of regular bacon contains around 10-12 grams of fat . Clinical symptoms of hypertension in cats include blood inside the eye chamber, pupils that fail to constrict when in contact with light, and worst of all, blindness. Lets find out: Raw bacon is definitely off the menu. This is one of those questions that must be answered very carefully. Therefore, if youre thinking of giving your cat a small amount of bacon, it should be cooked bacon rather than raw. We all can agree that bacon is delicious, salty, crunchy, and one of the best parts about Sunday brunch. When cats see bacon listed as a component of cat treats, they may be alarmed. Cats are true carnivores, meaning they have to have meat; their bodies require it to function. If you give your cat some bacon on occasion, it is a good idea to do so. WebFatty meat even if cooked can give cats an upset stomach and even result in diarrhea or vomiting. Cats may eat bacon, however, like with other human meals, they should only consume it in moderate amounts. If you really want to give your cat some bacon, you should give a tiny amount and make sure its cooked and any fat is removed. In contrast, one ounce of regular bacon contains around 10-12 grams of fat . Raw bacon can be fine for your feline friend if the raw meat is not cured. The same is true for bacon grease. position: relative; It's even a great, occasional treat for some pets. We advise only giving your cat a small, pencil eraser-sized piece of bacon just once per week. Can my cat eat pork? Bacon lacks in any serious health benefits for cats. Never feed kitties food prepared with spices like onion or garlic. Can cats eat bacon? This is animal protein, so kitties will be attracted to the smell and taste, but this is not the high-quality kind of animal protein that felines need. Nous, Yahoo, faisons partie de la famille de marques Yahoo. So, while its okay for humans to eat a slice of bacon in moderation, is it okay for us to feed it to our cats? Cats can eat cooked bacon in small amounts, but this only applies to bacon that hasnt been seasoned or added nitrates. Bear in mind that a small piece of cooked bacon will not harm your cat. Unfortunately, the answer is not always as open and shut as that. As purr parents, our responsibility is to look out for our pets. The answer to this question is one we can keep short and sweet. Cat owners always wonder what human foods are safe for their kitties, and bacon is an often asked about subject. Removing visible fat from the bacon will help, but bacon grease is full of fat, and dont forget that cooking oils and fats will also make your cat unwell. Can cats eat chocolate? Once home, the pork is generally fried until crispy and delicious. However, if they sneak a little bit when youre not looking, you dont need to rush to the vet. Cross your fingers and hope that our cats can indulge with us. The general verdict is that yes, your cat can eat bacon. Bacon also contains high salt levels, which are linked to heart disease and high blood pressure in people. These come in catnip only, as well as protein and catnip. www.felineliving.net is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. For cats, it is recommended that they consume no more than 800 milligrams of sodium per day, but bacon contains approximately 137.4 milligrams of sodium. left: 0; Cooked meat is safest and chicken, beef, and pork are number one on their list of what theyd like to eat. Our mission is to help pet owners provide their pets with wholesome, healthy, and nutritious food. Cats can eat raw bacon, but only if its fresh and from a clean source like a good butcher. We dont recommend offering bacon to kittens as their sensitive digestive systems are not yet equipped to handle the sodium and fat content. Although bacon is meat, it should not be fed to cats. However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. No, this is not an appropriate treat for kittens. They technically can consume it but should not. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. That said, however, bacon needs to remain an occasional treat and not something they get every day. Its not proven whether this risk is the same for cats, but it stands to reason. Lets find out why. WebCats should not eat bacon bits because they tend to be overloaded in salt, sodium, and preservatives which are very bad for your cats health. Its not a good idea to give your cat bacon because its very high in fat and salt. If your cat does not like bacon, you can substitute fresh baked treats made of tuna, salmon, beef, or chicken. Or anything with onion or garlic in it is bad for cats. They can drink all their water, and if youre not home to serve them more, or you simply forget, they could end up dehydrated. Be careful to not give too much meat because as with anything, your cat can get an upset stomach. Bacon has a fair amount of protein in it, and cats need all the protein that they can get. The fat is what makes it so crispy and delicious. So, while this food may not be poisonous to them, its not safe for them either.