Bacon in moderate amounts is not toxic to cats and doesnt contain any dangerous compounds, as long as its not highly processed meat. The same is true for bacon grease. Self-educated pet care nerd. Wondering if your cat can eat bacon? Blindness happens when the blood pressure of the eye causes the retina to detach. It is permissible to feed raw bacon to your cat if the raw meat has not been cured. Yet, a lot of what we eat isnt good for our pets. While bacon is not poisonous to cats, it is not necessarily a healthy treat. If your cat consumes too much fat, he or she may develop digestive problems, obesity, and other serious health issues. On the flip side, if thinking about using bacon as a treat, look further there are far healthier alternatives. Once that is complete, you will tear off a small piece the size of a pencil eraser and offer it to your cat. On a day-to-day basis, their heads will spin as they realize how useful cats can be. CBD cat treats can also be a wonderful choice. In contrast, one ounce of regular bacon contains around 10-12 grams of fat . Excess consumption of bacon might make them susceptible to developing diseases caused by eating too much of the good stuff. 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. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Despite the fact that bacon bits contain sodium and preservatives, they are not the worst because they have very little sodium and preservatives. You might enjoy bacon for breakfast, maybe in a sandwich with ketchup, or as part of a fry-up. This amount will provide them with a tasty snack without any of the harmful side effects of larger quantities. Most commonly, at least in the United States, this pork strip is cut from the pigs side. To help them keep their food intake and diet healthy, lets decide on a few things on what our cats can and cannot eat. This can be life-threatening. Yes, your cat can derive some nutrition from the bacon that you feed them. While the occasional bite of salty meats will make your purr babys taste buds dance, there are some better and healthier alternatives. It has too much fat, salt, and grease for them to digest. I know we love our pets so much and would want to give them treats, but we often dont think about the nutritional value of those treats. That said, however, bacon needs to remain an occasional treat and not something they get every day. Instead of making your cat food at home, make it available at the grocery store. A plethora of cartoons and commercials have reinforced the presence of that image. When feeding your cat pills, make sure to add bacon. Obesity in cats often leads to diabetes, which shortens their lifespan and causes serious discomfort to the animal. Your pet will likely love the raw taste of this food, but it will not add much to their diet nutritionally. Always consult with your veterinarian about any nutritional or growth concerns. Well, the short answer is no, cats shouldnt eat bacon. Dr. Ivana Crnec, DVM. While bacon is not poisonous to cats, it is not necessarily a healthy treat. Too much fat and meat can cause diarrhea. It is derived from the belly of a pig, one of the most popular meats. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. A cat who is suffering from salt poisoning needs medical attention immediately. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive. Quick Overview: Can Cats Eat Bacon? A small piece is not likely to make them sick. If your cat does not like bacon, you can substitute fresh baked treats made of tuna, salmon, beef, or chicken. Raw bacon should be fed to your cat on occasion, but it is best to leave it out of the refrigerator until it is thoroughly cooked. It can be a big temptation to offer your cat a piece of bacon as you eat breakfast or enjoy your club sandwich. Raw meats can be beneficial for felines and can also be an occasional delicious treat. Kitties who have ingested too much salt may start to show signs of distress. Theres a new treat in town, and its sure to make your cat go crazy! Although some pet owners have been known to pour bacon grease over their pets dry food to make it more appetizing, bacon grease should also be avoided. This is one of those questions that must be answered very carefully. The concept that cats should eat bacon or any other processed meat is a myth. Rest assured, raw bacon can be good with the medical advice from a veterinarian. Although turkey bacon is lower in fat, it still contains lots of sodium because its salt-cured. How to Fatten Up a Cat? Raw bacon can contain bacteria that can make your cat sick. Lets find out: Raw bacon is definitely off the menu. Or anything with onion or garlic in it is bad for cats. Bacon in moderate amounts is not toxic to cats and doesnt contain any dangerous compounds, as long as its not highly processed meat. 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. Kittens should be fed nutritionally balanced kitten food so that they have all the nutrients they need to grow and develop. 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. WebFatty meat even if cooked can give cats an upset stomach and even result in diarrhea or vomiting. Any bacon grease should be absorbed to reduce the chance of it giving your furry friend an upset tummy. A small piece of cooked bacon is not harmful to your cat. My cat loves bacon! If you wouldn't eat it, don't give it to your pet. Its advised that cats occasionally eat bacon, but in only small doses. An average shipping cost of $648 $10.44 is included in the package. 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. Raw or spoiled meat could make your cat sick. So it makes sense to give them that. If you REALLY feel inclined to give your cat bacon (its better not to), tear off a small piece of fully cooked bacon that is no bigger than a pencil eraser. It's still considered as food for a cat. Make certain that you give your cat bacon whenever possible, and there are numerous bacon-flavored treats on the market. Feline nutrition is a careful balance of the vitamins, carbs, and healthy fats that cats need to grow and thrive. Tapeworms and roundworms, such as trichinosis, present the greatest threat to pets and humans. Bacon is perfectly safe for cats as long as the servings are small and infrequent and if the cat does not have any underlying medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diabetes, or obesity. If you give your cat some bacon on occasion, it is a good idea to do so. She loves to write and wants to empower owners to make the best decisions for their pets by giving them all the information they need. There is no doubt that bacon is delicious, but is it safe for cats? In general, all cat foods contain a lot of vitamins, so sodium is never required. It can be bacon, cured meat, grilled meat, or processed meat. Because Canadian bacon strips are much leaner, they contain a lower amount of calories than normal bacon. But is bacon a good source of energy and nutrients for cats? Your feline friends are better off sticking to their grocery store cat foods with just a handful of bacon from time to time. Can Cats Eat Popcorn? Every time I make bacon, she comes running into the kitchen and meows until I give her a piece. It is still full of sodium and fat that can put your cat at risk of obesity if theyre offered it too often. Find Out If Its Safe or Not! Bacon is actually a very risky food to serve to your cat, and here, we will break down the reasons why. So, if your clever kitty sneaks some by accident when youre not looking, you dont have to worry too much. border-bottom: none; The same can be said for fried bacon and fat, which are known to clog arteries and increase obesity. Because its cured with salt, it contains a lot of sodium, which we know is a risk factor for heart disease and high blood pressure in people. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive. 2023 Cover Story Media, Inc. All rights reserved. But, turkey bacon still has high sodium levels and is higher in cholesterol than pork bacon. Technically speaking, yes, cats can eat bacon in that they have the ability to chew it up and swallow it. There are other ways you can give love to them. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive. Your kitty will entirely appreciate the savory and salty appeal of food, just like bacon can offer! Its a very popular food and cats like it too! If you and your cat prefer, you can probably substitute two thin strips of unsalted ham for this. All types of bacon, whether turkey or not, can be harmful to your cat, because they contain a lot of grease and sodium. Because of its high salt and fat content, bacon should only be given to people with limited health care needs. Yes, your cat can derive some nutrition from the bacon that you feed them. Can Cats Cry? How Often to Feed: Occasional These are toxic to them. Lets find out more. Salt in extremely large quantities has the potential to be poisonous to felines. Overweight cats. Bacon is very high in salt. Should they? Animal adoption advocate. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? Artificial bacon bits are even worse of course since they dont even have real bacon in them! Humans often grab a package of turkey bacon in the grocery store if theyre trying to watch their weight. Your cat will require 137.4 milligrams of sodium per meal, and raw bacon can be beneficial to your cat. With a few considerations. So it makes sense to give them that. Artificial bacon bits are even worse of course since they dont even have real bacon in them! As obligate carnivores, cats, too, love meat and may be tempted to try a bite of your crispy breakfast side. Bacon is not toxic to cats, so a small piece wont harm them. Anything that isnt natural should be avoided. The health risks associated with bacon for cats are high, but the benefits of bacon for cats are limited. Overweight cats. Moreover, can cats eat raw bacon? All in all, if your cat eats a slice of bacon, now and then, accidentally, do not worry. Cats can eat cooked bacon in small amounts, but this only applies to bacon that hasnt been seasoned or added nitrates. It is possible for cats to eat bacon, but only on occasion. Too much salt can lead to some of the following health concerns: The nature of bacon is absolutely covered in fat. As a result, its better for your pet to avoid bacon. As obligate carnivores, cats, too, love meat and may be tempted to try a bite of your crispy breakfast side. Cats, too, are obligate carnivores and could be tempted to try a piece of fried bacon for breakfast. A huge animal lover, born and raised around dogs, cats, chickens The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Cats, in collaboration with fuzz and unkempt hair, Thrive. 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. While cats will groom. position: relative; This might be because bacon has a strong smell and taste, making it extra enticing for your cat. Salt is actually poisonous to cats (and dogs). We should limit our cats consumption of bacon because it can cause immediate illness, but it can also have long-term negative effects on our cats. WebNot all cats can eat bacon, some underlying health conditions or prescription diets may exclude treats, this includes: Kittens (unweaned and weaned) Cats with high blood pressure. The occasional feeding of your cat a small piece of cooked bacon is unlikely to harm it. It's even a great, occasional treat for some pets. Yet, bacon bits have been created artificially. There is nothing in this food that is considered poisonous or toxic to felines, and they may enjoy the salty taste, but it has very little nutritional value for them. You should also avoid giving your pregnant kitty bacon. There's also more protein in Canadian bacon, which has So, can cats eat bacon too? The classic depiction of a cat eating bacon is engraved deeply in our minds. Stay away from the candied bacon, bacon bits, and definitely don't let your cat eat raw bacon. There are some fruits and vegetables that can be given to cats, in moderation, as treats. A small piece of bacon wont hurt your cat, though it might awaken the bacon-loving fiend inside of them. Currently parent of three adopted cats and one small mutt. Be careful to not give too much meat because as with anything, your cat can get an upset stomach. border: 1px solid #F0B357; It changes colors based on the pH, Most cat owners can relate to the issue of finding cat hair all over the house. Never feed your cat raw bacon, as it may contain harmful bacteria. When you purchase Select Food, you will receive an additional 20% discount on Select Treats. So how much food does your cat need? In contrast, one ounce of regular bacon contains around 10-12 grams of fat . Bacon is heavily processed as it goes through several stages like curing, smoking, and salting before it winds up in the grocery store. Its best to offer your cat a healthier treat, one that provides more nutritional bang for their buck. Why Do Some Cats Have So Much Energy At Night? There's also more protein in Canadian bacon, which has Stick with food that is formulated for the stage of life your pet is in, kitten, adult, or senior. How Much to Feed: Supplemental It is possible for cats to eat bacon, but only on occasion. Why or why not? Editors Note . Just as in human diets, fats, especially the saturated kind in bacon, are wildly unhealthy. position: absolute; It contains high levels of chemicals and has been linked to a higher risk of cancer in humans, meaning it certainly is not healthy for our four-legged family members. This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. These should not be given every day, but they can be a nice boost of flavor now and then. The tip-top shape of cooked will most likely will not harm your cat in any way. Though this is often touted as a healthier alternative, the turkey variety is still extremely high in sodium and saturated fat. Feline nutrition is a careful balance of the vitamins, carbs, and healthy fats that cats need to grow and thrive. Although bacon is not toxic to cats, it is high in fat and sodium, so it should not be consumed. Are They Good? Can cats eat bacon? There must also be fresh meat, as obesity and diabetes can cause serious health problems in animals. Processed meats are loaded with salt. } Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive. Probably because of their metabolism, what they do in a day, and the way they are! Because Canadian bacon strips are much leaner, they contain a lower amount of calories than normal bacon. Bacon, ham, bacon grease, and the fat trimmings are loaded with fat. Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis in cats, and too much salt can cause dehydration. 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. This high-fat content can cause digestive stress in your cats tiny body. Find Out Here! Plus, you then get to keep all the bacon to yourself. Eating meat is programmed into their DNA and has been fed by thousands of years of evolution. So what are you waiting for? No, cats should not eat these. It can also be difficult for your cat to digest raw bacon. Cats Can Eat Bacon Raw In SMALL Amounts. These treats taste great, help calm kitties down, and help with different things like pain management. The quick answer: Yes, cats can eat bacon sparingly, but it is not recommended to feed bacon to your cat regularly. When administering pills in your cats meals, you can add bacon to the mix so theyll consume the pills hidden in the cat food also. We all can agree that bacon is delicious, salty, crunchy, and one of the best parts about Sunday brunch. Learn all about if this food is safe for cats in this quick guide. They may be very thirsty and urinate excessively, and in the worst-case scenario, can experience coma, seizures, or death. Even though turkey is an ingredient in many pet foods, turkey bacon is simply not appropriate or suitable to feed to felines. In fact, the same concerns exist regarding humans eating bacon. It is a common misconception that cats eat processed meats such as bacon and sausage. Or anything with onion or garlic in it is bad for cats. If this happens, you will notice your pet walking as though they are intoxicated, acting lethargic, and experiencing diarrhea. Excess fat and salt can cause obesity, high blood pressure, and clogged blood vessels in addition to health problems. However, its best avoided as a treat, in favor of other low-fat, low-salt foods. } Yes, your cat can derive some nutrition from the bacon that you feed them. While these links arent proven in cats, their daily sodium requirement is much lower than ours, and high levels can lead to salt poisoning. Felines are obligate carnivores. Usually, this food has at least one-half to two-thirds fat to meat content before fully cooked. Keep her food intake strictly to high-quality cat food and fresh water to ensure the health of the newborn kittens when they arrive. If your pet is a bit podgy, youll want to steer clear of fatty titbits like bacon to stop them piling on the pounds! Why Are Cats Scared of Cucumbers? The artificial bacon bits you eat which you may sprinkle on salads are both over-processed and rich in salt which pose health complications for your cats well being. However, bacon can also contain fats and sodium which can make your cat sick if it eats too much of it. In fact, Canadian bacon is about 50% fat. Any health benefits that they get will be massively dwarfed by the negatives, however. While bacon is not poisonous to cats, it is not necessarily a healthy treat. Also, its important to note that kittens should avoid eating bacon as it can upset their developing digestive system and cause diarrhea. You might enjoy bacon for breakfast, maybe in a sandwich with ketchup, or as part of a fry-up. Bacon is a tasty snack for cats because it is high in protein and other nutrients like selenium and choline. Cats are natural meat-eaters, and the aroma of bacon, as well as the flavor of the flesh, should attract them. That said, continue reading to find out what the risks are if you decide to feed bacon to your kitty. The truth is that there are much healthier foods that you can offer your cat that contain the same nutrients. .summary-table .table-item{ She loves to write and wants to empower owners to make the best decisions for their pets by giving them all the information they need. This is the reason why bacon, and even bacon treats for cats, should be served on a rare basis. Cats and bacon are simply not a good match. Felines need meat, and they require animal proteins to survive. Why so? So it makes sense to give them that. Additionally, bacon is a known carcinogen, as with many other processed types of meat. 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. Its not healthy in any way, but a small piece as an occasional treat will not harm your kit. The high levels of grease and sodium pose as detrimental to your cats' health. 5: Cats are carnivores. Uncooked pork meat can contain parasites and even be toxic to your pets. However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. If the batch of meat isn't fresh and clean then you might need to worry about the germs it might potentially have. 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 some cases, it may be too greasy and rich, and if your cat has eaten too much of it, they may even start to throw it up. But bacon is a processed meat that is loaded with fat and salt. Cat treats are far healthier, as are many other human foods. Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis in cats, and too much salt can cause dehydration. Yes, cats can eat bacon, but they shouldnt. The excess salt and fat are very unhealthy for them. Ideally, it should only be given as a treat and not a frequent meal. Cats may eat bacon, however, like with other human meals, they should only consume it in moderate amounts. Yes, most certainly! 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 not appropriate for cats to consume bacon, which is high in fat and calories. Bits from the kitchen counter can mess with this important mixture, particularly foods like bacon that are high in calories and salt. The general verdict is that yes, your cat can eat bacon. One ounce of Canadian bacon is roughly 30 calories with less than 1 gram of fat. Even cooked, it is high in fat, calories, salt, nitrates, and triglycerides. Whether its streaky, back, turkey bacon, or even bacon bits, bacon will not provide any nutrients your cat cant get from healthier foods. Keep reading to learn more about when its okay to offer bacon to your feline family members.