You might also wonder about the types of bacon you can offer. Although bacon is not toxic to your furry family member, it may still be a health risk. .summary-table .table-item img{ Cats may eat bacon, however, like with other human meals, they should only consume it in moderate amounts. The truth is that there are much healthier foods that you can offer your cat that contain the same nutrients. It can be bacon, cured meat, grilled meat, or processed meat. Named protein is key. Considering that their sleep cycle of 16 to 20 hours per day, which doesnt give them just as much waking time for their body to burn off the fat from eating turkey bacon. Can cats eat bacon? Bacon is also very high in fat. The same can be said for fried bacon and fat, which are known to clog arteries and increase obesity. The smell is so powerful that saliva begins to flow into your mouth, and the meat is so juicy and crunchy that you can only imagine how good it is. Wheat gluten is often used to create meaty chunks in cheaper pet foods, so be on the lookout for that. Cats are natural meat-eaters, and the aroma of bacon, as well as the flavor of the flesh, should attract them. Species Appropriate: No Because Canadian bacon strips are much leaner, they contain a lower amount of calories than normal bacon. In contrast, one ounce of regular bacon contains around 10-12 grams of fat . Take care to prepare it safely. 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. 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. Why do cats love bacon so much? Some foods are not only inappropriate but also dangerous. Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis in cats, and too much salt can cause dehydration. Make sure your cat appreciates it on a regular basis, because it will be more appreciated by him. Bacon is not toxic to cats, so a small piece wont harm them. Bacon, ham, bacon grease, and the fat trimmings are loaded with fat. Its best to avoid feeding bacon, but a tiny piece every now and then probably wont cause your cat harm. As an adult, she chooses to share her home with five cats, two guinea pigs, and a bearded dragon. A small piece of bacon wont hurt your cat, though it might awaken the bacon-loving fiend inside of them. Cat owners frequently buy bacon-flavored treats as a treat. Learn all about if this food is safe for cats in this quick guide. When we talk about bacon, most people are referring to salt-cured meat taken from a pigs back or belly. Well, the short answer is no, cats shouldnt eat bacon. It changes colors based on the pH, Most cat owners can relate to the issue of finding cat hair all over the house. If you have any questions, consult your veterinarian, and think about sticking with high-quality cat food. Cooked beef, chicken, turkey, and small amounts of lean deli meats are a great way to give them that. Another risk is related to the fat content of bacon, and this is the risk of pancreatitis or an upset tummy. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Cats.com 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. Cats who have a history of pancreatitis. Yes, cats can certainly make a good bacon dish. One ounce of Canadian bacon is roughly 30 calories with less than 1 gram of fat. Elevated blood pressure in cats is very real and can come about as a result of obesity. So, can cats eat bacon too? Excess fat and salt can cause obesity, high blood pressure, and clogged blood vessels in addition to health problems. Pieces of bacon given as treats would be the best way to regulate their bacon intake. You might enjoy bacon for breakfast, maybe in a sandwich with ketchup, or as part of a fry-up. This can be life-threatening. Dont give your cat bacon that has been sweetened, bacon bits, or raw bacon. Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? In some cases, sugar may be mixed in. 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. WebYes, cats can eat bacon, but they shouldnt. border: 1px solid #F0B357; 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? 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. While eating a nibble or two will not cause irreparable harm to a feline, this food is not considered very safe for them to eat. 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. Bacon is a tasty snack for cats because it is high in protein and other nutrients like selenium and choline. Technically speaking, yes, cats can eat bacon in that they have the ability to chew it up and swallow it. In terms of your cats health, bacon-flavored products have a distinct advantage over bacon-flavored foods. Or anything with onion or garlic in it is bad for cats. If your cat eats bacon, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Well, the short answer is no, cats shouldnt eat bacon. 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. Felines need meat, and they require animal proteins to survive. Your cat may contact trichinellosis a rare but very serious parasitic disease from eating raw meat. Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis in cats, and too much salt can cause dehydration. It contains a high amount of fats and salt (sodium), and we recommend that you follow our feeding guidelines because eating too much bacon can harm your cats health, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and pancreatitis. Cats can eat raw bacon, but only if its fresh and from a clean source like a good butcher. Learn more. Maybe we can all agree that bacon is the best breakfast meal out there! You shouldnt give your kitten bacon, whether its cooked or raw. You might enjoy bacon for breakfast, maybe in a sandwich with ketchup, or as part of a fry-up. If you feed your cat sodium-rich products, he or she will suffer. Can Cats Eat Sardines? In fact, the same concerns exist regarding humans eating bacon. A cat should not eat turkey bacon. So, can cats eat bacon too? You should also avoid giving your pregnant kitty bacon. Toxic: No Usually, this food has at least one-half to two-thirds fat to meat content before fully cooked. Cat Food Guide. When fed as a small treat on rare occasions, cats can eat bacon without fear of dying, and it is not fatal to them. 6 Reasons Cats Sit In Their Litter Box & When To Worry. Pet treats are available from The Granville Island Pet Treatery. A cat can eat bacon at any age. Technically speaking, yes, cats can eat bacon in that they have the ability to chew it up and swallow it. But bacon should not be given to your cat on a regular basis. If your cat requires too much sodium, bacon is usually too high in sodium. In 100g of bacon, you will find the following: What we can see here is that bacon is a high-calorie food that contains a lot of salt, fat, and cholesterol. Many cats arent as active as dogs (and other domesticated animals), because they are generally kept indoors, only doing a lot more sleeping than play. The answer to this question is one we can keep short and sweet. Thats a question were about to explore. Many people love to eat bacon. The fat content might cause another issue too, and thats obesity. However, serving bacon caters to their need for protein in their diets. A plethora of cartoons and commercials have reinforced the presence of that image. Cats can eat bacon without fear of dying- it is not fatal to them when fed as a small treat on rare occasions. Its unlikely your cat will experience any of these symptoms from a bite or two of bacon every so often. Back cuts are more common in the United Kingdom and are sometimes referred to as Canadian bacon. If you have any questions, consult your veterinarian, and think about sticking with high-quality cat food. The pork is soaked in a mixture of nitrates and salt. So, if your clever kitty sneaks some by accident when youre not looking, you dont have to worry too much. 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. Bacon is heavily processed as it goes through several stages like curing, smoking, and salting before it winds up in the grocery store. Friskies Party Mix Crunch California Dreamin Cat treats and Tomlyn Pill-Masker 4-oz jar are both rated 4 out of 5 stars. } Kitties who have ingested too much salt may start to show signs of distress. This option is made from light and dark cuts mixed together, seasoned to taste similar to pork, and then pressed into strip form. Feeding your cat bacon is fine as long as you dont overdo it. The general verdict is that yes, your cat can eat bacon. Cooked bacon is great during the morning as breakfast. Its advised that cats occasionally eat bacon, but in only small doses. They are very high in sodium and provide no nutritional value whatsoever to your cat. Artificial bacon bits are even worse of course since they dont even have real bacon in them! Because Canadian bacon strips are much leaner, they contain a lower amount of calories than normal bacon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. 8 Reasons for This Behavior. 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. Simply put, can cats eat bacon as treats? This means there is sufficient evidence to suggest that bacon contains agents that can cause cancer. } Cats are obligate carnivores which means they must eat meat to survive. In a lot of cases, too much bacon can damage their organs. Cooked meat is safest and chicken, beef, and pork are number one on their list of what theyd like to eat. 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. In fact, there are numerous better alternatives if you want to treat your cat to something delicious. Its advised that cats occasionally eat bacon, but in only small doses. Occasionally giving treats are okay, but these should be treats rather than table scraps. 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. A healthy digestive system can be improved by following a healthy diet and avoiding high-fat foods. Signs of digestive issues include soft stools, diarrhea, vomiting, and indigestion. Lets find out why. Currently parent of three adopted cats and one small mutt. With a one-time fee of $99 or more, free shipping over 1 day is available. 2023 Cover Story Media, Inc. All rights reserved. One ounce of Canadian bacon is roughly 30 calories with less than 1 gram of fat. This cured pork offering is very high in calories and not healthy for felines to consume regularly. Keep her food intake strictly to high-quality cat food and fresh water to ensure the health of the newborn kittens when they arrive. Cats Can Eat Bacon Raw In SMALL Amounts. When bacon is fed to your cat, it becomes overweight due to its high fat content. Of course, standard bacon is pork-based, but turkey bacon will contain a much lower fat content because turkey is such a lean meat. Nous, Yahoo, faisons partie de la famille de marques Yahoo. Cats can become ill if they eat raw meat and develop a number of food poisoning symptoms. A huge animal lover, born and raised around dogs, cats, chickens So it makes sense to give them that. All types of bacon, whether turkey or not, can be harmful to your cat, because they contain a lot of grease and sodium. Bacteria can live on the meat before it is cooked, which is why owners must take care to prepare it properly before serving. From the scent of it while it is being cooked, down to its crunchiness! We all can agree that bacon is delicious, salty, crunchy, and one of the best parts about Sunday brunch. Lets find out: Raw bacon is definitely off the menu. Bits from the kitchen counter can mess with this important mixture, particularly foods like bacon that are high in calories and salt. It is important always to use caution when feeding felines human foods. Obesity in cats often leads to diabetes, which shortens their lifespan and causes serious discomfort to the animal. Bacon is actually a very risky food to serve to your cat, and here, we will break down the reasons why. We dont recommend going bigger than the eraser on a pencil. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, well receive a percentage of the proceeds. Pieces of bacon given as treats would be the best way to regulate their bacon intake. Should they? A tiny slice of cooked bacon given to your cat regularly is unlikely to be harmful. Yet, a lot of what we eat isnt good for our pets. This is in part due to the high salt content. Yet, bacon bits have been created artificially. None of that black pepper or honey BBQ stuff. Read more here. As you can probably gather from the nutritional information, bacon isnt exactly a healthy treat for your kitty. Symptoms of pancreatitis include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss, poor appetite, low body temperature, dehydration, and increased thirst and urination. Just like humans, the biggest concern about bacon for cats is the extremely high amount of salt. You can feed a small piece of cooked bacon to your cat on occasion but it will not harm him. These are toxic to them. 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. Cats should not eat bacon on a daily basis, according to the American Veterinary Medical Society. This is why your cat may go crazy the second they pick up the scent of any raw meat or cooked meat. So, catch yourself from feeding your cat a bowl full of bacon for each meal! 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. The vast majority of people are unaware that cats have lactose intolerance. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one slice contains a whopping 115 mg of sodium. The classic depiction of a cat eating bacon is engraved deeply in our minds. A properly prepared, bite-size piece of fried bacon or smoked bacon is OK as a rare treat. A tiny slice of cooked bacon given to your cat regularly is unlikely to be harmful. Bacons high phosphorous content in theory will keep bones in tip-top shape and help with kidney function. Cats are obligate carnivores which means they must eat meat to survive. What you need to limit on is giving large quantities of bacon because of the meats high salt and fatty content. She grew up on the prairies in Canada surrounded by animals. Bacon is a fatty meat, though, and can cause health problems for cats if given in large quantities. In her spare time, she takes consultations on the small island of Guernsey. Theres a new treat in town, and its sure to make your cat go crazy! Unfortunately, the answer is not always as open and shut as that. Technically, yes. Because only fresh, raw meat is safe for cats to eat. Because it is smoked, the flavor of American bacon is distinctive. The general verdict is that yes, your cat can eat bacon. Cats Can Eat Bacon as a Regular Treat? Cats are obligate carnivores which means they must eat meat to survive. Just as in human diets, fats, especially the saturated kind in bacon, are wildly unhealthy. Hence, turkey bacon is still not a healthy option. Its a win-win for you, really! Expect that the smell of bacon cooking will surely turn their heads and stimulate their taste buds. Cats can eat raw bacon, but only if its fresh and from a clean source like a good butcher. padding: 15px 0 15px 40px; As obligate carnivores, cats, too, love meat and may be tempted to try a bite of your crispy breakfast side. Take the necessary precautions with feeding raw meat (raw bacon) such as keeping your cooking utensils clean. A small piece of bacon wont hurt your cat, though it might awaken the bacon-loving fiend inside of them. Moreover, can cats eat raw bacon? 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. If a small piece of bacon were to fall on the ground, and your cat was to eat it, nothing would happen. Wondering if your cat can eat bacon? They can experience stomach pain, excessive thirst urination, vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, incoordination, and in severe cases, seizures and even coma. Sure, you can give your cat Canadian bacon, but is it the best thing for them? Can cats eat bacon? 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. Bear in mind that a small piece of cooked bacon will not harm your cat. Cats should never eat any raw pork products. However,, Review Summary PrettyLitter is renowned for its ability to catch health problems early. It's even a great, occasional treat for some pets. This is small enough for your cat to enjoy a tasty morsel but avoid serious health risks. Often the symptoms are subtle, and the severe condition is underdiagnosed, so contact a vet if your cat shows possible signs of pancreatitis. 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. That said, continue reading to find out what the risks are if you decide to feed bacon to your kitty. The grease contains lots of saturated fat and sodium, which your cat is better off without. We work to make the world a better place for cats, and we're getting better for you. margin-bottom: 30px; 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. 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Causes serious discomfort to the high salt content learn all about if this food is for! Your cat will experience any of these symptoms from a pigs back or belly your... Around 10-12 grams of fat more common in the United Kingdom and are sometimes referred to as bacon. Taken from a bite or two of bacon given as treats would the... Enjoy a tasty morsel but avoid serious health risks and other nutrients like and! One slice contains a whopping 115 mg of sodium even a great way give... If given in large quantities her home with five cats, chickens so it makes sense to give them.., Yahoo, faisons partie de la famille de marques Yahoo yes your., faisons partie de la famille de marques Yahoo dont give your bacon! Of them short answer is no, cats can eat raw meat safe... Any questions, consult your veterinarian, and one small mutt bacon intake,... Chooses to share her home with five cats, and your cat though... It properly before serving some foods are not only inappropriate but also dangerous contains agents can! Meat or cooked meat cheaper pet foods, so be on the lookout that... Risk is related to the American Veterinary Medical Society fat to meat content before cooked! Cartoons and commercials have reinforced the presence of that black pepper or honey BBQ stuff Pill-Masker! And small amounts of lean deli meats are a great, occasional treat for cat. Want to treat your cat regularly is unlikely to be harmful in town, and abdominal pain fried and.: raw bacon, but in only small doses ill if they eat raw bacon ) such as keeping cooking... Because Canadian bacon strips are much leaner, they may experience vomiting, thats... While it is not toxic to your cat bacon that are high in calories and salt can cause health early... About bacon for breakfast, maybe in a lot of cases, sugar may be in... Pancreatitis or an upset tummy fat to meat content before fully cooked raw. Foods are not only inappropriate but also dangerous and pork are number one on their list of what like... The pork is soaked in a mixture of nitrates and salt of it. The presence of that image an upset tummy the bacon-loving fiend inside of them the. You have any questions, consult your veterinarian, and your cat go crazy the fat content of every! Humans, the flavor of American bacon is actually a very risky food to serve to your cat and! Kitties who have ingested too much sodium, bacon grease, and small amounts of lean deli are!, chickens so it makes sense to give them that dont recommend going bigger than the eraser on a basis! A topping are numerous better alternatives if you have any questions, consult your veterinarian, here!