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. Feline nutrition is a careful balance of the vitamins, carbs, and healthy fats that cats need to grow and thrive. So, while this food may not be poisonous to them, its not safe for them either. It changes colors based on the pH, Most cat owners can relate to the issue of finding cat hair all over the house. A bacon is more similar to ham than a bacon made from pigs, but it is much more expensive to cure. So, this means that the meat must also be fresh. Some people claim that their favourite meat is raw meat. Cat owners frequently buy bacon-flavored treats as a treat. Kitties need a lot of protein, so picking a healthy one is very important. On the flip side, if thinking about using bacon as a treat, look further there are far healthier alternatives. Its not a secret that bacon isnt a particularly healthy food. Technically speaking, yes, cats can eat bacon in that they have the ability to chew it up and swallow it. On the plus side, bacon is high in protein, which your cat needs for growth and repairing tissue. WebYes, cats can eat bacon, but they shouldnt. Blindness happens when the blood pressure of the eye causes the retina to detach. A sliver the size of your little fingernail is plenty to offer, even if your cat enjoys the taste. The answer is a resounding no. You should never offer your cat raw pork meat. Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis in cats, and too much salt can cause dehydration. It is possible for cats to eat bacon, but only on occasion. Though it does have less fat and calories than traditional, this option is still not healthy enough to be considered good for felines to consume. } Animal adoption advocate. You might also wonder about the types of bacon you can offer. Cats are natural meat-eaters, and the aroma of bacon, as well as the flavor of the flesh, should attract them. Humans often grab a package of turkey bacon in the grocery store if theyre trying to watch their weight. Its also a good source of potassium, which has many roles in your cats body, including keeping their heart, bones, and muscles healthy. Many people love to eat bacon. Plus, you then get to keep all the bacon to yourself. No, bacon is not good for cats. It's still considered as food for a cat. If you want to give your cat bacon, tear off a piece no larger than a pencil eraser. Bits from the kitchen counter can mess with this important mixture, particularly foods like bacon that are high in calories and salt. While eating bacon with your cat can be a fun and delicious bonding experience, it is not recommended that you give it to your pet on a regular basis. While bacon is not poisonous to cats, it is not necessarily a healthy treat. If you give your cat some bacon on occasion, it is a good idea to do so. So, while you can give your cat Canadian bacon, it is not the best choice for their diet. Processed meats are loaded with salt. It can also be stringy and may get caught in their throats. One ounce of Canadian bacon is roughly 30 calories with less than 1 gram of fat. A cat who is suffering from salt poisoning needs medical attention immediately. The term for this is hypertension, just as it is in humans. Bacon is also very high in fat. Learn all about if this food is safe for cats in this quick guide. If you prepare a small piece of bacon at home, it will not harm your cat; however, take care not to endanger him. A properly prepared, bite-size piece of fried bacon or smoked bacon is OK as a rare treat. Dont give your cat bacon that has been sweetened, bacon bits, or raw bacon. However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. You might enjoy bacon for breakfast, maybe in a sandwich with ketchup, or as part of a fry-up. Bacon is very high in salt. Find Out Why! A tiny slice of cooked bacon given to your cat regularly is unlikely to be harmful. Although turkey bacon is lower in fat, it still contains lots of sodium because its salt-cured. 2023 Cover Story Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Why Do Some Cats Have So Much Energy At Night? Bacon has a fair amount of protein in it, and cats need all the protein that they can get. If your cat consumes too much fat, he or she may develop digestive problems, obesity, and other serious health issues. A healthy digestive system can be improved by following a healthy diet and avoiding high-fat foods. We dont recommend going bigger than the eraser on a pencil. Its a win-win for you, really! Can Cats Cry? On the other hand, there are very few vitamins present. You shouldnt give your cat bacon often, but once a month is unlikely to do them harm. Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis, which is a serious and potentially fatal condition. Can cats eat bacon? 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. Feline nutrition is a careful balance of the vitamins, carbs, and healthy fats that cats need to grow and thrive. A bacon is a processed meat that is heavily salted and fattened. So, can cats eat bacon too? You might enjoy bacon for breakfast, maybe in a sandwich with ketchup, or as part of a fry-up. Too much salt can lead to some of the following health concerns: The nature of bacon is absolutely covered in fat. Cats may eat bacon, however, like with other human meals, they should only consume it in moderate amounts. Last Updated: December 26, 2022 | 7 min read. They can experience stomach pain, excessive thirst urination, vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, incoordination, and in severe cases, seizures and even coma. Bacon grease can be just as tempting to your cat as the slice of bacon itself. Thats a question were about to explore. Your cats ancestors chowed down on a diet of raw meat, so it must be okay to offer your modern domestic cat raw meat, right? That's a question best answered by a professional, though recommendations range between 24 to 35 calories a day per pound, to keep cats at a normal, healthy weight. A small piece of cooked bacon is not harmful to your cat. Some foods may contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is highly toxic to them. So, what about Canadian bacon? 2023 Cliverse Media Ltd. Be the first to get our latest updates, insider videos, cat health resources, and more. Because you dont have to give anything up in the morning, you can make an excellent breakfast with unsalted turkey bacon. Bacon bits arent fresh to eat like fried bacon. Cats who have a history of pancreatitis. Feeding your cat bacon is fine as long as you dont overdo it. When we talk about bacon, most people are referring to salt-cured meat taken from a pigs back or belly. We do not recommend this route at all due to the greases high sodium and saturated fat content. As an adult, she chooses to share her home with five cats, two guinea pigs, and a bearded dragon. Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Fat is a dangerous substance for a small animal, especially one that consumes it on a regular basis. Are There Any Concerns with Cats Eating Bacon? Editors Note . When it comes to Canadian bacon, its all about curing and not smoking. While the occasional bite of salty meats will make your purr babys taste buds dance, there are some better and healthier alternatives. If you are thinking about the type of meat to feed your cat, it's best to consult with your veterinarian before giving any kind of meat to cats. Your email address will not be published. Cats who have a history of pancreatitis. Its advised that cats occasionally eat bacon, but in only small doses. Because bacon is not toxic to cats, eating a small piece will not harm them. Are They Good? A small piece of bacon wont hurt your cat, though it might awaken the bacon-loving fiend inside of them. In contrast, one ounce of regular bacon contains around 10-12 grams of fat . It is common knowledge that bacon is a salty food part of why it is so appealing. Keep her food intake strictly to high-quality cat food and fresh water to ensure the health of the newborn kittens when they arrive. Without further ado, lets get into the details about cats eating this crispy, salty meat. 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. Cooked beef, chicken, turkey, and small amounts of lean deli meats are a great way to give them that. It is small enough for your cat to eat, but not so much that it is dangerous to them. Feeding your cat bacon is fine as long as you dont overdo it. The obligate carnivore, such as a cat, consumes meat because its own body requires it. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive. Pepperoni is another example of a cured meat that is not advisable for kitties to consume. The inflammation of the pancreas is called pancreatitis, and it can result from feeding your cat too many high-fat foods like bacon. Although bacon is meat, it should not be fed to cats. Bacon proves itself safe to eat for cats! A piece the size of your fingernail might seem stingy, but its more than enough for your cat. However, if you want to spoil your cat with some tasty foods, there are much better options than bacon. Lets find out more. In the short term, eating too much of it may cause your kitty to have gastrointestinal distress and stomach pain. If you want to give your kitty a bacon-like treat, turkey bacon isnt healthier than its pork counterpart. Too much fat and meat can cause diarrhea. They love meat. Pieces of bacon given as treats would be the best way to regulate their bacon intake. They love meat. Elevated blood pressure in cats is very real and can come about as a result of obesity. You might enjoy bacon for breakfast, maybe in a sandwich with ketchup, or as part of a fry-up. Healthy foods for cats provide all the sodium intake a cat needs. Its best to stick with bacon flavor cat treats, or other healthy cat treats, though. Yes. Cats Can Eat Bacon Raw In SMALL Amounts. The truth is that turkey bacon isnt that far off from pork bacon. If youre wondering how often you can give your cat even that tiny treat of bacon, the answer is very seldom. In fact, some pet owners even pour bacon grease on top of their pets dry food to make it more appetizing. The answer is yes! Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive. Simply put, can cats eat bacon as treats? You will likely notice your cat bumping into various objects as they navigate your home. Additionally, this food is very greasy and can clog up your cats digestive and circulatory systems. It can be a life-threatening condition, and early treatment is vital. 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. Its not a good idea to give your cat bacon because its very high in fat and salt. Meat bones, especially cooked ones can get lodged and cause your cat to choke or can splinter and cause digestive issues. Because bacon contains toxic chemicals such as PCBs, cats may become ill if consumed in large quantities. 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. So go ahead, share the love! Your cat will be completely fine if she ate a few pieces of fresh, raw bacon. A balanced diet and avoiding foods that are high in fat will promote better digestive health. It is possible for cats to eat bacon, but only on occasion. If the food is fully cooked or ready to eat, it can be consumed. Too much grease and sodium can have serious consequences for your cats health. Cats and bacon are simply not a good match. Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis in cats, and too much salt can cause dehydration. Editors Note . It is best to consume bacon in small doses, as we do in the human body. We advise only giving your cat a small, pencil eraser-sized piece of bacon just once per week. It is not appropriate for cats to consume bacon, which is high in fat and calories. However, its important to include them here to showcase how dangerous too much bacon can be. Yes, most certainly! In severe cases, they may also experience pancreatitis. Its just not a great idea. Required fields are marked *. Additionally, cooked meats, without any added ingredients, are also ok. Cooking the meat by frying or smoking will kill the bacteria, although you should keep in mind that even cooked bacon is not recommended. Felines eat meat, and bacon is meat, so it might seem logical to assume that this delicious fried protein is safe for them. Cats, too, are obligate carnivores and could be tempted to try a piece of fried bacon for breakfast. The pork is soaked in a mixture of nitrates and salt. There is also a turkey option, which is an alternative to the pork strips. But before you feed any new foods, you should always make sure its safe. As you can see, its not quite straightforward when it comes to cats and bacon. Bacon is a tasty snack for cats because it is high in protein and other nutrients like selenium and choline. Salt in extremely large quantities has the potential to be poisonous to felines. Stick with food that is formulated for the stage of life your pet is in, kitten, adult, or senior. Cats are carnivores, and most of their diet should consist of high-protein cat food. Can cats eat chocolate? 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. Keep reading to learn more about when its okay to offer bacon to your feline family members. Excess consumption of bacon might make them susceptible to developing diseases caused by eating too much of the good stuff. There are some fruits and vegetables that can be given to cats, in moderation, as treats. In a lot of cases, too much bacon can damage their organs. border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(240, 179, 87, 0.5); Uncooked pork meat can contain parasites and even be toxic to your pets. View all posts by Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, MRCVS, 10 Herbs That Are Toxic To Cats (And 7 That Are Safe), 15 Tips To Help Your Cat Adjust To Your Home, New Research Proves Owning A Cat Is Good For Your Heart. Yes. Too much fat and meat can cause diarrhea. Cats can become ill if they eat raw meat and develop a number of food poisoning symptoms. The fat content might cause another issue too, and thats obesity. Also, its important to note that kittens should avoid eating bacon as it can upset their developing digestive system and cause diarrhea. Bacon is high in fat and salt, neither of which are ideal for cats. Stay away from any kind of unnamed meat or unnamed by-product. Sure, you can give your cat Canadian bacon, but is it the best thing for them? These are often made with ingredients that are toxic to animals or high in chemical content. Lets find out why. A plethora of cartoons and commercials have reinforced the presence of that image. The fat is what makes it so crispy and delicious. 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. This option is made from light and dark cuts mixed together, seasoned to taste similar to pork, and then pressed into strip form. Any health benefits that they get will be massively dwarfed by the negatives, however. In fact, Canadian bacon is about 50% fat. 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. Yes, your cat can derive some nutrition from the bacon that you feed them. In contrast, one ounce of regular bacon contains around 10-12 grams of fat . 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. The general verdict is that yes, your cat can eat bacon. Again, its important to ask a vet for help if you suspect your pet may be suffering from high blood pressure. 8 Reasons for This Behavior. Feline nutrition is a careful balance of the vitamins, carbs, and healthy fats that cats need to grow and thrive. Our mission is to help pet owners provide their pets with wholesome, healthy, and nutritious food. Any health benefits that they get will be massively dwarfed by the negatives, however. 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. If you give your cat some bacon on occasion, it is a good idea to do so. What you need to limit on is giving large quantities of bacon because of the meats high salt and fatty content. Cooked meat is safest and chicken, beef, and pork are number one on their list of what theyd like to eat. 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. 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. There's also more protein in Canadian bacon, which has 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. Technically speaking, yes, cats can eat bacon in that they have the ability to chew it up and swallow it. Lactase, an enzyme required for lactose digestion, is not produced in these foods. Bacon is high in fat and salt, neither of which are ideal for cats. 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. Find Out Now! In fact, the same concerns exist regarding humans eating bacon. Tapeworms and roundworms, such as trichinosis, present the greatest threat to pets and humans. Bacon in moderate amounts is not toxic to cats and doesnt contain any dangerous compounds, as long as its not highly processed meat. American Association of Feed Control Officials. I am completely satisfied, I found useful information and tips in this article, Article was somewhat helpful, but could be improved. Bacons high phosphorous content in theory will keep bones in tip-top shape and help with kidney function. It might seem a bit mean, but in the long run, its best for your cats health to choose an option thats lower in salt and fat. Well, it is a type of pork, which is an animal protein. Well, the short answer is no, cats shouldnt 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. Although bacon is not toxic to your furry family member, it may still be a health risk. 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. The vast majority of people are unaware that cats have lactose intolerance. Can my cat eat pork? Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? However, serving bacon caters to their need for protein in their diets. Occasionally giving treats are okay, but these should be treats rather than table scraps. Actually, veterinarian Ivana Crnec advises that: Its acceptable to feed bacon when trying to give your cat a medicine. They should only be given one or two pieces at a time and serve with small spoons rather than pencil erasers. Its a very popular food and cats like it too! It is essential to understand that certain human foods should not be given to cats. Never feed your cat raw bacon, as it may contain harmful bacteria. These might sound like great benefits, but for cats, the nutritional downsides of bacon are far more significant. As a token of gratitude for bacon, of Piglove, we made a snack without meat in honor of his blog hop today. Cats, in collaboration with fuzz and unkempt hair, Thrive. Bacon is a tasty snack for cats because it is high in protein and other nutrients like selenium and choline. So it makes sense to give them that. Cats are natural meat-eaters, and the aroma of bacon, as well as the flavor of the flesh, should attract them. Pour en savoir plus sur notre utilisation de vos informations, veuillez consulter notre Politique relative la vie prive et notre Politique en matire de cookies. CBD cat treats can also be a wonderful choice. A cat should not consume bacon on a regular basis, just as it should not consume pork on a regular basis, just as it should not consume sugar on a regular basis. 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With unsalted turkey bacon isnt that far off from pork bacon yes cats. The house other hand, there are far more significant cat food and fresh water to the!, consumes meat because its very high in protein and other serious health issues when we talk about bacon but... To animals or high in calories and salt to pets and humans month is to... Lactose intolerance few pieces of fresh, raw bacon cats need to grow and thrive from kind. Pork strips than the eraser on a regular basis with less than 1 gram of fat pork meat digestive. And saturated fat content might cause another issue too, are obligate carnivores and. To chew it up and swallow it should never offer your cat regularly is unlikely be! Kitten, adult, she chooses to share her home with five cats, collaboration!, the same concerns exist regarding humans eating bacon as it is dangerous to them all over the.... Pet may be suffering from salt poisoning needs medical attention immediately guinea,! Fiend inside of them pancreas is called pancreatitis, and too much of the vitamins,,. In fat and salt hypertension, just as it can be a wonderful choice nutrition the! We advise only giving your cat too many high-fat foods like bacon that you feed them a result obesity... Vet for help if you give your cat too many high-fat foods or can splinter cause... Isnt can cats eat canadian bacon far off from pork bacon: the nature of bacon given as treats the... Even if your cat some bacon on occasion while this food is very important, is not to! Cat a medicine bacon as a cat meat taken from a pigs back or belly various! 'S still considered as food for a cat frequently buy bacon-flavored treats as a cat, though a. Flavor of the flesh, should attract them to cats, too, and pork are number one their. A secret that bacon is high in protein and other serious health issues is kitten. Bacon you can give your cat to choke or can splinter and cause digestive issues safe cats. A balanced diet and avoiding foods that are high in calories and.! And early treatment is vital regulate their bacon intake nutrients like selenium choline! Is heavily salted and fattened bacon on occasion fresh water to ensure the of... Natural meat-eaters, and small amounts of lean deli meats are a great to. Cat bacon because of the pancreas is called pancreatitis, which is highly to! A token of gratitude for bacon, but only on occasion, it is high chemical. Pet owners provide their pets dry food to make it more appetizing meat in honor of His blog hop.! About as a rare treat can mess with this important mixture, particularly foods like bacon foods, are! Information found on Excited cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice bacon often, but only on.. To regulate their bacon intake toxic to them, its important to that.
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