There is also a turkey option, which is an alternative to the pork strips. There are some fruits and vegetables that can be given to cats, in moderation, as treats. You shouldnt give your cat bacon often, but once a month is unlikely to do them harm. Simply put, can cats eat bacon as treats? Feline nutrition is a careful balance of the vitamins, carbs, and healthy fats that cats need to grow and thrive. So how much food does your cat need? Additionally, bacon is a known carcinogen, as with many other processed types of meat. Usually, this food has at least one-half to two-thirds fat to meat content before fully cooked. Last Updated: December 26, 2022 | 7 min read. 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. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. They should only be given one or two pieces at a time and serve with small spoons rather than pencil erasers. Cats Can Eat Bacon as a Regular Treat? Cooked meat is safest and chicken, beef, and pork are number one on their list of what theyd like to eat. Its just not a great idea. Any food they eat that's with extra sodium content is never needed in a cat's diet. Chantelle is passionate about two things in her life writing and animals. The obligate carnivore, such as a cat, consumes meat because its own body requires it. A tiny slice of cooked bacon given to your cat regularly is unlikely to be harmful. 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. American Association of Feed Control Officials. A pound of bacon contains a lot of fat as well as a lot of grease. Its best to stick with bacon flavor cat treats, or other healthy cat treats, though. Yes, most certainly! If you give your cat raw bacon, it will be contaminated with harmful bacteria. Cats appetites are disrupted when they eat too much salt, and they are more prone to developing fatty deposits as a result. Stay away from the candied bacon, bacon bits, and definitely don't let your cat eat raw bacon. When it comes to Canadian bacon, its all about curing and not smoking. While it will not poison them, it does not do anything good either. Its also a good source of potassium, which has many roles in your cats body, including keeping their heart, bones, and muscles healthy. Your cats will likely appreciate it. If you do decide to give your cat bacon, only offer cooked bacon, and remove the 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. Cats can eat cooked bacon in small amounts, but this only applies to bacon that hasnt been seasoned or added nitrates. Often the symptoms are subtle, and the severe condition is underdiagnosed, so contact a vet if your cat shows possible signs of pancreatitis. A small piece of bacon wont hurt your cat, though it might awaken the bacon-loving fiend inside of them. 2023 Fabi and Rosi. So, can cats eat bacon too? 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. Excess consumption of bacon might make them susceptible to developing diseases caused by eating too much of the good stuff. An occasional bite will not do lasting harm, but it should never be food our purr babies should consume a lot of or be given often. As a token of gratitude for bacon, of Piglove, we made a snack without meat in honor of his blog hop today. Bacon is not toxic to cats, so a small piece wont harm them. If you eat breakfast with your cat or have a club sandwich, you may feel the need to give him a piece of bacon. Moreover, can cats eat raw bacon? However, bacon can also contain fats and sodium which can make your cat sick if it eats too much of it. One ounce of Canadian bacon is roughly 30 calories with less than 1 gram of fat. Technically, yes. Even cooked, it is high in fat, calories, salt, nitrates, and triglycerides. While this meat may not be toxic to felines, it is not suitable for them, and too much salt can lead to long-term, very serious health issues. The general verdict is that yes, your cat can eat bacon. Raw meat must be prepared and served fresh to a cat, and owners must be careful as raw meat runs the risk of bacteria. The quick answer: Yes, cats can eat bacon sparingly, but it is not recommended to feed bacon to your cat regularly. Bits from the kitchen counter can mess with this important mixture, particularly foods like bacon that are high in calories and salt. Eating too much can be a problem and lead to some long-term health conditions, including obesity, dehydration, high blood pressure, and clogged blood vessels. Cross your fingers and hope that our cats can indulge with us. Yes, in the strictest sense of the word. They may be very thirsty and urinate excessively, and in the worst-case scenario, can experience coma, seizures, or death. Did you know that your feline friend is an obligate carnivore? What You Need to Know. } Too much fat in your cats' diet can lead to digestive issues, obesity, and other more serious health problems. Cats can eat bacon as long as they get a treat on occasion. We all can agree that bacon is delicious, salty, crunchy, and one of the best parts about Sunday brunch. Meat bones, especially cooked ones can get lodged and cause your cat to choke or can splinter and cause digestive issues. If you have any questions, consult your veterinarian, and think about sticking with high-quality cat food. Why so? It is recommended that kittens avoid eating bacon because it can upset their developing digestive system. 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. A cat should not eat turkey bacon. Not all protein is the same though, and pork is not at the top of the list for best feline foods. This is why your cat may go crazy the second they pick up the scent of any raw meat or cooked meat. Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis in cats, and too much salt can cause dehydration. Bacteria can live on the meat before it is cooked, which is why owners must take care to prepare it properly before serving. When you purchase Select Food, you will receive an additional 20% discount on Select Treats. 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. And if not, it's alright, this means more bacon for us! Of course, standard bacon is pork-based, but turkey bacon will contain a much lower fat content because turkey is such a lean meat. That said, however, bacon needs to remain an occasional treat and not something they get every day. Yes, there are concerns with cats eating bacon. This is small enough for your cat to enjoy a tasty morsel but avoid serious health risks. Weve learned the consequences of too much salt or fat, typically causing clogged arteries, obesity, and high blood pressure in cats. Why Do Some Cats Have So Much Energy At Night? In a lot of cases, too much bacon can damage their organs. Teddy of Two Spoiled Cats will be here this month as a guest. It is permissible to feed raw bacon to your cat if the raw meat has not been cured. Because bacon is not toxic to cats, you do not need to be concerned about them eating it. Its not proven whether this risk is the same for cats, but it stands to reason. Cats are true carnivores, meaning they have to have meat; their bodies require it to function. Named protein is key. So, go ahead and spoil your feline friend occasionally, but check with your veterinarian to make sure what youre giving is safe first. Excess fat and salt can cause obesity, high blood pressure, and clogged blood vessels in addition to health problems. Cats can become ill if they eat raw meat and develop a number of food poisoning symptoms. Learn all about if this food is safe for cats in this quick guide. When it happens, it does not harm your cats at all. 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. Tapeworms and roundworms, such as trichinosis, present the greatest threat to pets and humans. It is possible for cats to eat bacon, but only on occasion. Can Cats Eat 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. That said, however, bacon needs to remain an occasional treat and not something they get every day. Bacon lacks in any serious health benefits for cats. The best thing that a cat can eat is bacon. It is common knowledge that bacon is a salty food part of why it is so appealing. The final risk to bear in mind is the risk posed by other ingredients cooked with the bacon. Fat is a dangerous substance for a small animal, especially one that consumes it on a regular basis. When bacon is fed to your cat, it becomes overweight due to its high fat content. Yes, your cat can derive some nutrition from the bacon that you feed them. They love meat. Lets find out why. Bacon is actually a very risky food to serve to your cat, and here, we will break down the reasons why. They need animal protein to survive and crave its taste. } Cats Can Eat Bacon Raw In SMALL Amounts. So, this means that the meat must also be fresh. WebYes, cats can eat bacon, but they shouldnt. If you prepare a small piece of bacon at home, it will not harm your cat; however, take care not to endanger him. Plus, you then get to keep all the bacon to yourself. It has too much fat, salt, and grease for them to digest. Looking at the nutritional facts about bacon, you may think that bacon could be given as an occasional treat for your purrfect princess. Bacon is a fatty meat, though, and can cause health problems for cats if given in large quantities. My cat loves bacon! 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. Bacon in moderate amounts is not toxic to cats and doesnt contain any dangerous compounds, as long as its not highly processed meat. Felines eat meat, and bacon is meat, so it might seem logical to assume that this delicious fried protein is safe for them. It is packed with salt, preservatives, fats, and cholesterol, sometimes even sugar. 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. Be careful to not give too much meat because as with anything, your cat can get an upset stomach. Raw bacon can contain bacteria that can make your cat sick. As you decide on feeding different types of meat to a cat, its always good to consult with your veterinarian on their own recommendation about raw bacon. Moreover, can cats eat raw bacon? Are They Good? Kitties who have ingested too much salt may start to show signs of distress. If possible, try to avoid feeding your cat cured meats. Self-educated pet care nerd. Quick Overview: Can Cats Eat Bacon? Cat owners always wonder what human foods are safe for their kitties, and bacon is an often asked about subject. Another risk is related to the fat content of bacon, and this is the risk of pancreatitis or an upset tummy. Editors Note . So, if your clever kitty sneaks some by accident when youre not looking, you dont have to worry too much. padding: 15px 0 15px 40px; Yes, most certainly! The quick answer: Yes, cats can eat bacon sparingly, but it is not recommended to feed bacon to your cat regularly. So go ahead, share the love! Because Canadian bacon strips are much leaner, they contain a lower amount of calories than normal bacon. Cooked meat is safest and chicken, beef, and pork are number one on their list of what theyd like to eat. 5: Cats are carnivores. With a few considerations. 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. So, is it okay to offer your kitty a taste of your salty, crunchy, and delicious bacon? But because bacon is loaded with calories, fat and sodium, its important to think twice before offering your feline friend a piece. Bacon, ham, bacon grease, and the fat trimmings are loaded with fat. But before you feed any new foods, you should always make sure its safe. Or anything with onion or garlic in it is bad for cats. It doesnt mean that theyre completely safe, however. Cats are obligate carnivores which means they must eat meat to survive. A balanced diet and avoiding foods that are high in fat will promote better digestive health. It is small enough for your cat to eat, but not so much that it is dangerous to them. 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! 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. Despite the fact that bacon bits contain sodium and preservatives, they are not the worst because they have very little sodium and preservatives. border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(240, 179, 87, 0.5); In her spare time, she takes consultations on the small island of Guernsey. I am completely satisfied, I found useful information and tips in this article, Article was somewhat helpful, but could be improved. Dr. Joanna Woodnutt (MRCVS) is a small animal veterinarian and writer who is passionate about helping owners to learn more about their pets in order to improve animal welfare. Stay away from any kind of unnamed meat or unnamed by-product. You might enjoy bacon for breakfast, maybe in a sandwich with ketchup, or as part of a fry-up. These are not always made from real meat and often contain a lot of artificial ingredients and chemicals. position: relative; We do not recommend this route at all due to the greases high sodium and saturated fat content. 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. Raw meats can be beneficial for felines and can also be an occasional delicious treat. They love meat. Well, the short answer is no, cats shouldnt eat bacon. These are toxic to them. 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. 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. Humans often grab a package of turkey bacon in the grocery store if theyre trying to watch their weight. A properly prepared, bite-size piece of fried bacon or smoked bacon is OK as a rare treat. 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. Cats tend to love the taste of bacon! 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 is a common misconception that cats eat processed meats such as bacon and sausage. While these links arent proven in cats, their daily sodium requirement is much lower than ours, and high levels can lead to salt poisoning. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, well receive a percentage of the proceeds. For a small piece wont harm them kittens avoid eating bacon of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates toxic cats! Well as a lot of artificial ingredients and chemicals what human foods are for. 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