If you eat breakfast with your cat or have a club sandwich, you may feel the need to give him a piece of bacon. Hence, turkey bacon is still not a healthy option. 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. If your cat does not like bacon, you can substitute fresh baked treats made of tuna, salmon, beef, or chicken. Feline nutrition is a careful balance of the vitamins, carbs, and healthy fats that cats need to grow and thrive. While these links arent proven in cats, their daily sodium requirement is much lower than ours, and high levels can lead to salt poisoning. 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. Lets find out why. Maybe we can all agree that bacon is the best breakfast meal out there! 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. Excess consumption of bacon might make them susceptible to developing diseases caused by eating too much of the good stuff. Cooked meat is safest and chicken, beef, and pork are number one on their list of what theyd like to eat. As a result, its better for your pet to avoid bacon. Never feed kitties food prepared with spices like onion or garlic. Bacon is not toxic to cats, so a small piece wont harm them. Technically speaking, yes, cats can eat bacon in that they have the ability to chew it up and swallow it. Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis, which is a serious and potentially fatal condition. This process cures the cuts, which are then smoked, packaged, and sold. 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. Bacon grease can be just as tempting to your cat as the slice of bacon itself. This is a food that provides no nutritional value whatsoever to your cat, and if not served properly, will do more harm than good. So it makes sense to give them that. So, can cats eat bacon too? Its just not a great idea. Bits from the kitchen counter can mess with this important mixture, particularly foods like bacon that are high in calories and salt. The quick answer: Yes, cats can eat bacon sparingly, but it is not recommended to feed bacon to your cat regularly. 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. Can my cat eat pork? Many people love to eat bacon. If possible, try to avoid feeding your cat cured meats. 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. Technically speaking, yes, cats can eat bacon in that they have the ability to chew it up and swallow it. Even cooked, it is high in fat, calories, salt, nitrates, and triglycerides. It can be a big temptation to offer your cat a piece of bacon as you eat breakfast or enjoy your club sandwich. Cats can eat cooked bacon in small amounts, but this only applies to bacon that hasnt been seasoned or added nitrates. Cats can eat raw bacon, but only if its fresh and from a clean source like a good butcher. As obligate carnivores, cats, too, love meat and may be tempted to try a bite of your crispy breakfast side. The general verdict is that yes, your cat can eat bacon. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, well receive a percentage of the proceeds. 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. Its chock full of nitrates, and saturated fat and the World Health Organization (WHO) classified it as a carcinogen in 2015. When feeding your cat pills, make sure to add bacon. Increases in body temperature, breathing, or heart rate. The thought of lapping at bacon grease would make even the most diehard bacon-loving human sick to their stomach. Symptoms of pancreatitis include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss, poor appetite, low body temperature, dehydration, and increased thirst and urination. It should remain just thata treatfor cats, though. 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. In her spare time, she takes consultations on the small island of Guernsey. That said, however, bacon needs to remain an occasional treat and not something they get every day. This simple recipe can be made ahead of time and eaten whole as a strip or crumbled as a topping. Yes. Bacon also contains high salt levels, which are linked to heart disease and high blood pressure in people. Trimmings and bones of any type, whether cooked or raw, should be fed to your pet. This high-fat content can cause digestive stress in your cats tiny body. Most cats do not have lactose intolerances. From the scent of it while it is being cooked, down to its crunchiness! 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. Yes, cats can certainly make a good bacon dish. For example, cooked turkey or chicken breast are much lower in salt and fat, and your kitty will still think theyre yummy. It can be bacon, cured meat, grilled meat, or processed meat. 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. Chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, and fish are all good choices for protein. } However, bacon can also contain fats and sodium which can make your cat sick if it eats too much of it. Take care to prepare it safely. .summary-table .table-item:last-child{ The term for this is hypertension, just as it is in humans. On the other hand, there are very few vitamins present. A properly prepared, bite-size piece of fried bacon or smoked bacon is OK as a rare treat. 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. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive. Cats can become ill if they eat raw meat and develop a number of food poisoning symptoms. How Much to Feed: Supplemental No, cats should not eat bacon raw. There is even a bacon-flavored treat line for cats to try. American Association of Feed Control Officials. The educational cat health content on Cats.com is written by or reviewed by our team of veterinary experts to ensure that its in line with the latest evidence-based veterinary information and health guidelines. Can cats eat chocolate? However, its important to include them here to showcase how dangerous too much bacon can be. 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. They love meat. It is certainly not toxic to cats, but because it is a processed meat that is loaded with fat and sodium, it is better to avoid it. Weve learned the consequences of too much salt or fat, typically causing clogged arteries, obesity, and high blood pressure in cats. Slectionnez Grer les paramtres pour grer vos prfrences. Its also a good source of potassium, which has many roles in your cats body, including keeping their heart, bones, and muscles healthy. 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. 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. 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. According to the British Dietetic Association (BDA), one slice of bacon contains approximately 137.4mg of sodium, making it one of the UKs most fat and saturated fat sources. It will likely cause them some digestive distress for several days, so avoid feeding them this if possible. Its not a secret that bacon isnt a particularly healthy food. Often the symptoms are subtle, and the severe condition is underdiagnosed, so contact a vet if your cat shows possible signs of pancreatitis. 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. This is a shame, of course, because its nice to give our cats the tasty treats that they love. Its best not to give your cat bacon at all. A tiny slice of cooked bacon given to your cat regularly is unlikely to be harmful. 5: Cats are carnivores. They should always be fed food that lists this as the first ingredient. Technically this is meat, which they need, but it is very high in fat, high in sodium, and is a low nutritional food. Any health benefits that they get will be massively dwarfed by the negatives, however. Before giving your cat any raw meat, make sure he or she is properly veterinarianed and nutritionisted. Its meant to give an idea of the nutritional content, and exact values will vary a little. 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. Bits from the kitchen counter can mess with this important mixture, particularly foods like bacon that are high in calories and salt. My cat loves bacon! So how much food does your cat need? Cat owners often ask, can cats eat bacon? So go ahead, share the love! 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. If you want to treat your cat on occasion, feed him cooked bacon. Yes, in the strictest sense of the word. Firstly, raw bacon may contain parasites or harmful bacteria that might cause your cat to become sick. Its a very popular food and cats like it too! Cats are finicky eaters, and hiding a pill in a bacon made blanket is a nice and efficient trick. This is why your cat may go crazy the second they pick up the scent of any raw meat or cooked meat. Though this is often touted as a healthier alternative, the turkey variety is still extremely high in sodium and saturated fat. Cats Can Eat Bacon Raw In SMALL Amounts. Eating bacon in large amounts can cause salt poisoning in your pet as a small slice of bacon contains over 10 times more salt than the cats daily need. 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. This is small enough for your cat to enjoy a tasty morsel but avoid serious health risks. 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. A tiny slice of cooked bacon given to your cat regularly is unlikely to be harmful. Cat Food Guide. Every time I make bacon, she comes running into the kitchen and meows until I give her a piece. A small piece of cooked bacon is not harmful to your cat. Obesity in cats often leads to diabetes, which shortens their lifespan and causes serious discomfort to the animal. A cat who is suffering from salt poisoning needs medical attention immediately. A huge animal lover, born and raised around dogs, cats, chickens It is permissible to feed raw bacon to your cat if the raw meat has not been cured. We dont recommend going bigger than the eraser on a pencil. Cats tend to love the taste of bacon! Can Cats Eat Pork? Yes. As you can probably gather from the nutritional information, bacon isnt exactly a healthy treat for your kitty. 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. If you and your cat prefer, you can probably substitute two thin strips of unsalted ham for this. 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. It is prepared without eliminating the fatty content. That said, continue reading to find out what the risks are if you decide to feed bacon to your kitty. Bacon has a fair amount of protein in it, and cats need all the protein that they can get. Teddy of Two Spoiled Cats will be here this month as a guest. However, its best avoided as a treat, in favor of other low-fat, low-salt foods. Cats should never eat any raw pork products. The fat content might cause another issue too, and thats obesity. Cat owners frequently buy bacon-flavored treats as a treat. The tip-top shape of cooked will most likely will not harm your cat in any way. So what are you waiting for? A small piece of bacon wont hurt your cat, though it might awaken the bacon-loving fiend inside of them. In the short term, eating too much of it may cause your kitty to have gastrointestinal distress and stomach pain. Cats are obligate carnivores which means they must eat meat to survive. We jump in to answer the question of cats eating bacon. However, if you want to spoil your cat with some tasty foods, there are much better options than bacon. Because bacon is not toxic to cats, eating a small piece will not harm them. Is It Safe For Them Or Not? Excess fat and salt can cause obesity, high blood pressure, and clogged blood vessels in addition to health problems. Instead of making your cat food at home, make it available at the grocery store. Bacon has a fair amount of protein in it, and cats need all the protein that they can get. The obligate carnivore, such as a cat, consumes meat because its own body requires it. Any health benefits that they get will be massively dwarfed by the negatives, however. Feeding your cat bacon is fine as long as you dont overdo it. WebYes, cats can eat bacon, but they shouldnt. Related reading: How To Choose Cat Food? 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. Once home, the pork is generally fried until crispy and delicious. 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. 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