Cats and bacon are simply not a good match. 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. The amount of fat you feed your cat on a daily basis is wildly unhealthy, especially for a small body. Yes, cats can certainly make a good bacon dish. The occasional feeding of your cat a small piece of cooked bacon is unlikely to harm it. One ounce of Canadian bacon is roughly 30 calories with less than 1 gram of fat. So it makes sense to give them that. 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. Should they? Or anything with onion or garlic in it is bad for cats. 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. 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. Cats on a food elimination trial. Uncooked pork meat can contain parasites and even be toxic to your pets. Ive even caught her stealing bacon off my plate when Im not looking! But bacon should not be given to your cat on a regular basis. It is important always to use caution when feeding felines human foods. Bacon is a tasty treat for both humans and cats. The final risk to bear in mind is the risk posed by other ingredients cooked with the bacon. Eating salty foods makes animals very thirsty. In some cases, sugar may be mixed in. Make certain that you give your cat bacon whenever possible, and there are numerous bacon-flavored treats on the market. Some foods are not only inappropriate but also dangerous. Its fine to occasionally feed your cat bacon, but dont feed it on a regular basis. Any food they eat that's with extra sodium content is never needed in a cat's diet. In fact, Canadian bacon is about 50% fat. The answer is yes! Stay away from the candied bacon, bacon bits, and definitely don't let your cat eat raw bacon. 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. 5: Cats are carnivores. You might enjoy bacon for breakfast, maybe in a sandwich with ketchup, or as part of a fry-up. Bacon contains a lot of salt and fat, which can make your cat sick, especially if eaten in large amounts. Tapeworms and roundworms, such as trichinosis, present the greatest threat to pets and humans. Lets find out why. Find Out Now! Cats on a food elimination trial. 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. Usually, this food has at least one-half to two-thirds fat to meat content before fully cooked. Can my cat eat pork? Cooked meat is safest and chicken, beef, and pork are number one on their list of what theyd like to eat. There is even a bacon-flavored treat line for cats to try. Processed human foods are not ideal for animals, and bacon is one of the most highly processed foods out there. Pick up a bag of cat bacon treats today and let your cat enjoy a delicious snack! Because bacon is not toxic to cats, eating a small piece will not harm them. It is not appropriate for cats to consume bacon, which is high in fat and calories. So how much food does your cat need? Is It Safe For Them Or Not? Yes, your cat can derive some nutrition from the bacon that you feed them. Yes, most certainly! If you prepare a small piece of bacon at home, it will not harm your cat; however, take care not to endanger him. Your kitty will entirely appreciate the savory and salty appeal of food, just like bacon can offer! 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. We recommend that you follow our feeding guidelines, but it is high in fat and salt (sodium). If you give your cat some bacon on occasion, it is a good idea to do so. Take care to prepare it safely. A cat should not eat turkey bacon. Many people love to eat bacon. Animal adoption advocate. Cat treats are far healthier, as are many other human foods. Bacon has a fair amount of protein in it, and cats need all the protein that they can get. The general verdict is that yes, your cat can eat bacon. There are quite a few risks when it comes to feeding your cat bacon. American Association of Feed Control Officials. Why so? Well, the short answer is no, cats shouldnt eat bacon. So, can cats eat bacon? This amount will provide them with a tasty snack without any of the harmful side effects of larger quantities. 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. Fatty foods are not healthy for your cats digestion, and eating foods that are high in saturated fats can cause cats to experience digestive stress. Why or why not? Hence, turkey bacon is still not a healthy option. However, its best avoided as a treat, in favor of other low-fat, low-salt foods. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive. Stay away from any kind of unnamed meat or unnamed by-product. Find Out Why Your Kitty May Be Thin. This means there is sufficient evidence to suggest that bacon contains agents that can cause cancer. However, bacon can also contain fats and sodium which can make your cat sick if it eats too much of it. Its advised that cats occasionally eat bacon, but in only small doses. For starters, you will prepare the bacon as you would for yourself, following proper food handling techniques and cooking the bacon as per the package directions. Pieces of bacon given as treats would be the best way to regulate their bacon intake. While bacon isnt used in commercial cat foods, its sometimes contained in cat treats. Is there anything nicer than the smell of sizzling bacon on the skillet when making breakfast? Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis, which is a serious and potentially fatal condition. 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. The term for this is hypertension, just as it is in humans. Artificial bacon bits are even worse of course since they dont even have real bacon in them! Find Out Here! This is a shame, of course, because its nice to give our cats the tasty treats that they love. The classic depiction of a cat eating bacon is engraved deeply in our minds. The best thing that a cat can eat is bacon. Before giving your cat any raw meat, make sure he or she is properly veterinarianed and nutritionisted. You can feed a small piece of cooked bacon to your cat on occasion but it will not harm him. Bits from the kitchen counter can mess with this important mixture, particularly foods like bacon that are high in calories and salt. Cats tend to love the taste of bacon! Cooking the meat by frying or smoking will kill the bacteria, although you should keep in mind that even cooked bacon is not recommended. Back cuts are more common in the United Kingdom and are sometimes referred to as Canadian bacon. Bacon is not toxic to cats, so a small piece wont harm them. The cat would enjoy the treat and move on -cats love bacon. Technically this is meat, which they need, but it is very high in fat, high in sodium, and is a low nutritional food. Teddy of Two Spoiled Cats will be here this month as a guest. padding: 0 20px; 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. Probably because of their metabolism, what they do in a day, and the way they are! If you wouldn't eat it, don't give it to your pet. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Cats Can Eat Bacon as a Regular Treat? After all, cats need protein as part of their diet, and the various vitamins and minerals in bacon are also important. Cats appetites are disrupted when they eat too much salt, and they are more prone to developing fatty deposits as a result. In severe cases, they may also experience pancreatitis. We dont recommend offering bacon to kittens as their sensitive digestive systems are not yet equipped to handle the sodium and fat content. It is packed with salt, preservatives, fats, and cholesterol, sometimes even sugar. 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. Its not recommended to give your cat bacon due to the high fat content. The health risks associated with bacon for cats are high, but the benefits of bacon for cats are limited. 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. However, if you want to spoil your cat with some tasty foods, there are much better options than bacon. 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. It is permissible to feed raw bacon to your cat if the raw meat has not been cured. Make sure your cat appreciates it on a regular basis, because it will be more appreciated by him. Starting with taking a look at what exactly it is and then discussing if this is a safe food for our purr babies to eat. Fat is a dangerous substance for a small animal, especially one that consumes it on a regular basis. Again, its important to ask a vet for help if you suspect your pet may be suffering from high blood pressure. Maybe its the saltiness or the smokiness, but most cats cant get enough of it. 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. The excess salt and fat are very unhealthy for them. Whether its streaky, back, turkey bacon, or even bacon bits, bacon will not provide any nutrients your cat cant get from healthier foods. Cats are carnivores, but they dont need a lot of fat in their diet. We jump in to answer the question of cats eating bacon. In pet opinion, this bacon-flavored dog treat is a good choice. 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. padding: 15px 0 15px 40px; 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 means that their diet should be predominantly meat. border: 1px solid #F0B357; Cat Food Guide. This can be life-threatening. Obesity in cats often leads to diabetes, which shortens their lifespan and causes serious discomfort to the animal. Its advised that cats occasionally eat bacon, but in only small doses. Cooked meat is safest and chicken, beef, and pork are number one on their list of what theyd like to eat. As you can see, its not quite straightforward when it comes to cats and bacon. WebYes, cats can eat bacon, but they shouldnt. It doesnt mean that theyre completely safe, however. Additionally, bacon is a known carcinogen, as with many other processed types of meat. On the plus side, bacon is high in protein, which your cat needs for growth and repairing tissue. Ideally, it should only be given as a treat and not a frequent meal. 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. Kitties need a lot of protein, so picking a healthy one is very important. Feeding your cat bacon is fine as long as you dont overdo it. Related reading: How To Choose Cat Food? All is well when its given as an occasional treat because youre about to see why bacon is NOT recommended as a daily meal for cats. Occasionally giving treats are okay, but these should be treats rather than table scraps. The same is true for bacon grease. However, the concept that cats should eat bacon or any other processed meat is a myth. Kitties also love the taste and smell of catnip, so catnip treats are always a good option. If this happens, you will notice your pet walking as though they are intoxicated, acting lethargic, and experiencing diarrhea. Lets find out more. Thats a question were about to explore. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? If you give your cat some bacon on occasion, it is a good idea to do so. The same is true for bacon grease. On the other hand, there are very few vitamins present. Bacon is also very high in fat. This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. The grease contains lots of saturated fat and sodium, which your cat is better off without. ExcitedCats is reader-supported. These are not always made from real meat and often contain a lot of artificial ingredients and chemicals. It is possible for cats to eat bacon, but only on occasion. And if not, it's alright, this means more bacon for us! 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. Its not exactly nutritious for cats. However, bacon can also contain fats and sodium which can make your cat sick if it eats too much of it. 5: Cats are carnivores. WebYes, cats can eat bacon, but they shouldnt. Because only fresh, raw meat is safe for cats to eat. 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. However, it is also relatively high in fat. Additionally, cooked meats, without any added ingredients, are also ok. Cats can eat cooked bacon in small amounts, but this only applies to bacon that hasnt been seasoned or added nitrates. Just as in human diets, fats, especially the saturated kind in bacon, are wildly unhealthy. Bacon is also high in fat, which is a definite no-no when it comes to feeding your furry friend. Cats are obligate carnivores which means they must eat meat to survive. Please discuss your pets specific dietary needs (based on his breed, weight, age, and health status) with a veterinarian. Technically speaking, yes, cats can eat bacon in that they have the ability to chew it up and swallow it. Can Cats Eat Pork? Cats who have a history of pancreatitis. The obligate carnivore, such as a cat, consumes meat because its own body requires it. In the wild, they would typically eat small prey like rodents or birds. Its unlikely your cat will experience any of these symptoms from a bite or two of bacon every so often. Once that is complete, you will tear off a small piece the size of a pencil eraser and offer it to your cat. There are other ways you can give love to them. 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 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. However, in general, bacon is not considered to be a healthy food for cats, as it is high in fat and sodium. Bacon in moderate amounts is not toxic to cats and doesnt contain any dangerous compounds, as long as its not highly processed meat. 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. While bacon is not poisonous to cats, it is not necessarily a healthy treat. Instead of making your cat food at home, make it available at the grocery store. If possible, try to avoid feeding your cat cured meats. However, its important to include them here to showcase how dangerous too much bacon can be. 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. 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. Bacon lacks in any serious health benefits for cats. Its best to avoid feeding bacon, but a tiny piece every now and then probably wont cause your cat harm. 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. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Your email address will not be published. Raw or spoiled meat could make your cat sick. Named protein is key. If you give your cat some bacon on occasion, it is a good idea to do so. Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis in cats, and too much salt can cause dehydration. 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. Cat owners always wonder what human foods are safe for their kitties, and bacon is an often asked about subject. Every time I make bacon, she comes running into the kitchen and meows until I give her a piece. 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. It can be bacon, cured meat, grilled meat, or processed meat. Its also a good source of potassium, which has many roles in your cats body, including keeping their heart, bones, and muscles healthy. Meat bones, especially cooked ones can get lodged and cause your cat to choke or can splinter and cause digestive issues. 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. Because you dont have to give anything up in the morning, you can make an excellent breakfast with unsalted turkey bacon. Your email address will not be published. The fat is what makes it so crispy and delicious. Dr. Ivana Crnec, DVM. This is in part due to the high salt content. Its not healthy in any way, but a small piece as an occasional treat will not harm your kit. .summary-table .table-item:last-child{ 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. If you and your cat prefer, you can probably substitute two thin strips of unsalted ham for this. 2023 Cliverse Media Ltd. Be the first to get our latest updates, insider videos, cat health resources, and more. Its lower in calories and fat than traditional bacon, so it must be healthier for our cats (and us) to eat, right? An average shipping cost of $648 $10.44 is included in the package. Cats are true carnivores, meaning they have to have meat; their bodies require it to function. Also, its important to note that kittens should avoid eating bacon as it can upset their developing digestive system and cause diarrhea. 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