For many of us, breakfast wouldn’t be the same without bacon. But can dogs eat bacon too? Or will you have to savor this treat by yourself? When we contacted two veterinarians, they provided their professional judgment on whether or not bacon is good for dogs. And regrettably, all indications suggest that your dog will not benefit from snacking on traditional breakfast food.
Also read: Can Dogs Eat Cabbage? How much cabbage is safe to give your dog?
Can dogs eat bacon?
Although bacon, whether raw or cooked, isn’t necessarily toxic to dogs, you should avoid giving it to your pup. Dr. Brian Evans, medical director at Dutch, told The Dodo, “While a small amount of bacon is not likely to cause much harm, I tend to recommend against feeding bacon to your dog.” Bacon has a high fat and sodium content and can cause digestive problems, including diarrhea. Therefore, if your dog catches a piece of bacon that falls to the ground, he should be fine. But it’s crucial to check that he isn’t devouring a full plate of bacon that was left on the counter unattended. Otherwise, he won’t feel so good later on in the day.
Additionally, as you’ll see, regularly feeding bacon to dogs can harm them in much more serious ways than just giving them stomachaches one afternoon.
Is Bacon Bad for Dogs?
All dog breeds should avoid eating bacon because it can be unhealthy. Bacon and other forms of pork, such as pork bones, raw pork, and raw bacon, all contain high levels of salt and fat, making them harmful to feed to pets. Long-term or potentially fatal health problems like obesity and digestive disorders can be brought on by saltiness and high-fat content as well as immediate health problems like bloating and inflammation. Don’t give your dog bacon as a treat or as a snack mixed with dog food.
Can dogs eat turkey bacon?
Even meats like chicken that are low in sodium can contain extra calories. Following the ten percent rule, which states that treats shouldn’t make up more than ten percent of your dog’s diet, is advised by veterinarians. You can help keep your dog healthy, content, and motivated by giving him small portions of nutritious fruits and vegetables, as long as they are suitable for dogs, or low-calorie dog treats. Table scraps shouldn’t be given to your dog to keep him trim.
Can dogs eat bacon daily?
Bacon should not be given to dogs regularly because it is so high in fat and sodium. According to Dr. Evans, eating high-fat foods like bacon can cause pancreatitis in dogs. “The risk of harm far outweighs the potential benefit of feeding this tasty snack,” a doctor once said. “Pancreatitis is a potentially life-threatening disease that can require intensive hospitalization at significant expense.” Furthermore, regularly consuming fatty foods like bacon can result in weight gain and clogged arteries.
It’s best to avoid giving your dog any bacon at all to prevent health problems or undesirable behavior. Instead, consider giving him dog treats that have a bacon flavor so he won’t feel left out while you eat breakfast.
The Risks of Bacon for Dogs
The following dangers should be considered when feeding bacon to your dog:
1. Bacon contains a lot of fat and sodium, which can cause pancreatitis or gastrointestinal (GI) upset in some dogs and cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
2. Bacon is frequently spiced with brown sugar, pepper, maple chili, honey chipotle, garlic powder, and onion powder. Each one could make GI issues more likely.
3. The high sodium content of bacon can make you thirstier. Dogs will drink a lot of water after consuming high-sodium meals or snacks. Bloat is a serious emergency condition that can result from this combination.
4. Bacteria and parasites may be present in raw or undercooked bacon. Ingestion of undercooked or raw pork meat transmits the trichinella, also known as trichinosis. Trichinosis symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, and aversion to movement because of muscle pain.
5. Pork may cause allergies in some dogs.
6. It is crucial to keep in mind that meals for humans that contain bacon might also contain other poisonous components. For instance, a cobb salad with bacon might also contain toxic ingredients for dogs like onion, garlic, raisins, or fresh grapes. When giving leftovers to your dog, use extreme caution.
7. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), processed and preserved meats like bacon are thought to be cancer-causing. Nitrites, which are substances used to “cure” or preserve bacon, have the potential to cause heart disease, cancer, and liver problems in humans as well as gastrointestinal problems in some dogs.
8. Dogs who are fed pork bones may choke. Although small dogs are more likely to experience this, all dogs are at risk. Pork bones occasionally have the potential to splinter, cutting the esophagus or oral mucosa.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Any food can cause digestive problems in dogs. What doesn’t make one dog sick might make another dog ill. Call your vet or the closest emergency room if your dog ate bacon and is displaying symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or any other issue.
Can dogs eat raw bacon?
It is strongly advised that your dog never eat raw bacon due to the numerous health risks that are involved. It is best to steer clear of giving raw bacon to your animal companions because of the significant number of dangerous bacteria and parasites that can be found in uncooked meat.
Are bacon-based dog foods available?
The flavoring bacon is frequently used in dog treats and foods. Additionally, pork can serve as the foundation for premium dog foods, including grain-free options. For dogs with allergies to chicken or beef, dog foods made with pork as the main ingredient may be suggested. Find out more about the dietary requirements for your dog here.
The Safest Method for Feeding Dogs Bacon
Giving your dog a small portion of cooked, crispy bacon that has been drained of extra grease is the safest way to feed it to him. The majority of the fat will be cooked off when the bacon is cooked until crispy. The cooked, hot bacon strip can be drained by setting it on a plate covered with paper towels.
How much bacon should a dog eat?
You can give your dog small amounts of bacon if it tolerates it well and doesn’t exhibit any digestive problems. You can give a small dog (under 20 pounds) 1/8 to 1/4 of a strip, a medium-sized dog (between 21 and 55 pounds), about 1/2 of a strip, and a large dog, about 3/4 to 1 strip.
Final thoughts: Can dogs have bacon?
Can dogs eat bacon? Dogs typically digest raw, unprocessed meat more effectively. Additionally, raw meat contains no extra sugars, bulking agents, or derivatives, so our dogs have fewer digestive problems.
Try to completely refrain from feeding your dogs bacon. However, cooked bacon is a better choice if you insist on giving your dog bacon because it has a superior texture, a ton of flavor, and a low risk of spreading diseases. Additionally, when cooked properly, bacon has a wonderful aroma. Since our canine friends’ sense of smell is between 10,000 and 100,000 times greater than ours, we can easily assume that cooked bacon also smells wonderful and appetizing to them.
References: thedodo.com, masterclass.com. Photos Sources: Unsplash