Yes. A balanced diet and avoiding foods that are high in fat will promote better digestive health. Why so? Even cooked, it is high in fat, calories, salt, nitrates, and triglycerides. As purr parents, our responsibility is to look out for our pets. 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. From the scent of it while it is being cooked, down to its crunchiness! Try to stick with treats made for feline consumption rather than giving your purr baby bites from your plate. Blindness happens when the blood pressure of the eye causes the retina to detach. Although bacon is not toxic to your furry family member, it may still be a health risk. Find Out If Its Safe or Not! } WebFatty meat even if cooked can give cats an upset stomach and even result in diarrhea or vomiting. As obligate carnivores, cats, too, love meat and may be tempted to try a bite of your crispy breakfast side. We should limit our cats consumption of bacon because it can cause immediate illness, but it can also have long-term negative effects on our cats. This high-fat content can cause digestive stress in your cats tiny body. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one slice contains a whopping 115 mg of sodium. 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. Cats Can Eat Bacon as a Regular Treat? You shouldnt give your cat bacon often, but once a month is unlikely to do them harm. WebYes, cats can eat bacon, but they shouldnt. Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis in cats, and too much salt can cause dehydration. A small piece of cooked bacon is not harmful to your cat. You might enjoy bacon for breakfast, maybe in a sandwich with ketchup, or as part of a fry-up. As a result, it is perfectly safe for you to give your cat bacon every now and then, but it is not recommended that you do so on a regular basis. 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. It is possible for cats to eat bacon, but only on occasion. Bacon is a fatty meat, though, and can cause health problems for cats if given in large quantities. A sliver the size of your little fingernail is plenty to offer, even if your cat enjoys the taste. Not all protein is the same though, and pork is not at the top of the list for best feline foods. How about the crumble of bacon over your green salad, paired with some delicious cheddar shreds and ranch dressing? If you want to give your cat bacon, tear off a piece no larger than a pencil eraser. 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. While the occasional bite of salty meats will make your purr babys taste buds dance, there are some better and healthier alternatives. In severe cases, they may also experience pancreatitis. If your cat eats bacon, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. 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. A form of cured sausage that typically blends beef and pork, salami (and its popular pizza topping relative, pepperoni) is technically safe to offer your cat. 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. Currently parent of three adopted cats and one small mutt. It should remain just thata treatfor cats, though. Dr. Ivana Crnec, DVM. Related reading: How To Choose Cat Food? Bacon is not toxic to cats, so a small piece wont harm them. Cats Can Eat Bacon Raw In SMALL Amounts. Lets find out: Raw bacon is definitely off the menu. Salt is actually poisonous to cats (and dogs). Yes, most certainly! You will likely notice your cat bumping into various objects as they navigate your home. Is It Safe For Them Or Not? 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. Bits from the kitchen counter can mess with this important mixture, particularly foods like bacon that are high in calories and salt. 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. This is one of those questions that must be answered very carefully. 2023 Cover Story Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Lets find out more. That said, continue reading to find out what the risks are if you decide to feed bacon to your kitty. Because bacon is not toxic to cats, eating a small piece will not harm them. This amount will provide them with a tasty snack without any of the harmful side effects of larger quantities. Although bacon is not toxic to cats, it is high in fat and sodium, so it should not be consumed. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, well receive a percentage of the proceeds. A single slice of bacon can hold ten times as much salt as a cat should eat in a day, and is loaded with saturated fat, too. Cats appetites are disrupted when they eat too much salt, and they are more prone to developing fatty deposits as a result. But, turkey bacon still has high sodium levels and is higher in cholesterol than pork bacon. Yes, most certainly! Meat bones, especially cooked ones can get lodged and cause your cat to choke or can splinter and cause digestive issues. Sure, you can give your cat Canadian bacon, but is it the best thing for them? A piece the size of your fingernail might seem stingy, but its more than enough for your cat. Its a very popular food and cats like it too! Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis in cats, and too much salt can cause dehydration. It doesnt mean that theyre completely safe, however. Yes, your cat can derive some nutrition from the bacon that you feed them. Yes, cats can certainly make a good bacon dish. 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. None of that black pepper or honey BBQ stuff. Rest assured, raw bacon can be good with the medical advice from a veterinarian. Species Appropriate: No If your cat requires too much sodium, bacon is usually too high in sodium. Felines eat meat, and bacon is meat, so it might seem logical to assume that this delicious fried protein is safe for them. Because bacon is not toxic to cats, it does not pose a threat to them. 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. Bacon also contains high salt levels, which are linked to heart disease and high blood pressure in people. If you decide to give your cat a small amount of bacon, you should make sure that its cooked bacon rather than raw bacon and remove any visible fat. 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. Artificial bacon bits are even worse of course since they dont even have real bacon in them! The vast majority of people are unaware that cats have lactose intolerance. Yes, cats can eat bacon, but they shouldnt. If your cat does not like bacon, you can substitute fresh baked treats made of tuna, salmon, beef, or chicken. Wheat gluten is often used to create meaty chunks in cheaper pet foods, so be on the lookout for that. 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. This can be life-threatening. Can cats eat bacon? If you give your cat some bacon on occasion, it is a good idea to do so. So what are you waiting for? Meat bones, especially cooked ones can get lodged and cause your cat to choke or can splinter and cause digestive issues. Cats can eat cooked bacon in small amounts, but this only applies to bacon that hasnt been seasoned or added nitrates. They should always be fed food that lists this as the first ingredient. Actually, veterinarian Ivana Crnec advises that: Its acceptable to feed bacon when trying to give your cat a medicine. Slectionnez Grer les paramtres pour grer vos prfrences. padding: 0 20px; So, can cats eat bacon too? While bacon is one of the favorite choices of breakfast food, how can bacon be not a great option for our fur babies? Although bacon is not toxic to your furry family member, it may still be a health risk. } The element of saltiness never fails to put a smile on our face at breakfast time. Cats can eat cooked bacon in small amounts, but this only applies to bacon that hasnt been seasoned or added nitrates. 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. Cats may eat bacon, however, like with other human meals, they should only consume it in moderate amounts. This means there is sufficient evidence to suggest that bacon contains agents that can cause cancer. Look for foods that state they offer complete nutrition, as well as meet the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) pet food nutritional guidelines. Increases in body temperature, breathing, or heart rate. 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. They love meat. Take the necessary precautions with feeding raw meat (raw bacon) such as keeping your cooking utensils clean. A pound of bacon contains a lot of fat as well as a lot of grease. However, bacon can also contain fats and sodium which can make your cat sick if it eats too much of it. Removing visible fat from the bacon will help, but bacon grease is full of fat, and dont forget that cooking oils and fats will also make your cat unwell. It can also be difficult for your cat to digest raw bacon. As you can probably gather from the nutritional information, bacon isnt exactly a healthy treat for your kitty. Animal adoption advocate. 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. Chantelle, her husband, and their child take great pride in being THOSE kind of animal parents the ones who spend a thousand dollars on wall-mounted cat shelves so that their cats can have an indoor jungle gym all year round. The fat is what makes it so crispy and delicious. In fact, the same concerns exist regarding humans eating bacon. margin-bottom: 30px; Its just not a great idea. 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. In high enough doses, it can even be fatal. Signs of digestive issues include soft stools, diarrhea, vomiting, and indigestion. I am completely satisfied, I found useful information and tips in this article, Article was somewhat helpful, but could be improved. If possible, try to avoid feeding your cat cured meats. Additionally, this food is very greasy and can clog up your cats digestive and circulatory systems. So, what about Canadian bacon? There's also more protein in Canadian bacon, which has With a one-time fee of $99 or more, free shipping over 1 day is available. One ounce of Canadian bacon is roughly 30 calories with less than 1 gram of fat. Toxic: No Yes. As you can see, its not quite straightforward when it comes to cats and bacon. It changes colors based on the pH, Most cat owners can relate to the issue of finding cat hair all over the house. That said, however, bacon needs to remain an occasional treat and not something they get every day. Why do cats love bacon so much? Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis in cats, and too much salt can cause dehydration. Kittens should be fed nutritionally balanced kitten food so that they have all the nutrients they need to grow and develop. Some people claim that their favourite meat is raw meat. A plethora of cartoons and commercials have reinforced the presence of that image. Therefore, if youre thinking of giving your cat a small amount of bacon, it should be cooked bacon rather than raw. A small piece is not likely to make them sick. Indeed, bacon is delicious, and cats tend to agree. Cats are natural meat-eaters, and the aroma of bacon, as well as the flavor of the flesh, should attract them. 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. Lodged and cause digestive issues include soft stools, diarrhea, vomiting, diarrhea, vomiting, diarrhea and! 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