While these links arent proven in cats, their daily sodium requirement is much lower than ours, and high levels can lead to salt poisoning. However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one slice contains a whopping 115 mg of sodium. Most commonly, at least in the United States, this pork strip is cut from the pigs side. A tiny slice of cooked bacon given to your cat regularly is unlikely to be harmful. Stay away from the candied bacon, bacon bits, and definitely don't let your cat eat raw bacon. Always consult with your veterinarian about any nutritional or growth concerns. Turkey bacon is not a better alternative to pork bacon- small, bite-size pieces are OK, but nothing beyond that. Its a very popular food and cats like it too! 5: Cats are carnivores. She loves to write and wants to empower owners to make the best decisions for their pets by giving them all the information they need. It is still full of sodium and fat that can put your cat at risk of obesity if theyre offered it too often. Bits from the kitchen counter can mess with this important mixture, particularly foods like bacon that are high in calories and salt. Stay away from any kind of unnamed meat or unnamed by-product. The final risk to bear in mind is the risk posed by other ingredients cooked with the bacon. Why Are Cats Scared of Cucumbers? On the plus side, bacon is high in protein, which your cat needs for growth and repairing tissue. Bacon also contains lots of B vitamins and selenium, an antioxidant. Well explain everything you need to know. Please discuss your pets specific dietary needs (based on his breed, weight, age, and health status) with a veterinarian. 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. border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(240, 179, 87, 0.5); How about the crumble of bacon over your green salad, paired with some delicious cheddar shreds and ranch dressing? The obligate carnivore, such as a cat, consumes meat because its own body requires it. It is possible for cats to eat bacon, but only on occasion. In contrast, one ounce of regular bacon contains around 10-12 grams of fat . There's also more protein in Canadian bacon, which has Yes. You might also wonder about the types of bacon you can offer. However, if you want to spoil your cat with some tasty foods, there are much better options than bacon. Cats may not view it the same, however. Why do cats love bacon so much? box-shadow: 0px 10px 20px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.07); Kittens should be fed nutritionally balanced kitten food so that they have all the nutrients they need to grow and develop. The cat would enjoy the treat and move on -cats love bacon. Cats who have a history of pancreatitis. Technically, yes. WebYes, cats can eat bacon, but they shouldnt. 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. Anything that isnt natural should be avoided. Any health benefits that they get will be massively dwarfed by the negatives, however. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive. We dont recommend offering bacon to kittens as their sensitive digestive systems are not yet equipped to handle the sodium and fat content. If you give your cat some bacon on occasion, it is a good idea to do so. So, can cats eat bacon? They can drink all their water, and if youre not home to serve them more, or you simply forget, they could end up dehydrated. So it makes sense to give them that. However, if they sneak a little bit when youre not looking, you dont need to rush to the vet. Cats can eat raw bacon, but only if its fresh and from a clean source like a good butcher. Thats a question were about to explore. Be careful to not give too much meat because as with anything, your cat can get an upset stomach. Well, the short answer is no, cats shouldnt eat bacon. Cats on a food elimination trial. Additionally, bacon is a known carcinogen, as with many other processed types of meat. 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. Occasionally giving treats are okay, but these should be treats rather than table scraps. Be careful to not give too much meat because as with anything, your cat can get an upset stomach. The element of saltiness never fails to put a smile on our face at breakfast time. It is possible for cats to eat bacon, but only on occasion. Bacon is a tasty snack for cats because it is high in protein and other nutrients like selenium and choline. At Excited Cats, we regularly consult with licensed veterinarians and other industry experts. We have consideration surrounding cats consuming bacon. How to Fatten Up a Cat? These are not always made from real meat and often contain a lot of artificial ingredients and chemicals. WebFatty meat even if cooked can give cats an upset stomach and even result in diarrhea or vomiting. Without further ado, lets get into the details about cats eating this crispy, salty meat. The truth is that turkey bacon isnt that far off from pork bacon. Cats can eat raw bacon, but only if its fresh and from a clean source like a good butcher. There are quite a few risks when it comes to feeding your cat bacon. Eating meat is programmed into their DNA and has been fed by thousands of years of evolution. Maybe its the saltiness or the smokiness, but most cats cant get enough of it. Bacon bits arent fresh to eat like fried bacon. What You Need to Know. To cover the basics, turkey bacon typically contains a lot of salt and fat, which is just as harmful to cats as it is for us. Raw meats can be beneficial for felines and can also be an occasional delicious treat. Some foods may contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is highly toxic to them. What you need to limit on is giving large quantities of bacon because of the meats high salt and fatty content. Our mission is to help pet owners provide their pets with wholesome, healthy, and nutritious food. As you can probably gather from the nutritional information, bacon isnt exactly a healthy treat for your kitty. They need animal protein to survive and crave its taste. Cat owners often ask, can cats eat bacon? 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. Dont give your cat bacon that has been sweetened, bacon bits, or raw bacon. So, this means that the meat must also be fresh. Many people love to eat bacon. Chantelle is passionate about two things in her life writing and animals. Wondering if your cat can eat bacon? They tend to be highly processed to keep a long shelf life, and like other foods made this way are simply not healthy for our fur babies. Cats are carnivores, but they dont need a lot of fat in their diet. Raw meat must be prepared and served fresh to a cat, and owners must be careful as raw meat runs the risk of bacteria. 5: Cats are carnivores. Too much fat and meat can cause diarrhea. You might enjoy bacon for breakfast, maybe in a sandwich with ketchup, or as part of a fry-up. Its best to stick with treats designed for cats or other healthier human foods. Its just not a great idea. While bacon is not poisonous to cats, it is not necessarily a healthy treat. This might be because bacon has a strong smell and taste, making it extra enticing for your cat. If your cat consumes too much fat, he or she may develop digestive problems, obesity, and other serious health issues. Technically this is meat, which they need, but it is very high in fat, high in sodium, and is a low nutritional food. Keep her food intake strictly to high-quality cat food and fresh water to ensure the health of the newborn kittens when they arrive. They should only be given one or two pieces at a time and serve with small spoons rather than pencil erasers. If you feed your cat sodium-rich products, he or she will suffer. Pieces of bacon given as treats would be the best way to regulate their bacon intake. The tip-top shape of cooked will most likely will not harm your cat in any way. Excess consumption of bacon might make them susceptible to developing diseases caused by eating too much of the good stuff. Because it is smoked, the flavor of American bacon is distinctive. We dont recommend going bigger than the eraser on a pencil. This diet is relatively easy to replicate with commercial cat food, which is typically made with chicken, turkey, or fish. This is a food that provides no nutritional value whatsoever to your cat, and if not served properly, will do more harm than good. While the occasional bite of salty meats will make your purr babys taste buds dance, there are some better and healthier alternatives. It will likely cause them some digestive distress for several days, so avoid feeding them this if possible. Feeding your cat bacon is fine as long as you dont overdo it. Summary of Content The vast majority of people are unaware that cats have lactose intolerance. Back cuts are more common in the United Kingdom and are sometimes referred to as Canadian bacon. As obligate carnivores, cats, too, love meat and may be tempted to try a bite of your crispy breakfast side. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive. Again, its important to ask a vet for help if you suspect your pet may be suffering from high blood pressure. The high levels of grease and sodium pose as detrimental to your cats' health. The inflammation of the pancreas is called pancreatitis, and it can result from feeding your cat too many high-fat foods like bacon. Feline nutrition is a careful balance of the vitamins, carbs, and healthy fats that cats need to grow and thrive. Even cooked, it is high in fat, calories, salt, nitrates, and triglycerides. In fact, Canadian bacon is about 50% fat. Bits from the kitchen counter can mess with this important mixture, particularly foods like bacon that are high in calories and salt. They may vomit, experience stomach upsets, and develop diarrhea as a result of consuming dairy products. Just as in human diets, fats, especially the saturated kind in bacon, are wildly unhealthy. It is recommended that kittens avoid eating bacon because it can upset their developing digestive system. The fat is what makes it so crispy and delicious. Can cats eat chocolate? A tiny slice of cooked bacon given to your cat regularly is unlikely to be harmful. All in all, if your cat eats a slice of bacon, now and then, accidentally, do not worry. Always discuss giving your cat raw meat of any kind with your veterinarian first, if possible. 5: Cats are carnivores. A bacon is a processed meat that is heavily salted and fattened. The occasional feeding of your cat a small piece of cooked bacon is unlikely to harm it. We advise only giving your cat a small, pencil eraser-sized piece of bacon just once per week. They should always be fed food that lists this as the first ingredient. If this happens, you will notice your pet walking as though they are intoxicated, acting lethargic, and experiencing diarrhea. Lets find out more. So, while its okay for humans to eat a slice of bacon in moderation, is it okay for us to feed it to our cats? The grease contains lots of saturated fat and sodium, which your cat is better off without. Because milk is beneficial to our fur babies, we recommend giving it to our cats every day, as well as bacon to our dogs. It's even a great, occasional treat for some pets. When Chantelle isnt snuggling her cats on the couch or taking pictures of them being hilarious, shes outside exploring in the Rocky Mountains, binging the same shows on Netflix over and over, and reading about whatever random topic pops into her brain. In a lot of cases, too much bacon can damage their organs. Chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, and fish are all good choices for protein. Cats on a food elimination trial. The same is true for bacon grease. 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. You should also avoid giving your pregnant kitty bacon. Cats are natural meat-eaters, and the aroma of bacon, as well as the flavor of the flesh, should attract them. On the other hand, there are very few vitamins present. padding: 15px 0 15px 40px; 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. Its also a good source of potassium, which has many roles in your cats body, including keeping their heart, bones, and muscles healthy. It can be a big temptation to offer your cat a piece of bacon as you eat breakfast or enjoy your club sandwich. It is a common misconception that cats eat processed meats such as bacon and sausage. A small piece of bacon wont hurt your cat, though it might awaken the bacon-loving fiend inside of them. You can contact a vet immediately without a second thought for their help! Cats appetites are disrupted when they eat too much salt, and they are more prone to developing fatty deposits as a result. Of course, standard bacon is pork-based, but turkey bacon will contain a much lower fat content because turkey is such a lean meat. Feline nutrition is a careful balance of the vitamins, carbs, and healthy fats that cats need to grow and thrive. However, its important to include them here to showcase how dangerous too much bacon can be. The smell of savory pork cooking is alluring enough to lure creatures and critters of all sizes into the kitchen, hoping to get a bite. Eating meat is programmed into their DNA and has been fed by thousands of years of evolution. No, cats should not eat these. We often think of bacon as a cut of meat not dissimilar to a steak or pork chop, but its not. It is derived from the belly of a pig, one of the most popular meats. 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. This is one of those questions that must be answered very carefully. If you give your cat bacon that has been fried in the pan, he or she may become burned. Fatty foods do not promote good digestion in cats, and eating foods high in saturated fats can cause digestive stress. It changes colors based on the pH, Most cat owners can relate to the issue of finding cat hair all over the house. The general verdict is that yes, your cat can eat bacon. Take the necessary precautions with feeding raw meat (raw bacon) such as keeping your cooking utensils clean. 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. Toxic: No 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{ Cats Can Eat Bacon as a Regular Treat? 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. 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. That said, continue reading to find out what the risks are if you decide to feed bacon to your kitty. Cats tend to love the taste of bacon! On a day-to-day basis, their heads will spin as they realize how useful cats can be. Can Cats Cry? Cat owners always wonder what human foods are safe for their kitties, and bacon is an often asked about subject. I hope this helped. 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. Some treats even use a bit of pork as flavoring, so your kitty can still have that delicious taste. Because bacon contains toxic chemicals such as PCBs, cats may become ill if consumed in large quantities. Is Pork Healthy or Even Safe for Cats. Stick with food that is formulated for the stage of life your pet is in, kitten, adult, or senior. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? Stay away from the candied bacon, bacon bits, and definitely don't let your cat eat raw bacon. Another risk is related to the fat content of bacon, and this is the risk of pancreatitis or an upset tummy. Its fine to occasionally feed your cat bacon, but dont feed it on a regular basis. Bacon is high in fat and salt, neither of which are ideal for cats. Cats and bacon are simply not a good match. If you have any questions, consult your veterinarian, and think about sticking with high-quality cat food. Processed human foods are not ideal for animals, and bacon is one of the most highly processed foods out there. In contrast, one ounce of regular bacon contains around 10-12 grams of fat . The thought of lapping at bacon grease would make even the most diehard bacon-loving human sick to their stomach. The fat content might cause another issue too, and thats obesity. Simply put, can cats eat bacon as treats? Cats can eat bacon as long as they get a treat on occasion. 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. As obligate carnivores, cats, too, love meat and may be tempted to try a bite of your crispy breakfast side. Too much salt can lead to some of the following health concerns: The nature of bacon is absolutely covered in fat. 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