Its not proven whether this risk is the same for cats, but it stands to reason. Cross your fingers and hope that our cats can indulge with us. Can cats eat chocolate? No, this is not an appropriate treat for kittens. One ounce of Canadian bacon is roughly 30 calories with less than 1 gram of fat. As obligate carnivores, cats, too, love meat and may be tempted to try a bite of your crispy breakfast side. This is the reason why bacon, and even bacon treats for cats, should be served on a rare basis. These might sound like great benefits, but for cats, the nutritional downsides of bacon are far more significant. Tapeworms and roundworms, such as trichinosis, present the greatest threat to pets and humans. 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. So how much food does your cat need? Some treats even use a bit of pork as flavoring, so your kitty can still have that delicious taste. Plus, you then get to keep all the bacon to yourself. border: 1px solid #F0B357; Yes, cats can eat bacon, but they shouldnt. 2023 Cover Story Media, Inc. All rights reserved. In contrast, one ounce of regular bacon contains around 10-12 grams of fat . It is common knowledge that bacon is a salty food part of why it is so appealing. Humans often grab a package of turkey bacon in the grocery store if theyre trying to watch their weight. Cats may eat bacon, however, like with other human meals, they should only consume it in moderate amounts. As obligate carnivores, cats, too, love meat and may be tempted to try a bite of your crispy breakfast side. Its just not a great idea. Bacon contains a lot of salt and fat, which can make your cat sick, especially if eaten in large amounts. So what are you waiting for? It is not appropriate for cats to consume bacon, which is high in fat and calories. Simply put, can cats eat bacon as treats? Cats, in collaboration with fuzz and unkempt hair, Thrive. Its best to stick with bacon flavor cat treats, or other healthy cat treats, though. Cat owners often ask, can cats eat bacon? Meat bones, especially cooked ones can get lodged and cause your cat to choke or can splinter and cause digestive issues. Friskies Party Mix Crunch California Dreamin Cat treats and Tomlyn Pill-Masker 4-oz jar are both rated 4 out of 5 stars. A tiny slice of cooked bacon given to your cat regularly is unlikely to be harmful. Bacon is a tasty snack for cats because it is high in protein and other nutrients like selenium and choline. Bacon is not toxic to cats, so a small piece wont harm them. Its just not a great idea. 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. Your feline friends are better off sticking to their grocery store cat foods with just a handful of bacon from time to time. As you can probably gather from the nutritional information, bacon isnt exactly a healthy treat for your kitty. It is a common misconception that cats eat processed meats such as bacon and sausage. The table below shows the nutritional data for half a slice of cooked bacon. . Its advised that cats occasionally eat bacon, but in only small doses. Cats are natural meat-eaters, and the aroma of bacon, as well as the flavor of the flesh, should attract them. Our mission is to help pet owners provide their pets with wholesome, healthy, and nutritious food. Ive even caught her stealing bacon off my plate when Im not looking! There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it depends on the individual cats health and dietary needs. This cured pork offering is very high in calories and not healthy for felines to consume regularly. A tiny slice of cooked bacon given to your cat regularly is unlikely to be harmful. Most commonly, at least in the United States, this pork strip is cut from the pigs side. Currently parent of three adopted cats and one small mutt. .summary-table .table-item:last-child{ Yet, a lot of what we eat isnt good for our pets. This simple recipe can be made ahead of time and eaten whole as a strip or crumbled as a topping. Its advised that cats occasionally eat bacon, but in only small doses. Overweight cats. Its only OK to offer it to them in tiny, bite-sized amounts, and only on rare occasions at that. Any health benefits that they get will be massively dwarfed by the negatives, however. We jump in to answer the question of cats eating bacon. This might be because bacon has a strong smell and taste, making it extra enticing for your cat. However, the most important part of being a pet parent is making decisions to keep your purry pal as healthy as possible. Cats sleep a lot, so they dont get a lot of exercise. Cats can eat cooked bacon in small amounts, but this only applies to bacon that hasnt been seasoned or added nitrates. Lets find out why. The thought of lapping at bacon grease would make even the most diehard bacon-loving human sick to their stomach. It is possible for cats to eat bacon, but only on occasion. Feline nutrition is a careful balance of the vitamins, carbs, and healthy fats that cats need to grow and thrive. Informations sur votre appareil et sur votre connexion Internet, y compris votre adresseIP, Navigation et recherche lors de lutilisation des sites Web et applications Yahoo. Some foods may contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is highly toxic to 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. Because bacon is not toxic to cats, it does not pose a threat to them. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, well receive a percentage of the proceeds. 6 Reasons Cats Sit In Their Litter Box & When To Worry. Sure, you can give your cat Canadian bacon, but is it the best thing for them? This is small enough for your cat to enjoy a tasty morsel but avoid serious health risks. Its unlikely your cat will experience any of these symptoms from a bite or two of bacon every so often. Well, the short answer is no, cats shouldnt eat bacon. Cats who have a history of pancreatitis. We all can agree that bacon is delicious, salty, crunchy, and one of the best parts about Sunday brunch. Well, the short answer is no, cats shouldnt eat bacon. On the plus side, bacon is high in protein, which your cat needs for growth and repairing tissue. Additionally, cooked meats, without any added ingredients, are also ok. Bacon has a fair amount of protein in it, and cats need all the protein that they can get. Its best to stick with treats designed for cats or other healthier human foods. When we talk about bacon, most people are referring to salt-cured meat taken from a pigs back or belly. Although bacon is not toxic to your furry family member, it may still be a health risk. In a lot of cases, too much bacon can damage their organs. padding: 15px 0 15px 40px; Its also a good source of potassium, which has many roles in your cats body, including keeping their heart, bones, and muscles healthy. 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. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. width: 25px; Pour en savoir plus sur notre utilisation de vos informations, veuillez consulter notre Politique relative la vie prive et notre Politique en matire de cookies. The same goes for bacon bits, which you use as salad toppings. Fatty foods do not promote good digestion in cats, and eating foods high in saturated fats can cause digestive stress. As a result, its better for your pet to avoid bacon. While bacon is not poisonous to cats, it is not necessarily a healthy treat. Cats can eat raw bacon, but only if its fresh and from a clean source like a good butcher. 5: Cats are carnivores. Any bacon grease should be absorbed to reduce the chance of it giving your furry friend an upset tummy. If you make bacon a part of your cats regular diet, they could develop high blood pressure, obesity, and even salt poisoning. No, cats should not eat these. Cat Food Guide. Eating meat is programmed into their DNA and has been fed by thousands of years of evolution. Can my cat eat pork? It is best not to feed your cat bacon, but a small piece every now and then may not harm him. Raw bacon can be fine for your feline friend if the raw meat is not cured. Cats can eat raw bacon, but only if its fresh and from a clean source like a good butcher. The answer to this question is one we can keep short and sweet. But are all meats suitable for cats, or are some healthier than others? Bacon bits arent fresh to eat like fried bacon. Blindness happens when the blood pressure of the eye causes the retina to detach. Weve just settled another sentiment on what cats can do. In addition to a balanced diet provided by commercial cat food, you can offer some foods as treats. They technically can consume it but should not. 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. There's also more protein in Canadian bacon, which has There are some fruits and vegetables that can be given to cats, in moderation, as treats. The final risk to bear in mind is the risk posed by other ingredients cooked with the bacon. Cats are carnivores, but they dont need a lot of fat in their diet. Wrap-Ups with bacon flavor, grain-free dog treats, and cat treats. It is derived from the belly of a pig, one of the most popular meats. Bacon is actually a very risky food to serve to your cat, and here, we will break down the reasons why. Cats are obligate carnivores which means they must eat meat to survive. Despite the fact that bacon bits contain sodium and preservatives, they are not the worst because they have very little sodium and preservatives. Raw bacon can contain bacteria that can make your cat sick. Commonly Allergenic: No Never feed your cat raw bacon, as it may contain harmful bacteria. Technically, yes. Cats on a food elimination trial. Any health benefits that they get will be massively dwarfed by the negatives, however. This food is very fatty. Processed human foods are not ideal for animals, and bacon is one of the most highly processed foods out there. 5: Cats are carnivores. Its chock full of nitrates, and saturated fat and the World Health Organization (WHO) classified it as a carcinogen in 2015. Whether its streaky, back, turkey bacon, or even bacon bits, bacon will not provide any nutrients your cat cant get from healthier foods. 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. 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. If you have any questions, consult your veterinarian, and think about sticking with high-quality cat food. The do not feed list for cats includes many human foods such as dairy, table scraps, chocolate, certain fruits, and certain vegetables, and processed meats like bacon rank highly on that list. This high-fat content can cause digestive stress in your cats tiny body. Well, the short answer is no, cats shouldnt eat bacon. When administering pills in your cats meals, you can add bacon to the mix so theyll consume the pills hidden in the cat food also. Your pet will likely love the raw taste of this food, but it will not add much to their diet nutritionally. My cat loves bacon! If you wouldn't eat it, don't give it to your pet. Cats can eat a wide range of vegetables, which can be prepared in a variety of ways. That said, however, bacon needs to remain an occasional treat and not something they get every day. In fact, the same concerns exist regarding humans eating bacon. 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. 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. It can be a big temptation to offer your cat a piece of bacon as you eat breakfast or enjoy your club sandwich. This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. And if not, it's alright, this means more bacon for us! Uncooked pork meat can contain parasites and even be toxic to your pets. When bacon is fed to your cat, it becomes overweight due to its high fat content. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? 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. Read more here. In terms of your cats health, bacon-flavored products have a distinct advantage over bacon-flavored foods. Even cooked, it is high in fat, calories, salt, nitrates, and triglycerides. Instead of making your cat food at home, make it available at the grocery store. Any food they eat that's with extra sodium content is never needed in a cat's diet. Find Out Why! Cats, too, are obligate carnivores and could be tempted to try a piece of fried bacon for breakfast. These should not be given every day, but they can be a nice boost of flavor now and then. You can feed a small piece of cooked bacon to your cat on occasion but it will not harm him. Because it is smoked, the flavor of American bacon is distinctive. That said, however, bacon needs to remain an occasional treat and not something they get every day. Cats can become ill if they eat raw meat and develop a number of food poisoning symptoms. Bacon also contains high salt levels, which are linked to heart disease and high blood pressure in people. They can experience stomach pain, excessive thirst urination, vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, incoordination, and in severe cases, seizures and even coma. Kitties need a lot of protein, so picking a healthy one is very important. 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