5: Cats are carnivores. So how much food does your cat need? Now, lets find out more about the risk and benefits before we get into how much and how often you can feed bacon if you want to ensure your cats safety. Cats can eat a wide range of vegetables, which can be prepared in a variety of ways. The amount of fat you feed your cat on a daily basis is wildly unhealthy, especially for a small body. In contrast, one ounce of regular bacon contains around 10-12 grams of fat . You might enjoy bacon for breakfast, maybe in a sandwich with ketchup, or as part of a fry-up. En cliquant sur Accepter tout, vous acceptez que Yahoo et nos partenaires traitent vos informations personnelles et utilisent des technologies telles que les cookies pour afficher des publicits et des contenus personnaliss, et des fins de mesure des publicits et des contenus, dtude des audiences et de dveloppement de produit. Expect that the smell of bacon cooking will surely turn their heads and stimulate their taste buds. They should only be given one or two pieces at a time and serve with small spoons rather than pencil erasers. However, bacon can also contain fats and sodium which can make your cat sick if it eats too much of it. If the batch of meat isn't fresh and clean then you might need to worry about the germs it might potentially have. Too much fat and meat can cause diarrhea. Cats can eat raw bacon, but only if its fresh and from a clean source like a good butcher. Too much fat in a cats diet can lead to obesity, which can in turn lead to a host of health problems. Cats, too, are obligate carnivores and could be tempted to try a piece of fried bacon for breakfast. Bacon contains a lot of salt and fat, which can make your cat sick, especially if eaten in large amounts. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive. Cats are carnivores, but they dont need a lot of fat in their diet. So, can cats eat bacon? 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Stay away from the candied bacon, bacon bits, and definitely don't let your cat eat raw bacon. 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. 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. In contrast, one ounce of regular bacon contains around 10-12 grams of fat . In the wild, they would typically eat small prey like rodents or birds. Dr. Ivana Crnec, DVM. It is recommended that kittens avoid eating bacon because it can upset their developing digestive system. In terms of your cats health, bacon-flavored products have a distinct advantage over bacon-flavored foods. A plethora of cartoons and commercials have reinforced the presence of that image. As obligate carnivores, cats, too, love meat and may be tempted to try a bite of your crispy breakfast side. Meat bones, especially cooked ones can get lodged and cause your cat to choke or can splinter and cause digestive issues. Can Cats Eat Bacon? Why so? Be careful to not give too much meat because as with anything, your cat can get an upset stomach. Because Canadian bacon strips are much leaner, they contain a lower amount of calories than normal bacon. Its not recommended to give your cat bacon due to the high fat content. Its not a secret that bacon isnt a particularly healthy food. We do not recommend this route at all due to the greases high sodium and saturated fat content. Its best to stick with treats designed for cats or other healthier human foods. The element of saltiness never fails to put a smile on our face at breakfast time. Cats are true carnivores, meaning they have to have meat; their bodies require it to function. Your cat will require 137.4 milligrams of sodium per meal, and raw bacon can be beneficial to your cat. It might seem a bit mean, but in the long run, its best for your cats health to choose an option thats lower in salt and fat. www.felineliving.net 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. } If you do decide to give your cat bacon, only offer cooked bacon, and remove the fat. There are plenty to choose from, including freeze-dried treats, meaty sticks, and crunchy treats. While bacon is not poisonous to cats, it is not necessarily a healthy treat. Moreover, can cats eat raw bacon? Editors Note . So, offering up high-calorie bacon regularly and in large amounts is a surefire way to cause your cat to become obese. So what are you waiting for? The table below shows the nutritional data for half a slice of cooked bacon. One ounce of Canadian bacon is roughly 30 calories with less than 1 gram of fat. It is not harmful to your cat to eat a small amount of bacon as a one-time snack. width: 25px; Can Cats Cry? The same is true for bacon grease. Yet, bacon bits have been created artificially. The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. ExcitedCats is reader-supported. In fact, there are numerous better alternatives if you want to treat your cat to something delicious. 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. Bacon is delicious, and while we humans might like to eat it a lot, it simply is not food safe for cats. Cooked meat is safest and chicken, beef, and pork are number one on their list of what theyd like to eat. Additionally, this food is very greasy and can clog up your cats digestive and circulatory systems. .summary-table .table-item:last-child{ Cats can eat cooked bacon in small amounts, but this only applies to bacon that hasnt been seasoned or added nitrates. Lets find out: Raw bacon is definitely off the menu. Hence, turkey bacon is still not a healthy option. Any health benefits that they get will be massively dwarfed by the negatives, however. A small piece of bacon wont hurt your cat, though it might awaken the bacon-loving fiend inside of them. 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. 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. Are There Any Concerns with Cats Eating Bacon? Meat bones, especially cooked ones can get lodged and cause your cat to choke or can splinter and cause digestive issues. 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. Its meant to give an idea of the nutritional content, and exact values will vary a little. Also, its important to note that kittens should avoid eating bacon as it can upset their developing digestive system and cause diarrhea. While the occasional bite of salty meats will make your purr babys taste buds dance, there are some better and healthier alternatives. Although turkey bacon is lower in fat, it still contains lots of sodium because its salt-cured. That said, however, bacon needs to remain an occasional treat and not something they get every day. 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 need animal protein to survive and crave its taste. There is also a turkey option, which is an alternative to the pork strips. This cured pork offering is very high in calories and not healthy for felines to consume regularly. Cats Can Eat Bacon as a Regular Treat? Try to stick with treats made for feline consumption rather than giving your purr baby bites from your plate. Cats can eat raw bacon, but only if its fresh and from a clean source like a good butcher. Artificial bacon bits are even worse of course since they dont even have real bacon in them! Yes. Summary of Content Quick Overview: Can Cats Eat Bacon? Weve learned the consequences of too much salt or fat, typically causing clogged arteries, obesity, and high blood pressure in cats. A tiny slice of cooked bacon given to your cat regularly is unlikely to be harmful. When it comes to Canadian bacon, its all about curing and not smoking. The pork is soaked in a mixture of nitrates and salt. 8 Reasons for This Behavior. Bacon is a tasty snack for cats because it is high in protein and other nutrients like selenium and choline. Anything that isnt natural should be avoided. Bacon grease can be just as tempting to your cat as the slice of bacon itself. It is best to consume bacon in small doses, as we do in the human body. A bacon is a processed meat that is heavily salted and fattened. Cats can eat cooked bacon in small amounts, but this only applies to bacon that hasnt been seasoned or added nitrates. Yes, most certainly! Wondering if your cat can eat bacon? Bacon also contains lots of B vitamins and selenium, an antioxidant. Chantelle is passionate about two things in her life writing and animals. As pet owners, we always make sure to give the best for our furry children. Humans often grab a package of turkey bacon in the grocery store if theyre trying to watch their weight. All types of bacon, whether turkey or not, can be harmful to your cat, because they contain a lot of grease and sodium. Yes, cats can certainly make a good bacon dish. Felines need meat, and they require animal proteins to survive. Simply put, can cats eat bacon as treats? Pet treats are available from The Granville Island Pet Treatery. Cats may eat bacon, however, like with other human meals, they should only consume it in moderate amounts. A small piece of bacon wont hurt your cat, though it might awaken the bacon-loving fiend inside of them. So it makes sense to give them that. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. However,, Review Summary PrettyLitter is renowned for its ability to catch health problems early. Maybe its the saltiness or the smokiness, but most cats cant get enough of it. They technically can consume it but should not. Its a very popular food and cats like it too! The same is true for bacon grease. Commonly Allergenic: No Any health benefits that they get will be massively dwarfed by the negatives, however. Its advised that cats occasionally eat bacon, but in only small doses. Feeding your cat bacon is fine as long as you dont overdo it. There is even a bacon-flavored treat line for cats to try. Overweight 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 should never eat any raw pork products. Cats are natural meat-eaters, and the aroma of bacon, as well as the flavor of the flesh, should attract them. Cats who have a history of pancreatitis. Ideally, it should only be given as a treat and not a frequent meal. Processed meats are loaded with salt. But are all meats suitable for cats, or are some healthier than others? Too much fat and meat can cause diarrhea. It should remain just thata treatfor cats, though. These should not be given every day, but they can be a nice boost of flavor now and then. If this happens, you will notice your pet walking as though they are intoxicated, acting lethargic, and experiencing diarrhea. Seasonings could cause your cat to vomit or have diarrhea, and some foods, like onions and garlic, are poisonous. However, if you want to spoil your cat with some tasty foods, there are much better options than bacon. Eating meat is programmed into their DNA and has been fed by thousands of years of evolution. Bacon in moderate amounts is not toxic to cats and doesnt contain any dangerous compounds, as long as its not highly processed meat. Excess consumption of bacon might make them susceptible to developing diseases caused by eating too much of the good stuff. But before you feed any new foods, you should always make sure its safe. Ideally, cats shouldnt have bacon. Kitties who have ingested too much salt may start to show signs of distress. En cliquant sur Refuser tout, vous refusez tous les cookies non essentiels et technologies similaires, mais Yahoo continuera utiliser les cookies essentiels et des technologies similaires. Its best to stick with bacon flavor cat treats, or other healthy cat treats, though. Excess fat and salt can cause obesity, high blood pressure, and clogged blood vessels in addition to health problems. 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. Your feline friends are better off sticking to their grocery store cat foods with just a handful of bacon from time to time. Slectionnez Grer les paramtres pour grer vos prfrences. If you must offer them a piece of bacon, tear off a tiny piece of a slice that has been fully cooked. 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. Should they? The general verdict is that yes, your cat can eat bacon. 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? With a few considerations. Yes, in the strictest sense of the word. Cats are finicky eaters, and hiding a pill in a bacon made blanket is a nice and efficient trick. 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. Just like humans, the biggest concern about bacon for cats is the extremely high amount of salt. Its chock full of nitrates, and saturated fat and the World Health Organization (WHO) classified it as a carcinogen in 2015. Did you know that your feline friend is an obligate carnivore? Fat is present in bacon, ham, bacon grease, and fat trimmings. Your cat is a carnivore, so its only natural that theyd be pawing at your breakfast plate when youre chowing down on bacon. My cat loves bacon! 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. You shouldnt give your kitten bacon, whether its cooked or raw. Can Cats Eat Sardines? Avoiding salty foods and keeping plenty of fresh water around will ensure your pet stays perfectly balanced in terms of hydration. Artificial bacon bits are even worse of course since they dont even have real bacon in them! Cats Can Eat Bacon as a Regular Treat? And dont forget, as long as their main cat food is nutritionally complete, theyll be getting the exact ingredients they need to stay healthy anyway. The answer is a resounding no. You should never offer your cat raw pork meat. Meat bones, especially cooked ones can get lodged and cause your cat to choke or can splinter and cause digestive issues. Trimmings and bones of any type, whether cooked or raw, should be fed to your pet. Related reading: How To Choose Cat Food? We all can agree that bacon is delicious, salty, crunchy, and one of the best parts about Sunday brunch. However, felines should not eat this food. Stay away from any kind of unnamed meat or unnamed by-product. Technically, yes. Species Appropriate: No Its lower in calories and fat than traditional bacon, so it must be healthier for our cats (and us) to eat, right? However, the concept that cats should eat bacon or any other processed meat is a myth. Thats a question were about to explore. Cats can become ill if they eat raw meat and develop a number of food poisoning symptoms. Cats appetites are disrupted when they eat too much salt, and they are more prone to developing fatty deposits as a result. } This is a shame, of course, because its nice to give our cats the tasty treats that they love. Feeding your cat bacon is fine as long as you dont overdo it. Every time I make bacon, she comes running into the kitchen and meows until I give her a piece. Bacon has a fair amount of protein in it, and cats need all the protein that they can get. 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. Can Cats Eat Pork? border-radius: 3px; Dont give your cat bacon that has been sweetened, bacon bits, or raw bacon. Feline nutrition is a careful balance of the vitamins, carbs, and healthy fats that cats need to grow and thrive. Bacon in moderate amounts is not toxic to cats and doesnt contain any dangerous compounds, as long as its not highly processed meat. Please discuss your pets specific dietary needs (based on his breed, weight, age, and health status) with a veterinarian. No, bacon is not good for cats. Because Canadian bacon strips are much leaner, they contain a lower amount of calories than normal bacon. 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. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive. This amount will provide them with a tasty snack without any of the harmful side effects of larger quantities. 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. It is small enough for your cat to eat, but not so much that it is dangerous to them. If you eat breakfast with your cat or have a club sandwich, you may feel the need to give him a piece of bacon. A pound of bacon contains a lot of fat as well as a lot of grease. Well, the short answer is no, cats shouldnt eat bacon. A balanced diet and avoiding foods that are high in fat will promote better digestive health. However, its best avoided as a treat, in favor of other low-fat, low-salt foods. Feline nutrition is a careful balance of the vitamins, carbs, and healthy fats that cats need to grow and thrive. An average shipping cost of $648 $10.44 is included in the package. 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. Cats may not view it the same, however. Rest assured, raw bacon can be good with the medical advice from a veterinarian. Bacon is a fatty meat, though, and can cause health problems for cats if given in large quantities. Though this is often touted as a healthier alternative, the turkey variety is still extremely high in sodium and saturated fat. However, bacon can also contain fats and sodium which can make your cat sick if it eats too much of it. Stay away from the candied bacon, bacon bits, and definitely don't let your cat eat raw bacon. Stay away from the candied bacon, bacon bits, and definitely don't let your cat eat raw bacon. In fact, Canadian bacon is about 50% fat. Lets find out why. Yes. Of course, standard bacon is pork-based, but turkey bacon will contain a much lower fat content because turkey is such a lean meat. Keep her food intake strictly to high-quality cat food and fresh water to ensure the health of the newborn kittens when they arrive. Although bacon is not toxic to your furry family member, it may still be a health risk. This is a food that provides no nutritional value whatsoever to your cat, and if not served properly, will do more harm than good. Make certain that you give your cat bacon whenever possible, and there are numerous bacon-flavored treats on the market. Occasionally giving treats are okay, but these should be treats rather than table scraps. Dont give your cat bacon that has been sweetened, bacon bits, or raw bacon. WebFatty meat even if cooked can give cats an upset stomach and even result in diarrhea or vomiting. Bacon is actually a very risky food to serve to your cat, and here, we will break down the reasons why. Bacon has a fair amount of protein in it, and cats need all the protein that they can get. So, this means that the meat must also be fresh. The cat would enjoy the treat and move on -cats love bacon. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? On the flip side, if thinking about using bacon as a treat, look further there are far healthier alternatives. 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. However, bacon can also contain fats and sodium which can make your cat sick if it eats too much of it. However, if they sneak a little bit when youre not looking, you dont need to rush to the vet. 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. Ive never seen a cat love bacon as much as my cat does. As you decide on feeding different types of meat to a cat, its always good to consult with your veterinarian on their own recommendation about raw bacon. Bacon is also very high in fat. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Probably because of their metabolism, what they do in a day, and the way they are! Are They Good? Most commonly, at least in the United States, this pork strip is cut from the pigs side. The final risk to bear in mind is the risk posed by other ingredients cooked with the bacon. Cats are natural meat-eaters, and the aroma of bacon, as well as the flavor of the flesh, should attract them. Bacon is not toxic to cats, so a small piece wont harm them. Its best to offer your cat a healthier treat, one that provides more nutritional bang for their buck. 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. Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis in cats, and too much salt can cause dehydration. The only way for a cat to die from eating raw bacon is to ingest it. Is Pork Healthy or Even Safe for Cats. However, in general, bacon is not considered to be a healthy food for cats, as it is high in fat and sodium. Cat owners frequently buy bacon-flavored treats as a treat. As a token of gratitude for bacon, of Piglove, we made a snack without meat in honor of his blog hop today. It can also be difficult for your cat to digest raw bacon. Well, it is a type of pork, which is an animal protein. Friskies Party Mix Crunch California Dreamin Cat treats and Tomlyn Pill-Masker 4-oz jar are both rated 4 out of 5 stars. Instead of making your cat food at home, make it available at the grocery store. Why do cats love bacon so much? This process cures the cuts, which are then smoked, packaged, and sold. No more searching for answers that may or may not be accurate.We provide vet-approved information on feeding your pet. If you give your cat bacon that has been fried in the pan, he or she may become burned. You might enjoy bacon for breakfast, maybe in a sandwich with ketchup, or as part of a fry-up. Cats should not eat bacon on a daily basis, according to the American Veterinary Medical Society. Teddy of Two Spoiled Cats will be here this month as a guest. In general, all cat foods contain a lot of vitamins, so sodium is never required. Cats on a food elimination trial. If you are considering feeding your cat bacon, it is best to speak to your veterinarian first to see if it is a safe and appropriate option for your pet. We jump in to answer the question of cats eating bacon. 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. This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. However, its important to include them here to showcase how dangerous too much bacon can be. American Association of Feed Control Officials. But is bacon a good source of energy and nutrients for cats? Pieces of bacon given as treats would be the best way to regulate their bacon intake. Most cats do not have lactose intolerances. These delicious snacks are made with real bacon and are sure to tantalize your cats taste buds. Some treats even use a bit of pork as flavoring, so your kitty can still have that delicious taste. In fact, some pet owners even pour bacon grease on top of their pets dry food to make it more appetizing. If you want to treat your cat on occasion, feed him cooked bacon. It has a parasitic infection in its stomach, which is comparable to how much fat you have. 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. What You Need to Know! Lets find out more. 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. 6 Reasons Cats Sit In Their Litter Box & When To Worry. 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. Technically this is meat, which they need, but it is very high in fat, high in sodium, and is a low nutritional food. However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis in cats, and too much salt can cause dehydration. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive. It changes colors based on the pH, Most cat owners can relate to the issue of finding cat hair all over the house. Yes, its fully confirmed that a batch of well-cooked bacon, bite-sized pieces that are taken appropriately for an occasional yummy treat for cats to eat. Salt in extremely large quantities has the potential to be poisonous to felines. Its advised that cats occasionally eat bacon, but in only small doses. You might enjoy bacon for breakfast, maybe in a sandwich with ketchup, or as part of a fry-up. So, while you can give your cat Canadian bacon, it is not the best choice for their diet. Bacon bits arent fresh to eat like fried bacon. It is high in fats and salts, two things that can be very detrimental to a felines health. If you and your cat prefer, you can probably substitute two thin strips of unsalted ham for this. Yes, most certainly! Cats may eat bacon, however, like with other human meals, they should only consume it in moderate amounts. So it makes sense to give them that. There are other ways you can give love to them. Eating too much can be a problem and lead to some long-term health conditions, including obesity, dehydration, high blood pressure, and clogged blood vessels. We dont recommend going bigger than the eraser on a pencil. However, serving bacon caters to their need for protein in their diets. This is small enough for your cat to enjoy a tasty morsel but avoid serious health risks. Because milk is beneficial to our fur babies, we recommend giving it to our cats every day, as well as bacon to our dogs. Bacon is high in fat and salt, neither of which are ideal for cats. Half a slice of bacon contains nearly five times your cats daily sodium requirement, so too much bacon could even cause salt poisoning. Bacon in moderate amounts is not toxic to cats and doesnt contain any dangerous compounds, as long as its not highly processed meat. 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. Cats are obligate carnivores which means they must eat meat to survive. In contrast, one ounce of regular bacon contains around 10-12 grams of fat . So, as cat owners, youve got a parenting role to develop a careful nutrition profile for your feline friend to address their ever-present lack of mobility. It is derived from the belly of a pig, one of the most popular meats. Once home, the pork is generally fried until crispy and delicious. A tiny slice of cooked bacon given to your cat regularly is unlikely to be harmful. In addition to a balanced diet provided by commercial cat food, you can offer some foods as treats.