It is important always to use caution when feeding felines human foods. Raw meats can be beneficial for felines and can also be an occasional delicious treat. These should not be given every day, but they can be a nice boost of flavor now and then. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, well receive a percentage of the proceeds. Pieces of bacon given as treats would be the best way to regulate their bacon intake. This is why your cat may go crazy the second they pick up the scent of any raw meat or cooked meat. The classic depiction of a cat eating bacon is engraved deeply in our minds. If you suspect this is the case, contact a vet immediately for an assessment of the symptoms. Bacon is high in fat and salt, neither of which are ideal for cats. Another risk is related to the fat content of bacon, and this is the risk of pancreatitis or an upset tummy. Currently parent of three adopted cats and one small mutt. Can Cats Cry? Bacon, ham, bacon grease, and the fat trimmings are loaded with fat. Theres a new treat in town, and its sure to make your cat go crazy! So, can cats eat bacon too? As pet owners, we always make sure to give the best for our furry children. A cat should not eat turkey bacon. So, this means that the meat must also be fresh. Any health benefits that they get will be massively dwarfed by the negatives, however. So, while you can give your cat Canadian bacon, it is not the best choice for their diet. Bacon is also high in fat, which is a definite no-no when it comes to feeding your furry friend. No, this is not an appropriate treat for kittens. Learn more. While bacon isnt used in commercial cat foods, its sometimes contained in cat treats. Well, the short answer is no, cats shouldnt eat bacon. Its best to offer your cat a healthier treat, one that provides more nutritional bang for their buck. 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. One ounce of Canadian bacon is roughly 30 calories with less than 1 gram of fat. If this happens, you will notice your pet walking as though they are intoxicated, acting lethargic, and experiencing diarrhea. Yes, cats can eat bacon, but they shouldnt. Commonly Allergenic: No In general, all cat foods contain a lot of vitamins, so sodium is never required. There are some fruits and vegetables that can be given to cats, in moderation, as treats. No, cats should not eat these. You shouldnt give your cat bacon often, but once a month is unlikely to do them harm. Any health benefits that they get will be massively dwarfed by the negatives, however. Although bacon is not toxic to your furry family member, it may still be a health risk. Because Canadian bacon strips are much leaner, they contain a lower amount of calories than normal bacon. Bacon contains a lot of salt and fat, which can make your cat sick, especially if eaten in large amounts. Blindness happens when the blood pressure of the eye causes the retina to detach. Bits from the kitchen counter can mess with this important mixture, particularly foods like bacon that are high in calories and salt. Cats, in collaboration with fuzz and unkempt hair, Thrive. But, turkey bacon still has high sodium levels and is higher in cholesterol than pork bacon. On the other hand, there are very few vitamins present. 5: Cats are carnivores. 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. Your cats ancestors chowed down on a diet of raw meat, so it must be okay to offer your modern domestic cat raw meat, right? Fatty foods do not promote good digestion in cats, and eating foods high in saturated fats can cause digestive stress. 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. Its not exactly nutritious for 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. How about the crumble of bacon over your green salad, paired with some delicious cheddar shreds and ranch dressing? Be careful to not give too much meat because as with anything, your cat can get an upset stomach. Bacon is high in fat and salt, neither of which are ideal for cats. Bacon has a fair amount of protein in it, and cats need all the protein that they can get. Ive even caught her stealing bacon off my plate when Im not looking! In contrast, one ounce of regular bacon contains around 10-12 grams of fat . Technically speaking, yes, cats can eat bacon in that they have the ability to chew it up and swallow it. Processed human foods are not ideal for animals, and bacon is one of the most highly processed foods out there. Wondering if your cat can eat bacon? In a lot of cases, too much bacon can damage their organs. So, any bacon you give to your cat should be cooked without seasonings or other ingredients. Yes, there are concerns with cats eating bacon. If your cat eats bacon, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Most commonly, at least in the United States, this pork strip is cut from the pigs side. Cats can eat raw bacon, but only if its fresh and from a clean source like a good butcher. Every time I make bacon, she comes running into the kitchen and meows until I give her a piece. Teddy of Two Spoiled Cats will be here this month as a guest. Not all protein is the same though, and pork is not at the top of the list for best feline foods. As you can probably gather from the nutritional information, bacon isnt exactly a healthy treat for your kitty. Feline nutrition is a careful balance of the vitamins, carbs, and healthy fats that cats need to grow and thrive. That said, continue reading to find out what the risks are if you decide to feed bacon to your kitty. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? So, can cats eat bacon too? Well, the short answer is no, cats shouldnt eat bacon. If you have any questions, consult your veterinarian, and think about sticking with high-quality cat food. Bacon is very high in salt. There is even a bacon-flavored treat line for cats to try. So what are you waiting for? 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 are finicky eaters, and hiding a pill in a bacon made blanket is a nice and efficient trick. Is It Safe For Them Or Not? Cats tend to love the taste of bacon! Technically this is meat, which they need, but it is very high in fat, high in sodium, and is a low nutritional food. Occasionally giving treats are okay, but these should be treats rather than table scraps. left: 0; This is why your cat may go crazy the second they pick up the scent of any raw meat or cooked meat. It is recommended that kittens avoid eating bacon because it can upset their developing digestive system. Why or why not? They may vomit, experience stomach upsets, and develop diarrhea as a result of consuming dairy products. 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. Some treats even use a bit of pork as flavoring, so your kitty can still have that delicious taste. Keep her food intake strictly to high-quality cat food and fresh water to ensure the health of the newborn kittens when they arrive. Eating meat is programmed into their DNA and has been fed by thousands of years of evolution. Stay away from the candied bacon, bacon bits, and definitely don't let your cat eat raw bacon. Maybe we can all agree that bacon is the best breakfast meal out there! 8 Reasons for This Behavior. Never feed your cat raw bacon, as it may contain harmful bacteria. This is the reason why bacon, and even bacon treats for cats, should be served on a rare basis. In her spare time, she takes consultations on the small island of Guernsey. Cats on a food elimination trial. A sliver the size of your little fingernail is plenty to offer, even if your cat enjoys the taste. The same goes for bacon bits, which you use as salad toppings. So it makes sense to give them that. 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. A small piece of cooked bacon is not harmful to your cat. Pepperoni is another example of a cured meat that is not advisable for kitties to consume. Artificial bacon bits are even worse of course since they dont even have real bacon in them! The fat is what makes it so crispy and delicious. Its also a good source of potassium, which has many roles in your cats body, including keeping their heart, bones, and muscles healthy. 2023 Fabi and Rosi. Your cat may contact trichinellosis a rare but very serious parasitic disease from eating raw meat. Bacon is a fatty meat, though, and can cause health problems for cats if given in large quantities. WebFatty meat even if cooked can give cats an upset stomach and even result in diarrhea or vomiting. This means that their diet should be predominantly meat. Increases in body temperature, breathing, or heart rate. We all can agree that bacon is delicious, salty, crunchy, and one of the best parts about Sunday brunch. A piece of a slice of bacon on occasion isnt going to hurt your cat, but it doesnt provide any nutritional benefits for them, either. 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. Salt in extremely large quantities has the potential to be poisonous to felines. Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? 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. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. While the occasional bite of salty meats will make your purr babys taste buds dance, there are some better and healthier alternatives. Bacon is a fatty meat, though, and can cause health problems for cats if given in large quantities. Salt is actually poisonous to cats (and dogs). The answer is yes, but with a caveat. Firstly, raw bacon may contain parasites or harmful bacteria that might cause your cat to become sick. These might sound like great benefits, but for cats, the nutritional downsides of bacon are far more significant. The quick answer: Yes, cats can eat bacon sparingly, but it is not recommended to feed bacon to your cat regularly. Technically, yes. Cats on a food elimination trial. Yes, your cat can derive some nutrition from the bacon that you feed them. They love meat. A tiny slice of cooked bacon given to your cat regularly is unlikely to be harmful. This is why your cat may go crazy the second they pick up the scent of any raw meat or cooked meat. A cat should not consume bacon on a regular basis, just as it should not consume pork on a regular basis, just as it should not consume sugar on a regular basis. 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. Elevated blood pressure in cats is very real and can come about as a result of obesity. Cooking the meat by frying or smoking will kill the bacteria, although you should keep in mind that even cooked bacon is not recommended. The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Bacon in moderate amounts is not toxic to cats and doesnt contain any dangerous compounds, as long as its not highly processed meat. Your cat is a carnivore, so its only natural that theyd be pawing at your breakfast plate when youre chowing down on bacon. Wrap-Ups with bacon flavor, grain-free dog treats, and cat treats. Bacons high phosphorous content in theory will keep bones in tip-top shape and help with kidney function. Your cat will no doubt enjoy bacon and savor the taste, but it is not good for them thanks to the high salt and fat content, not to mention the preservatives contained in bacon. Because a small slice of bacon contains more than ten times the salt content of a regular cats diet, eating it in large quantities can cause salt poisoning in your pet. A bacon is a processed meat that is heavily salted and fattened. There's also more protein in Canadian bacon, which has Should they? 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 can eat raw bacon, but only if its fresh and from a clean source like a good butcher. .summary-table{ Bacon has a fair amount of protein in it, and cats need all the protein that they can get. While eating bacon with your cat can be a fun and delicious bonding experience, it is not recommended that you give it to your pet on a regular basis. Kitties need a lot of protein, so picking a healthy one is very important. Additionally, cooked meats, without any added ingredients, are also ok. 5: Cats are carnivores. Bacon also contains lots of B vitamins and selenium, an antioxidant. It isnt a particularly nutritious food for cats. Slectionnez Grer les paramtres pour grer vos prfrences. It is still full of sodium and fat that can put your cat at risk of obesity if theyre offered it too often. There must also be fresh meat, as obesity and diabetes can cause serious health problems in animals. 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. It is packed with salt, preservatives, fats, and cholesterol, sometimes even sugar. Although turkey bacon is lower in fat, it still contains lots of sodium because its salt-cured. Because only fresh, raw meat is safe for cats to eat. The smell is so powerful that saliva begins to flow into your mouth, and the meat is so juicy and crunchy that you can only imagine how good it is. Cats who have a history of pancreatitis. Its advised that cats occasionally eat bacon, but in only small doses. 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 can also be difficult for your cat to digest raw bacon. Well, the short answer is no, cats shouldnt eat bacon. You might enjoy bacon for breakfast, maybe in a sandwich with ketchup, or as part of a fry-up. Why Are Cats Scared of Cucumbers? Tapeworms and roundworms, such as trichinosis, present the greatest threat to pets and humans. Meat bones, especially cooked ones can get lodged and cause your cat to choke or can splinter and cause digestive issues. 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. border: 1px solid #F0B357; Simply put, can cats eat bacon as treats? If you do decide to give your cat bacon, only offer cooked bacon, and remove the fat. Its unlikely your cat will experience any of these symptoms from a bite or two of bacon every so often. It changes colors based on the pH, Most cat owners can relate to the issue of finding cat hair all over the house. As a token of gratitude for bacon, of Piglove, we made a snack without meat in honor of his blog hop today. All types of bacon, whether turkey or not, can be harmful to your cat, because they contain a lot of grease and sodium. The term for this is hypertension, just as it is in humans. If you and your cat prefer, you can probably substitute two thin strips of unsalted ham for this. Artificial bacon bits are even worse of course since they dont even have real bacon in them! Stick with food that is formulated for the stage of life your pet is in, kitten, adult, or senior. Loves a good book (about animals) and playing the piano. A small piece of bacon wont hurt your cat, though it might awaken the bacon-loving fiend inside of them. 2023 Cliverse Media Ltd. Be the first to get our latest updates, insider videos, cat health resources, and more. While this meat may not be toxic to felines, it is not suitable for them, and too much salt can lead to long-term, very serious health issues. None of that black pepper or honey BBQ stuff. Excess consumption of bacon might make them susceptible to developing diseases caused by eating too much of the good stuff. It holds very little nutritional value and is high in saturated fats and sodium. The element of saltiness never fails to put a smile on our face at breakfast time. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive. You might enjoy bacon for breakfast, maybe in a sandwich with ketchup, or as part of a fry-up. 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. It is permissible to feed raw bacon to your cat if the raw meat has not been cured. A cat can eat bacon at any age. Lets find out: Raw bacon is definitely off the menu. Your kitty will entirely appreciate the savory and salty appeal of food, just like bacon can offer! Making Cat Food: Homemade And Raw Cat Food Diets Explained, 6 Common Reasons Why Cats Pee Outside The Litter Box, The 5 Best Cat Exercise Wheels: Tested & Reviewed, Eyelid Agenesis In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment. There's also more protein in Canadian bacon, which has 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. Make sure your cat appreciates it on a regular basis, because it will be more appreciated by him. Some people claim that their favourite meat is raw meat. Cat Food Guide. Yes, your cat can derive some nutrition from the bacon that you feed them. This is one of those questions that must be answered very carefully. If the food is fully cooked or ready to eat, it can be consumed. 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. This option is made from light and dark cuts mixed together, seasoned to taste similar to pork, and then pressed into strip form. 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. 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. So how much food does your cat need? 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. It is possible for cats to eat bacon, but only on occasion. Considering that their sleep cycle of 16 to 20 hours per day, which doesnt give them just as much waking time for their body to burn off the fat from eating turkey bacon. Its best to avoid feeding bacon, but a tiny piece every now and then probably wont cause your cat harm. It is prepared without eliminating the fatty content. Cats Can Eat Bacon Raw In SMALL Amounts. 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