Bacon is one of the most luscious treats that most people include in their breakfast. Sometimes we see our dogs also want to lick some bacon from us. Before we feed it to them, we must know: Can dogs have bacon?
Unfortunately, bacon is not a safe treat for dogs. It is made from the fatty parts of meat and preserved with sugar, salt, and seasoning. Ingesting these ingredients can be toxic to dogs. However, a small piece of bacon that is cooked and has no ingredients can be safe for a non-allergic dog.
Let’s learn more about how bacon can be safe for dogs.
Can Dogs Have Bacon?
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Bacon is high in sodium and fat, which can lead to several issues with dogs. Besides, some bacon has salty additives and seasonings that can be life-threatening to dogs. That’s why vets don’t suggest dogs eat bacon, even in small quantities.
However, bacon with no seasoning and added salt can be somewhat safe for dogs. For instance, you cooked bacon and didn’t add any salt to it. This can be safe for you in a small portion.
How Can You Feed Bacon To Dogs?
The meat that you will use to make bacon for your furry friend must be clean and free from bacteria. You can either boil, grill, or steam the bacon, and make sure the sizes are small. Hence, your dog won’t have any checking hazards.
Don’t add any salt or flavour to the bacon. Now it can be a good treat for your canine friend.
How Much Bacon Can Dogs Have?
Dogs can eat bacon, which doesn’t have any added ingredients or extra salt. This is because bacon with seasonings can pose health threats to mammals. However, you must offer plain and cooked bacon to your dog. Make sure the slices are small and the quantity is moderate. For a large dog, you may provide one tablespoon of pieces of bacon, and for a small dog, it should be one teaspoon.
Benefits Of Having Bacon For Dogs
You may expect some benefits for your dog if you feed him a small piece of cooked and plain bacon. As bacon is made with meat, it can provide protein to a living body. And we know dogs love meat-based meals and seek protein. So this treat can make him feel satisfied for a long time.
Risks Of Having Bacon For Dogs
Your dog can have health risks from eating bacon if he eats it with added ingredients like salt and spices. The risks are also apparent when he eats plain bacon in large quantities.
Since bacon contains a high amount of fat, it can cause inflammation. As a result, many dogs get pancreatitis from eating bacon. The pancreatic inflammation can cause abdominal pain, depression, and a fast heart rate in dogs.
Again, the salt in bacon causes dehydration and gas in the stomach. If this leads to dry vomiting, you must give treatment to your dog immediately.
The sodium content can even cause sodium ion poisoning. In such cases, dogs feel extremely thirsty and urinate constantly.
What Should You Do When Your Dog Eats Bacon?
Hopefully, your dog won’t have any adverse effects after eating cooked bacon without any ingredients. He may show some effects when he eats too much. For instance, he may vomit and have watery poop. The same can happen when your dog eats bacon that has extra additives, salt, and other ingredients.
Whenever you see such symptoms, you must let your dog clear his stomach first. Then you should let him rest and offer some white rice with boneless chicken after some hours. The chicken should be cooked without any ingredients. Then call your vet and ask him if you should provide any medication to your dog.
When Can Dogs Have Bacon?
Dogs don’t have as healthy a digestive system as we do. They may not cope with every meal. If a dog can eat bacon, that is cooked bacon without any ingredients. Sometimes, the cooked and plain bacon can also make a dog vomit and have diarrhoea. This can happen when he is already suffering from a sensitive stomach. Besides, allergic dogs can have irritation after eating bacon.
If your dog does not have any abdominal issues, you may serve him a small amount of cooked bacon. Also, he should not be allergic; only then can he enjoy this treat.
Can Dogs Have Raw Bacon?
You might think of providing raw bacon to your dog since bacon is not permissible for him because of its ingredients. Well, raw bacon is not safe for dogs as it is prone to bacteria and parasites. But if you maintain some safety concerns, your dog may not have any side effects from eating raw bacon.
Let’s say you dropped a tiny scrap of bacon on the floor and your dog ate it. This won’t lead to any health issues, but he will feel a bit sick. Again, if you serve him the slightest piece of raw bacon after washing, that also may not pose any health threats to your dog.
Raw bacon is unsafe for dogs when you feed it to them in moderation or without washing it.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can Dogs Have Bacon?
Is turkey bacon safe for dogs?
Turkey bacon can be safe for dogs if it is low in sodium and doesn’t have any added ingredients. Besides, the treat must be small in quantity.
Why does a dog love bacon?
Dogs prefer eating bacon because of its smell and texture. Bacon is made from meat, which dogs can’t resist eating. If a dog finds the smell of meat in bacon, he will be baffled to eat it.
Can dogs have bacon grease?
Dogs should not have bacon grease, as it is high in salt and fat. Eating it can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, pancreatitis, etc.
Final Thoughts
Some minor benefits of eating bacon for a dog can still compel you to think, Can dogs have bacon? Well, it would be risky to feed bacon to dogs. Most bacon is made of pork, and pork is not allowed for dogs to eat. Besides, its ingredients can be toxic to dogs.
If you ever want your dog to enjoy a small amount of bacon, you can do it by simply cooking it. Just don’t add anything to the meat. It would be best if you treated your dog to cooked chicken. This will make him forget about the bacon.
