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Can Dogs Eat Bacon

Can Dogs Eat Bacon?

Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care, Education and Compliance (ACE) Team 

Is bacon actually good for dogs? | Potential health risks of feeding bacon to dogs | How to feed bacon to dogs

dog eating from dog bowl

While most types of bacon are not considered toxic in small quantities, bacon is not a healthy food or treat choice for dogs; it’s a food that should be avoided. Consult your veterinarian before adding any new foods into your pet’s diet. 

While many dogs may never have a negative reaction if they eat a few bites of your morning bacon every once in a while, it isn’t a healthy choice for them. Because the fat, salt and potentially harmful seasonings in bacon can cause health issues, it is best to stick to bacon flavored dog treats instead of the real thing. Let’s talk about the potential side effects of feeding your dog bacon and the possible health risks. 

Is bacon actually good for dogs? 

Unfortunately, the only benefit of bacon is its protein content. The excessive fat, salt and other potentially harmful seasonings can lead to a number of health concerns, making them a less than desirable treat option. 

Potential health risks of feeding bacon to dogs

Can dogs eat bacon every day? No, bacon is not a healthy nor recommended treat option and should not be offered regularly. No matter how tempted you are to give into a longing look from those puppy dog eyes, bacon is ultimately a processed meat that may be associated with a cancer risk. This long-term risk has been studied in people and may also apply to canines. A more immediate threat, however, is that bacon is high in fat and can cause pancreatitis in dogs. If your dog is already considered overweight, bacon may be a serious threat to their health. The fat content in bacon may also cause gastrointestinal upset in some pets. 

Bacon also has high salt content. When your pet eats something with a ton of excess salt, they may become dehydrated and compensate by drinking too much water. This can lead to a condition in dogs called bloat, where a pet’s stomach fills with gas or fluid. In the worst-case scenario, bloat can be deadly. Salt can also be harmful for dogs who have existing heart disease. 

There are plenty of healthy snacks for your dog—including some that taste like bacon without the unhealthy or risky consequences of salt, seasonings and fat!

How to feed bacon to dogs

Can dogs eat raw bacon? The answer is always no. Raw bacon may contain bacteria or parasites that lead to food-borne diseases in both dogs and people. Wash your hands after you touch raw bacon before you pet your dog or let them lick your fingers. 

You also want to avoid bacon with a lot of seasoning. While it might taste great to you, seasoned bacon is likely to contain even more salt content. It may even be rubbed in spices that are toxic to dogs and can cause acute health issues. 

Can dogs eat turkey bacon? A low-sodium turkey bacon might be safer for dogs in small amounts, but the safest option will always be to stick with a commercially available dog treat. If your dog accidentally sneaks a piece of bacon while you are not looking, make sure it doesn’t contain garlic or onion, which are frequently used as seasonings on this type of bacon. 

The long and short of bacon for dogs is that a little bite here and there is unlikely to cause health concerns, but bacon is not a healthy treat option.  

If your dog gets into raw bacon, a large quantity of cooked bacon or bacon with toxic ingredients while you are not looking, you should monitor them for vomiting or other signs of gastrointestinal distress and get ahold of your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

 

FAQs About Dogs Eating Bacon

What happens if my dog eats bacon?

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In most cases, a small bite of cooked bacon once in a while won’t hurt your pet. In some cases, however, fatty bacon may cause intestinal distress and lead to vomiting or diarrhea. Dogs who eat a lot of bacon can experience bloat, pancreatitis or heart disease.  Petco can help you find the right food for your dog—including treats that taste and smell like real bacon. A balanced diet is the best way to help your pet sustain long-term health and wellness. 

Can one piece of bacon hurt my dog?

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Most dogs won’t be sick for the long-term after one piece of bacon (assuming you consider one piece a bite-size nibble and not an entire strip). If you have concerns about your dog’s heart health, always talk to your veterinarian before introducing fatty or salty foods into your pet’s diet. 

How much bacon can I give my dog?

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Can dogs eat bacon every morning while you prepare your own breakfast? No. Dogs should only get small quantities of bacon as a special treat. Even a low-fat and low-sodium turkey bacon option is better used as a reward than a meal staple. 

Is it okay to give dogs cooked bacon?

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Cooked bacon is the only safe way to feed your dog bacon. You may also want to blot out any extra fat from a bacon strip before you break off a piece for your pet. Raw bacon is never safe. 

Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care, Education and Compliance (ACE) Team 

Petco’s ACE team is apassionate group of experiencedpet care experts dedicated to supportingtheoverall health & wellness ofpets. The ACEteam works to developanimal care operations and standards across the organizationandpromoteproperanimal careandeducationfor Pet Care Center partnersand pet parents,while alsoensuringregulatory compliance.

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