Can cats eat bacon? When less than 10% of your cat’s daily food can come from treats, you really have to be picky about what you give him. So, he might try to get you to give him your fork while you’re eating bacon and eggs, but you might have to say no.
Can cats eat bacon? Well, small amounts as a treat once in a while are fine. Cats are “obligate carnivores,” which means that they were made to eat meat and get most of their nutrients from it. This has a very important amount of protein and an amino acid called taurine, which is important for many of your cat’s functions, like keeping their heart and eyes healthy.
So, cats can eat bacon in small amounts, but you need to watch out for the high amounts of fat and sodium in bacon. With this in mind, it’s probably best to stick with the food and treats your vet recommends for your cat.
Can Cats Have Bacon?
So, can cat eat bacon? Every slice of standard pork bacon has some good stuff, like selenium, zinc, and complex B vitamins. Cats can eat cooked bacon in small amounts, but this only applies to bacon that hasn’t been seasoned or added nitrates. None of that black pepper or honey BBQ stuff. Or anything with onion or garlic in it is bad for cats. Moreover, can cats eat raw bacon? Don’t give your cat bacon that has been sweetened, bacon bits, or raw bacon. This is important when asking if can cats eat bacon raw.
Even though cats need minerals like chloride, salt, and potassium every day, their needs can be met by a well-made commercial food diet. Most adult cats need about 740 milligrams of sodium in their food to stay healthy. So, a small amount of bacon meat is safe, but the average strip has about 147 milligrams of salt, which is too much for a kitty to eat every day.
You also need to watch out for the amount of fat. If an adult cat isn’t nursing, he or she needs about 5 grams of fat every day. But a single piece of bacon could have as much as 4 grams of fat. Yes, we’re aware. That’s what makes it so tempting, but the kitty still can’t handle it.
There’s one more thing to keep in mind about giving out bits of bacon now and then.
Bacon might be too much for cats with stomachs that are easy to upset. If your cat already has digestive problems, like pancreatitis, stick to the food and treats that your vet recommends, and don’t let your determined tabby steal any bacon from your plate.
What Kinds of Bacon Can Cats Eat?
If you want to fry or bake regular pork bacon for your cat, you will have to do a few more steps than usual to get it ready.
Your cat should never eat bacon grease, so put her treat on a paper towel and wipe off the rest of the grease before giving it to her. Remove the fat from the meat, cut the meat into small pieces, and give it to your cat. If she likes it, you could use it as a topping for her food if she’s not eating. Let’s take a look at some different kinds of bacon. In small amounts, it’s fine to eat turkey bacon, which is usually made from both white and dark turkey meat. Even though it has less fat, it still has a lot of sodium.
Canadian bacon is actually ham that hasn’t been smoked. It is made from the loin of a pig and is called “back bacon” in Canada. Ham is also a rare treat for cats, and while it’s not dangerous, it’s also not the best choice.
If you often eat “bacon” made from seitan, tempeh, or coconut, it’s easy to think that cats can eat these kinds of bacon substitutes, but cats still prefer meat. And just like “regular” bacon, some of these alternatives can have a lot of salt. There’s nothing inherently wrong with them, but they should only be available in very small quantities.
For bonding and training, special treats are always great rewards. But choosing from the many shapes and flavors of commercial treats and homemade treats that are safe for cats, like tuna and catnip bites, can be hard.
Related: CAN CATS EAT NUTS?
FAQs: Can Cats Eat Bacon?
Can Kittens Eat Cooked Bacon?
Whether cooked or raw, bacon is not safe for your kitty. Feeding kittens complete and balanced kitten food ensures they get the nutrients they need to thrive. Treats can be given on occasion, but they should be just that, treats, and not crumbs off the table.
How Much Bacon Can I Give My Cat?
Tossing bacon on your feline friend is not a smart idea due to the high levels of fat and salt in it. You don’t have to run to the vet if they sneak a small bit when you’re not looking. Only give your cat cooked, fat-free bacon if you decide to try feeding it. Snatching off a chunk barely bigger than your fingernail may seem mean, but it’s plenty for your feline friend.
Can Cats Eat Turkey Bacon?
While fresh turkey is a healthy snack for cats, turkey bacon is not. It’s OK for cats to eat, but it’s high in salt, artificial ingredients, and fat. Several health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity, have been linked to the long-term consumption of turkey bacon.
Parvaiz Yousuf is a senior SEO writer and editor with an experience of over 6 years, who also doubles up as a researcher. With an MSc zoology degree under his belt and possessing complete Search Engine Optimization (SEO) knowledge, he works as a science journalist for a US-based website and Asian Scientist (A Singapore-based magazine). He also works as Director of Wetland Research Centre, Wildlife Conservation Fund YPJK since 2018. Besides, he has several publications to his name on cancer biology and biochemistry in some reputed journals such as Nature & International Journal of Molecular Sciences, & magazines such as Science Reporter, BUCEROS BNHS, and has an abiding interest in ornithology. He also worked as a Research Associate for JK Policy Institute.
