If bacon is something you have often, then it’s likely that your dog has whined and begged you for a bit of it. Have you ever fed your dog bacon? Whether you have or not, you may have asked yourself, “Can dogs eat raw bacon?”
Was there ever a time when your dog looked at you while you ate your favorite meal, and you denied giving him even the tiniest bit? If bacon is what you were having when your pup was giving you pitiful eyes, your decision was one hundred percent right.
Read on to find out all the juicy details about whether bacon is safe for your furry friend.
Can Dogs Have Raw Bacon?
No matter what you do, as a dog owner, your dog’s health takes the driving seat. You always want to be 100% sure that what you’re feeding your dog is safe for it.
Bacon might seem safe for your dog, but it’s not! If you’re only feeding your dog a tiny amount as a treat, that’s fine, but bacon cannot replace its routine diet.
Here are some of the reasons why bacon is not safe for your dog:
High Salt Content
Bacon has a very high amount of added salt. The quantity of salt present in bacon is not safe for your dog.
It can lead to:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Dehydration
- Dizziness
- And sodium ion poisoning, which is a life-threatening condition
High-Fat Content
Bacon is a highly fatty food. Although your dog requires some fat in its diet, the amount in bacon can devastate a dog’s digestive system. Eating foods high in fat can lead to pancreatitis.
The pancreas becomes inflamed in pancreatitis, with lots of pain and discomfort. This condition can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated.
If you feed your dog bacon regularly, it can also contribute to weight gain and obesity. Obesity in dogs leads to numerous health issues, including joint problems, heart diseases, and decreased life expectancy.
Preservatives and Fillers
Raw bacon is laced with preservatives, fillers, and additives to prolong its shelf life and increase flavor. Among these is sodium nitrite, which can be harmful to your dog. If eaten in large amounts, sodium nitrite can be toxic to dogs and lead to many health problems, from an upset stomach to methemoglobinemia, a condition related to blood cells being unable to release oxygen into the blood.
Therefore, it is not a good idea to give your dog bacon. There are many other healthier options.
Is Raw Bacon Bad for Dogs?
Yes, raw bacon is more likely to make your dog sick because, like other raw pork products, there may be parasites or bacteria on the meat that could make your dog sick.
However, if your dog eats a tiny piece, they’ll be fine. One of the parasites present in raw pork is trichinosis, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, stomach aches, fever, and chills. Additionally, bacon is high in salt and fats, which are unhealthy for your dog. Although some raw meats are fine for your dog, raw bacon is not recommended.
If your dog has eaten contaminated bacon, keep an eye on him and contact your vet immediately if he
shows any of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Muscle inflammation
Your dog may also be allergic to pork products. Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding it bacon.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Bacon Fat?
Technically, a tiny bit, occasionally, is fine if your dog is healthy. But it’s best to avoid it because bacon fat is very rich and can upset your dog’s stomach. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or is allergic to other edibles, it’s best to avoid giving it bacon fat.
Dogs with pancreatitis or those on a calorie-controlled diet should steer away from bacon fat under all circumstances.
Can Raw Bacon Kill a Dog?
That’s highly unlikely! Unless your dog has eaten A LOT of bacon somehow.
A small amount of bacon isn’t toxic, but if your pup eats a lot of it in one go, it could trigger the onset of conditions like pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can be caused by eating a lot of fat. Because bacon has a lot of salt, your dog will get thirsty and drink lots of water. This can make it bloated.
If your dog shows any symptoms of an upset stomach, such as diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, lethargy, or dry heaving, you should consult your vet.
Conclusion
We all love our canine friends immensely. They are the joy of our lives, and their companionship keeps us active, happy, and anxiety-free. There isn’t much a dog lover or owner wouldn’t do to ensure their pets’ happiness, including spoiling them with their favorite foods and snacks.
Bacon is one such food that humans love and want to share with their dogs. But we must understand that what humans can eat and enjoy is not necessarily safe for their dogs, too. In fact, several human foods can wreak havoc on your dog’s digestive system and even become fatal for them.
Raw bacon is one of those food items which should not be fed to your dog. There are several other healthier options in the snack market for your dog. So next time your pup gives you a sorry look when you are frying up bacon for yourself, avoid making eye contact, and avoid giving it any bacon!
FAQs
Can I Give My Dog Raw Bacon?
It’s best to avoid giving your dog raw bacon because of its high salt and fat content. Raw bacon can also be home to several bacteria and parasites, which can make your dog very ill.
Will One Piece of Bacon Hurt My Dog?
If you give your dog a small amount of bacon, or he counter-surfs and steals some for himself, you don’t need to worry! Raw bacon is harmful in large amounts; a small quantity will not cause your dog much
