Can Dogs Eat Raw Bacon?

June 16, 2020June 23, 2020 Shelly 242 Views

No, you should not feed your dog raw bacon. While bacon may be a welcome treat on your breakfast table, this particular meat is harmful to dogs due to its high fat content. Here are some of the reasons you should not feed your dog bacon.

Fatty foods such as bacon have been linked to pancreatitis in dogs.
Raw pork increases the chance of trichinosis.
Bacon has a high salt content and too much salt can be detrimental to your dog’s health.
Bacon can cause digestive problems and may cause your dog to have diarrhea.
High-fat and high-calorie bacon can cause your dog to gain excess weight and put them at risk of weight-related disorders.

Can Dogs Eat Bacon Grease?

Bacon grease, like raw bacon, is not good for your dog. Not only is it high in fat, but it also has no nutrients, putting your dog’s health at risk. High fat content food like bacon grease, if consumed regularly, may cause your dog to have heart problems as a result of clogged arteries.

Another risk of feeding your dog bacon grease is the risk of pancreatitis. This condition is characterized by inflammation of the pancreas and is mainly caused by the consumption of fatty foods.

Mixing your dog's food with some bacon grease may seem like a harmless way to inject some flavor into their food, but it is actually very detrimental to your dog’s health.

Types of Meat That Are Safe to Feed Dogs

1. Beef

Beef is a great source of protein and fatty acids, both of which are essential for the health of your dog.

2. Chicken

This is a good source of protein for dogs with the added benefit of being lean meat with less fat compared to other meats.

3. Turkey

This is another lean meat that provides protein while being light in calories and fat content. Dogs that have sensitive stomachs can safely eat turkey because it is easily digestible.

4. Lamb

Lamb is a safe and healthy meat for dogs. Rich in protein and essential minerals, feeding your dog this type of meat is good for their health.

Meats to avoid feeding your dog include:

Processed meats such as sausage, bacon, and hotdogs
Any meat that has brittle bones that could pose a choking hazard.

How to Prepare Meat for your Dog

1
Clean the meat thoroughly and remove any brittle bones
2
Trim off any excess fat from the meat to avoid giving your dog food that is too fatty.
3
Cook the meat properly to ensure it is free of parasites like salmonella which are commonly found in raw and poorly cooked meats.
4
Do not add seasoning to the meat while cooking it. Dogs do not need it, and added spices and flavors may upset your dog’s stomach.

Risks to Giving Dogs Raw Meat

Foodborne illnesses are easily spread to dogs through raw meat. When the meat is cooked, any harmful microorganisms are killed making it safe for consumption. While your dog may have no problem eating raw meat, the risks of bacterial infections and stomach disorders are high.

When it comes to raw meat, your dog is not the only party at risk of developing foodborne illnesses. Handling this raw meat, letting your dog lick you after it has eaten the raw meat, and cleaning up after it all put you at risk of contracting foodborne pathogens such as salmonella and listeria.

Raw Foods That Can Be Fed to Dogs

Not all raw foods are harmful to your dogs. Here is a list of some healthy raw foods that you can feed your dog.

Fresh fruits such as bananas, apples, grapes
Vegetables such as carrots, spinach, celery, bok choy, broccoli and kale
Yogurt
Eggs

Takeaway

Dogs are not usually fussy eaters. However, this is not a license to feed them anything, since your dog’s diet will be one of the primary determinants of their health. A wholesome diet ensures that your dog stays healthy and that you make fewer trips to the vet. When it comes to processed raw meats like bacon, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid feeding them to your dog.

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