Can Dogs Eat Raw Bacon?

You have to be joking, right? C’mon that stuff is a mix of meat and every trouble you can think of for dogs. That’s a big no from me.

Why Raw Bacon is Bad for Dogs?

Just in case you’re wondering why I’m dismissing raw bacon as a treat for your pooch, here’s why:

• High Fat Content: Raw bacon is best buddies with high levels of fat and this makes this meat a difficult one for your dog’s digestive system. Now, imagine them consuming large amounts – that’s simply an invitation to pancreatitis which can be serious and even life-threatening. When that happens, you’ll see symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and dehydration. 
• High Salt Content: Raw bacon also happens to be pals with high levels of sodium and as you know, this is very bad for your pooch. When your dog eats a sodium-rich treat, you’ll be getting first-row tickets to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and even seizures in severe cases. You have to know that dogs’ systems are not designed to process large amounts of sodium and it can put a huge strain on their kidneys and other organs. 
• Harmful Bacteria: Raw bacon is a safe haven for harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, all of which can cause food poisoning and a range of other severe illnesses in your dogs. 
• Parasites: The risk of parasitic infections is another reason it’s a bad idea for your pets to nibble on them. I’m talking about nasty parasites like trichinella spiralis that can’t wait to cause muscle pain and gastrointestinal issues in your dogs.

What will happen if my dog eats raw bacon?

I’ll tell you this for free – nothing good comes out of eating raw bacon although there’s a difference in their severity. Let’s take a look at the likely consequences based on how much your dog consumes:

• A small amount (2-3 strips): If your dog consumes a small amount of raw bacon, that’s the best case scenario because they will only experience the mildest effects – vomiting and diarrhea. Just a simple slap on the wrist. 
• Moderate amount (half a package): Now this is where it gets dicey because your dog will be more prone to pancreatitis. I already mentioned what comes with this condition and trust me, it’s not something you want to see. In such cases, don’t hesitate to give your vet a ring for immediate examination and treatment. 
• Large amount (1 pound or more): It’s doomsday if your dog eats a large amount of raw bacon. This will cause the most severe cases of pancreatitis and other conditions like organ damage. You’ll probably lose your dog if you don’t get them medical attention at lightning speed. 

What to do if my dog eats raw bacon?

Well, this depends on how much your dog nibbled on. 

If it’s a small amount (2-3 strips):

• Go full surveillance mode on your dog and watch for any symptoms of stomach upset
• Stop them from eating for a few hours to let their digestive system settle
• Give them some water to prevent dehydration
• If the symptoms get worse, contact your vet immediately. 

Moderate or large amount (half a package or more):

• Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately for guidance.
• Get ready to take your dog to the clinic for examination and treatment because they may need IV fluids and medication. It may also be necessary for them to be placed under watch so they can monitor for complications like pancreatitis. 
• Now I’ll tell you what not to do – don’t induce vomiting in your dogs if the vet didn’t give you such instructions. You’ll think you’re saving them, but you just might make things worse. 

What are the symptoms to watch for if my dogs consume raw bacon?

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy or weakness
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, decreased skin elasticity)

Can my dogs eat cooked bacon?

If you ask me, I’ll say cooked bacon is a lesser evil and may be safe for your dogs to nibble on in small amounts and on rare occasions. But don’t take my word for it – consult your vet before feeding your dog. 

Bacons, even when cooked, still have a lot of fat and salt. So it can still cause problems for your pet if they consume overfeed or consume it regularly.

What are the healthy alternatives to raw bacon for my dog?

Let’s move away from raw bacon for a moment and focus on what you should feed your pooch instead. 

1. Cooked lean meats: Small amounts of cooked, lean proteins like chicken breast, turkey, or lean beef will make tasty and nutritious treats for your dogs in moderate amounts.
2. Dehydrated or baked sweet potato treats: Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and vitamins and they will make a nice meal, especially if they’re dehydrated and baked into crispy pieces. 
3. Frozen bananas or apple slices: You can slice fresh fruits like bananas and apples, then freeze them. 
4. Unsalted, low-fat peanut butter: A small amount of unsalted, low-fat peanut butter is a protein-rich and satisfying treat for dogs. Emphasis on small amounts because it also packs a punch or calories. 
5. Homemade treats: If you feel like it, you can also make healthy dog treats in your kitchen with ingredients like oats, whole-wheat flour, unsweetened applesauce, and natural peanut butter. 

Conclusion

These are my final words to you – avoid raw bacon by all means because it comes with nothing but a pile of medical complications for your dogs and some of them can be life-threatening. 

Ensure you keep raw bacon out of your dog’s reach to prevent them from feasting on it in your absence. In scenarios where it still happens, ensure you check for symptoms and call your vet immediately. 

Read More: Can Dogs Eat Lunch Meat?

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