Meat & fish
Can dogs eat bacon?
Only a scrap. Bacon is very fatty and salty; a slice can upset a dog’s stomach and larger amounts can trigger pancreatitis.
Why Fat and salt
By Maya HartIf your dog ate some
- A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
- Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
- If your dog ate a lot of bacon or bacon fat, or seems in pain, call your vet.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Belly pain, hunching or a "praying" position
- Excessive thirst
How much, how often
A small crumb as a rare treat.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Choose lean, plain cooked meat instead
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs In moderation
Only a scrap. Bacon is very fatty and salty; a slice can upset a dog’s stomach and larger amounts can trigger pancreatitis.
How much: A small crumb as a rare treat.
Cats In moderation
Only a tiny scrap. The salt and fat are too much for a cat.
How much: A crumb.
Can cats eat bacon?The details
Pouring bacon fat over a dog’s food is an old habit that vets discourage. Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers and overweight dogs are particularly prone to pancreatitis after fatty meals.
Safer treats your dog can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can dogs eat bacon?
Only a scrap. Bacon is very fatty and salty; a slice can upset a dog’s stomach and larger amounts can trigger pancreatitis.
How much bacon can a dog have?
A small crumb as a rare treat.
What makes bacon risky for dogs?
Fat and salt.
What are the signs to watch for in dogs?
vomiting and diarrhoea, belly pain, hunching or a "praying" position, excessive thirst.
What should I do if my dog ate bacon?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell. If your dog ate a lot of bacon or bacon fat, or seems in pain, call your vet.
Is bacon safe for cats too?
Only a tiny scrap. The salt and fat are too much for a cat.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
