Meat & fish
Can cats eat bacon?
Only a tiny scrap. The salt and fat are too much for a cat.
Why Fat and salt
By Maya HartIf your cat 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 crumb.
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.
Can dogs eat bacon?Cats In moderation
Only a tiny scrap. The salt and fat are too much for a cat.
How much: A crumb.
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 cat can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat bacon?
Only a tiny scrap. The salt and fat are too much for a cat.
How much bacon can a cat have?
A crumb.
What makes bacon risky for cats?
Fat and salt.
What are the signs to watch for in cats?
vomiting and diarrhoea, belly pain, hunching or a "praying" position, excessive thirst.
What should I do if my cat 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 dogs too?
Only a scrap. Bacon is very fatty and salty; a slice can upset a dog’s stomach and larger amounts can trigger pancreatitis.
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
