The delicious taste and healthier contents may tempt you to give in to those cute puppy eyes and give your pet a piece of your Canadian bacon.
You have a nagging feeling that you shouldn’t because bacon is harmful to dogs but convince yourself that the Canadian bacon is less salty and much leaner.
So, can dogs eat Canadian bacon?
No.
Dogs shouldn’t eat Canadian bacon because of the high salt, fat and chemical contents.
Feeding your dog foods with high sodium and fat level can lead to kidney failure and pancreatitis, which are fatal.
Instead, opt for healthier and safer meats like chicken, beef, or fish.
Before you throw your furry friend that piece of bacon, let’s delve deeper into why your dog can’t eat Canadian bacon, symptoms to look out for, and healthier options to consider.
What is Canadian bacon?
Canadian bacon is also known as peameal bacon or back bacon.
It’s much leaner and considered healthier as it’s cut from the loin or behind the shoulder of a pig.
It includes a bit of pig belly.
It is considered healthier than regular bacon that’s cut from the belly and is quite fatty.
Unlike regular bacon, which comes smoked and raw, Canadian bacon is cured and fully cooked and comes in round slices.
Bacon, even in humans, should be eaten in moderation as it isn’t the healthiest food on the table.
The effects are more lethal in dogs.
When you notice your dog has had some Canadian bacon, take away any remaining pieces, then induce vomiting to clear the bacon from its digestive system.
It contains high amounts of sodium.
The high salty content in Canadian bacon can cause pancreatitis in your dog.
Salty foods lead to sodium poisoning, causing your dog dehydration, intense thirst, and electrolyte imbalance.
Extreme cases can lead to kidney failure and death.
Contains saturated fats
Canadian bacon contains saturated fats that can cause unhealthy weight gain in your dog.
Saturated fats cause heart diseases, high blood pressure, and stroke to most dogs
Contains chemicals
Canadian bacon is processed meat.
It’s treated with nitrates or nitrites to give it an attractive color and increase its shelf life.
With labels indicating “no nitrates or nitrites added” or “uncured,” Bacon may still contain high chemical levels.
These chemicals are toxic to your dog.
Symptoms to look out for when your dog eats Canadian bacon
If your furry friend has ingested Canadian bacon, be on the lookout for the below signs and visit a vet immediately.
Ignoring these symptoms puts your dog at risk for kidney failure and pancreatitis.
Vomiting
Involuntary shakes and tremors
Diarrhea
Bloody poop or vomit
Bloated and tender stomach
Lack of appetite
Lethargy
Seizures
High temperature
Also, keep your dog hydrated and feed him a bland meal like boiled chicken and rice before going back to regular meals.
Healthier and safer options to Canadian bacon to feed your dog
Tuna, salmon, and shrimp
Tuna, salmon, and shrimp have omega-3 fatty acids which boost your dog’s immune system, healthy skin, and fur.
They are also excellent sources of vitamins and proteins.
Always cook the fish well before serving your dog.
Raw fish is a health risk and exposes your dog to harmful bacteria like salmonella and parasites.
Chicken, turkey, and duck should be boiled with no seasoning to reduce fats and remove the risk of allergies.
Plain and boiled chicken, with no seasoning, helps soothe your dog’s upset stomach.
Ensure you debone the meat as the bones splinter easily and can harm your dog’s gums and digestive system.
Pork
Lean cooked pork is safe to feed your dog. Ensure it’s unseasoned.
Also, avoid Canadian bacon, regular bacon, ham, and other processed meats due to their high salty nature.
Beef
Ground beef or steak is safe to give your dog.
Before feeding your dog, you can bake, grill, stew, or boil the meat.
Avoid raw cuts of meat to reduce the risk of infections due to harmful bacteria.
Vegetables
Dog-friendly vegetables like kale, carrots, broccoli, beets, celery, cucumber, green beans, and spinach are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals that are good for your dog.
Frequently asked questions
Why do dogs love Canadian bacon?
Canadian bacon smells and tastes great, and dogs are attracted to this.
However, it is best to feed your dog other meat options due to Canadian bacon’s high additives and sodium content.
What are the signs that your dog has ingested Canadian bacon?
The high salt levels and chemicals in Canadian bacon are harmful to your dog.
These are excellent protein sources and other minerals and nutrients and are the perfect substitute for Canadian bacon.
Can Canadian bacon kill your dog?
Yes, if not treated, a dog that has eaten a large helping of the Canadian bacon could die. The high salt content can cause kidney failure and pancreatitis in dogs which are fatal conditions. If you suspect your dog has eaten Canadian bacon, look out for signs like diarrhea and vomiting, then rush your dog to the vet to avoid a fatality.
Conclusion
Don’t kill your dog with the love of bacon.
Admittedly, bacon tastes tremendous, but you should take it in moderation.
Opt for the lean cuts of other meats and avoid having Canadian bacon in your dog’s diet to keep your dog safe and healthy.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
