While preparing breakfast this morning, you got tempted to feed your dog a piece of raw bacon.
After all, they love the smell and taste of cooked pork, so why not let them enjoy bacon in its natural state?
Perhaps you’ve even heard that feeding your dog raw bacon is healthy.
So, can dogs eat raw bacon?
Dogs can’t digest raw bacon as easily as cooked pork, which may cause them to suffer from indigestion, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Raw bacon also harbors harmful bacteria and parasites that cause illnesses to dogs.
Besides, it contains large quantities of salt and fat that are detrimental to your dog’s health.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of feeding your dog raw bacon.
Ultimately, you’ll have to decide whether the risk is worth it.
What Happens if My Dog Eats Raw Bacon?
If your dog ate a small quantity of raw bacon, it might experience indigestion or an upset stomach.
This is because dogs lack the enzymes to break down and properly digest raw pork.
Raw bacon also contains harmful bacteria that can cause illnesses such as salmonella or E. coli poisoning.
In severe cases, eating raw bacon can lead to pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening condition that affects the pancreas.
Symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs include vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and lethargy.
If your dog displays any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately.
Bacon is high in salt and fat, which are detrimental to your dog’s health in large quantities.
Overeating bacon causes your dog to suffer from pancreatitis, obesity, or other illnesses.
Salt, in particular, leads to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and kidney disease in dogs.
What are the Pros of Feeding my Dog Raw Bacon?
Dogs are omnivorous animals, so they can digest and benefit from eating meat and plants.
Raw meat contains more nutrients than cooked ones, so feeding your dog raw bacon boosts their nutrient intake.
Below are some of the pros of feeding your dog raw bacon:
Water Retention Capacity
The salt contained in raw bacon helps dogs retain water in their bodies.
This is beneficial for dogs prone to dehydration or living in hot climates.
Besides, it helps your dog obtain salt and other essential minerals for their health.
Thus, for dogs that shun salt licks, eating raw bacon is an excellent way to get their daily dose of salt.
Brain Development
Raw bacon consists of fat and protein, which are essential for dogs’ brain development.
Fat is also a source of energy for dogs, so it helps them stay active and alert.
For instance, feeding puppies raw bacon helps them develop properly and grow into healthy adult dogs.
Moreover, the fat contained in pork is a vital nutrient for dogs.
Fat helps dogs absorb essential vitamins and provides them with energy.
Dogs need fat in their diet to maintain healthy skin and coats.
The grease and oil in raw bacon improve your dog’s skin cells’ elasticity and flexibility, making them less prone to injury.
Stronger Bones and Teeth
Raw pork contains phosphorus and calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth.
Besides, the cartilage in raw pork helps keep your dog’s joints healthy.
Feeding your dog raw bacon helps improve their overall health.
For instance, teeth get cleaned every time your dog bites into raw bacon, preventing tartar buildup and gum disease.
Rich Supply of Protein
Raw bacon contains more protein than cooked pork.
Protein is an essential nutrient that helps build and repair muscle tissue, supports the immune system, and aids in producing enzymes and hormones.
A protein-rich diet is vital for growing puppies and working dogs.
My Dog Ate Raw Bacon: What are the Cons?
Perhaps you read about the pros of feeding your dog raw bacon and are now considering adding it to their diet.
However, there are also some cons to consider before making the switch.
Below are some of the disadvantages of feeding your dog raw bacon:
Pathogenic Bacteria
Pork hosts several harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning in dogs.
These include E. coli, salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes.
Food poisoning in dogs includes diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever.
If your dog ingests raw pork contaminated with these bacteria, it becomes very ill and requires veterinary care.
Raw Bacon Contains Parasites
Raw pork contains parasites that infect your dog.
Trichinella spiralis, Taenia solium, and Taenia saginata are three types of parasites that may affect your dog’s health.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has been infected with a parasite by eating raw bacon.
Cause Obesity in Dogs
The high fat and grease content in raw bacon causes obesity in dogs.
Obesity is a serious health condition that leads to several other problems, including joint pain, diabetes, and respiratory difficulties.
For instance, it causes clogged arteries that strain the heart, leading to heart ailments.
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Raw Bacon?
Despite all the precautionary measures, there is always a chance that your dog will get their paws on some raw bacon.
If this happens, take precautions to address any gastrointestinal issues.
For instance, give your dog plenty of water to prevent dehydration and keep an eye on their stool for any changes.
However, the first step is to check whether the raw bacon has expired or been at room temperature for more than two hours since it increases the risk of bacteria growth.
If either of these is the case, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Moreover, confirm whether your dog swallowed the plastic wrapping as well.
If so, this could block their digestive tract and cause a life-threatening condition.
If you confirm your worst fears that the dog ate raw bacon, don’t panic.
Instead, take them to the vet as soon as possible for a check-up.
The veterinarian will likely give your dog a course of antibiotics to prevent infection and monitor their stool for parasites.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Bacon FAQs
How much raw bacon can dogs eat?
Dogs can safely eat small amounts of raw bacon.
However, too much bacon causes gastrointestinal upset and should be avoided.
Can dogs eat raw bacon fat?
When fed in small amounts, raw bacon fat is safe for dogs.
However, too much fat leads to pancreatitis, so it’s best to avoid feeding your dog large amounts of fat.
Can dogs eat raw smoked bacon?
Smoked bacon that isn’t fully cooked may contain harmful bacteria that can make your dog sick.
Thus, avoid feeding your dog raw smoked bacon.
Conclusion
Feeding your dog raw bacon has both pros and cons.
The main pro is that it’s a good source of protein.
However, there are also some cons to consider before adding raw bacon to your dog’s diet, such as the risk of food poisoning and parasites.
If you do feed your dog raw bacon, do so in moderation.
For instance, feed raw bacon as a treat rather than the main meal.
If you have any concerns, speak to your veterinarian.
They can offer guidance on safely feeding your dog raw bacon.
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.
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