My Dog Ate Bacon. Should I Panic?

Did you know that almost every dog loves crispy, pan-fried bacon? While we might be cozy feeding our four-legged pals artificial bacon or even a small piece of cooked bacon, there are some things you should know.

Can Dogs Eat Bacon?

The answer is YES! Many dogs love bacon’s texture, smell, and salty flavor. However, make sure your furry friend only eats the food in small quantities. Bacon is a fatty meal with high salt(sodium) content. Consuming too much of it can lead to sodium poisoning, among other health issues.

How Much Bacon Should My Dog Eat?

If your dog must eat bacon, make sure you only feed it as an intermittent treat. So, you will need to limit the amount your dog takes and how frequently it enjoys this meal.

½ stripe is enough for large dogs, and ¼ stripe is okay for small dogs. You can also opt for the bacon-flavored dog meals available in the market.

Health Risks of Bacon to Your Dog

Related: Is Bacon Grease Good For Dogs?

If your dog eats too much bacon, it will probably experience an upset stomach. This is because bacon is high in sodium and fat, which irritate your pooch’s gastrointestinal tract and stomach.

Additionally, too much sodium intake may result in pancreatitis, which causes the pancreas to become inflamed. Consequently, your pup will experience severe abdominal distress, vomiting, panting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

Fortunately, your vet will know how to cure this condition. So, it’s important to call in a professional immediately after you realize your pup has ingested a lot of bacon.

Related: Can Dogs Eat Human Food?

How Can I Prevent My Dog From Eating Too Much Bacon?

Basic training comes in handy to discourage your dog from eating too much bacon. Train your pup to keep off the kitchen counter as they may often try to jump up to see the action and steal some food.

Nevertheless, even the well-trained pups can easily concede to their instincts. Even though you need to train your FIDO, the effective way to keep them from ingesting too much bacon is to keep it away and be careful when cooking the food.

Moreover, you might want to keep your canine friend out of the kitchen while making such unhealthy foods. If the kitchen is doorless, use a baby gate to block the entrance. Don’t leave your Fido unsupervised in the dining area or kitchen whenever there is some bacon.

Further Reading:

• Can Dogs Eat Spam? What You Need to Know
• Can Dogs Eat Slim Jims? Should You Feed Your Dog Beef Jerky?
• Can Dogs Eat Pastrami Meat?
• Can Dogs Eat Meatballs? Are They Safe for Dogs?
• Can Dogs Eat Turkey Bacon?
• Can Dogs Eat Chorizo?
• Can Dogs Eat Ham? Here’s What Vets Say