Can Cats Eat Raw Bacon? Should Cats Eat Raw Meat?
- Abi
- March 18, 2023
- 12:01 pm
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Can cats eat raw bacon? Cats can eat raw bacon, although it is not recommended as a regular part of their diet. Bacon has a very high-fat content, and cats that are regularly given the meat as a treat are likely to become obese and suffer from health issues.
While cats are carnivores and bacon is a good source of protein, the fat content in bacon can be too much for them to handle. Excessive amounts of fat can lead to weight gain, pancreatitis, or other gastrointestinal issues that could potentially harm your cat.
This article will answer the question, ‘can cats eat raw bacon?’ We’ll discuss why bacon isn’t a good choice for your pet and look at whether cats should be given raw meat.
Can cats eat raw bacon?
A healthy adult cat can eat a few small pieces of bacon without any issues, so if your pet has stolen some of your bacon from the kitchen counter, there’s probably no reason to worry. However, raw bacon may not be the best choice for your pet.
While cats can eat pork, bacon is a cut of meat that is best avoided for several reasons. Firstly, bacon has a very high-fat content which can cause weight gain, which will lead to other health issues in the long term.
Bacon is also high in salt, which can be toxic to cats even in small amounts. Meat with a high salt content can also cause dehydration and other health issues, such as sodium poisoning.
Symptoms of sodium toxicity in cats include:
- Vomiting
- Dehydration and increased thirst
- Depression
- Fatigue and weakness
- Muscle tremors
- Ataxia
- Gastroenteritis
- Seizures leading to death in the worse cases
Cats should never be given cured meats such as salami or pepperoni as these contain seasonings such as garlic and onions as well as salt, which can be toxic to cats.
Should cats eat raw meat?
Some people like adding raw meats to their pet’s diet, as cats naturally consume raw foods while hunting. Raw meat can be a good source of protein for a cat and may be a healthy choice for some. Giving your cat raw meat is never a good idea as it may contain bacteria, parasites, or other contaminants that could make your cat ill.
Most cats can tolerate raw meats as long as they are in good health and the meat is fresh; after all, these animals’ intestines have evolved to be able to hunt and consume raw meat. However, discussing your pet’s dietary needs with your vet before switching to a totally raw diet is a good idea.
The problem with buying raw meat for your cat is that it may contain bacteria such as e coli or salmonella, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in both humans and cats. That being said, cats have a much shorter intestinal tract and a stomach that is higher in acidity than humans, so they are more likely to be able to eat raw meat without being affected by bacteria.
Raw food diet for cats
If you do decide to give your cat raw meat, it’s best to stick to chicken, salmon, venison, lamb, and beef rather than bacon which is high in fats. Ensure you prepare and store the meat hygienically and only give your pet meat that is fresh.
Cats can eat a raw meat diet from as young as 20 weeks, as their immune system would have fully developed at this age. A raw food diet has many benefits for your cat:
- Raw meat is natural and unprocessed
- Contains beneficial nutrients to improve your cat’s health
- Raw diets are higher in protein and also contain fewer carbohydrates
- Raw meats contain vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
- Beneficial for fur and skin health
- Helps to boost water intake
- Creates stronger joints, bones and teeth
- Can help to improve digestion
- Encourages better oral health
Can cats eat raw bacon: Final thoughts
In very small amounts, raw bacon is unlikely to harm your cat, so you don’t need to worry if your pet has stolen some bacon. However, raw bacon isn’t the best treat for your cat as it has a high-fat content and is likely to contain salt.
Some pet owners feed their cats a diet that consists of 100%raw meat. You can give your pet a little raw chicken or lamb as long as you are aware of the risks associated with bacteria such as e. coli. However, you’ll need to ensure the meat is fresh and stored and prepared hygienically.
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