Can dogs or cats eat bacon?

Bacon is full of salt and fat, which is what makes it so tasty. But consuming bacon — especially an excessive amount — can lead to obesity among cats. This increases their chances of developing serious health issues such as diabetes, liver disease, and heart problems.

Moreover, the sodium (salt) in bacon can cause dehydration in your feline friend. This can lead to kidney problems, especially if your dog eats bacon frequently and over a long period of time. Cats have relatively small kidneys compared to many other animals, so they're particularly sensitive to high levels of sodium intake from salty foods.

So even if your cat begs you for some tasty strips of crispy bacon at the breakfast table, keep it to yourself! It may seem harmless at first, but regularly feeding your cat even small amounts of bacon can result in serious long-term health consequences down the line.

But if your cat just stole some bacon off the countertop, reach out to your veterinarian — especially if your feline frienis showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting. And if your cat does wind up requiring veterinary because they ate an unsafe food like bacon, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.