Can dogs eat bacon?
Bacon is not recommended for dogs — no matter how much they beg.
Bacon is one of society's most beloved breakfast foods, but is it safe for your dog? Although your pup may love the smell of the salty snack just as much as you, it's best to avoid treating them to bacon — whether it’s cooked or raw.
Eating a small piece of bacon won't hurt your dog, but giving it to them often could result in issues including pancreatitis — an inflammation of the pancreas — and gastrointestinal issues (GI) such as constipation, diarrhea, gas and abdominal pain.
Is bacon good for dogs?
Bacon and bacon grease have a lot of salt and fat that isn't good for your dog, and don’t have much nutritional value, either. "Pork tends to be fatty in general and not great for dogs," Elizabeth Himes, RVT, a registered veterinary technician at Picture Hills Pet Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, says. But, bacon isn't toxic to dogs the way chocolate, onions and garlic are, so if your dog does sneak a bite of bacon, you don't need to rush them to the emergency vet.
Is raw bacon safe for dogs?
No, raw bacon isn’t any better for dogs than cooked bacon — in fact, it’s worse. In addition to all that fat and sodium, uncooked bacon could also potentially contain parasites or bacteria like salmonella, which can cause food poisoning.
Can dogs eat turkey bacon?
If you're going to feed your dog bacon, opt for turkey bacon instead of pork. Low-sodium, uncured turkey bacon without added seasonings can be a safer option for dogs who drool over the smell of bacon.
That said, turkey bacon is generally packaged with salty additives, so you should only give this as an occasional treat and not part of your dog's regular diet. It would be best if you also talked to your vet before introducing your dog to any new foods.
"If you need a high-value treat, I would do a turkey hot dog in small pieces," Himes says. "Or if you wanted to feed another meat product, then try plain turkey or chicken or something very lean."


Can I give my dog bacon as an occasional treat?
Bacon isn't recommended even as an occasional treat for dogs since it's so high in salt and fat. This rich food can even cause pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening for dogs. Signs of pancreatitis include lethargy, dehydration, vomiting, loss of appetite, hunched back and fever. If you suspect your dog has pancreatitis, contact your vet immediately.
What should you do if your dog accidentally eats bacon?
If your dog eats a bunch of bacon when your back is turned, keep an eye on them for the next few days. (Again, a little bit of bacon probably won’t cause a big issue.) Contact your veterinarian if they start to show any unusual symptoms.
"Watch for vomiting or diarrhea and GI signs and feed them lightly to help prevent any further GI distress," Himes says.
In the case that your dog has an upset stomach, you can feed them white rice and boiled, boneless and skinless plain chicken until they return to normal — with your vet's permission, of course. Always contact your veterinarian if symptoms continue for more than 24 hours or if they progress. (And remember, if your dog accidentally eats too much bacon and needs to see a vet, Fetch Pet Insurance provides comprehensive coverage for GI issues.)
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.