Bacon makes everything taste so much better. The aroma alone can make your dog’s mouth water. Before you break off a piece and share it with your furbaby, you need to know can Pugs eat bacon safely?
Can Pugs Eat Bacon?
No, bacon is salt-cured pork that contains high amounts of fat, salt, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems for your dog. It’s best to avoid giving them bacon or any other type of cured meats that have been cured.
We’ve put together a resource to help you understand what Pugs can eat safely so you won’t have to guess whether something is good for them or not.
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What Is Cured Bacon?
Cured bacon means that the bacon was preserved in a combination of sodium, salt, and nitrates. The nitrates are what produce that pinkish color to preserve it over time.
Unfortunately, all bacon is cured before consumption. If the package says “sodium-free nitrates”, it means that the bacon has not been cured with synthetically sourced nitrites and nitrates, instead, it the nitrate was is derived from beets, celery or other vegetables or fruit that are high in nitrate and can be converted to nitrite. (source)
Uncured bacon is still cured with salt, but not with nitrates, so it’s still not safe for your pooch.
There are no health benefits to feeding your Pug bacon, and feeding them too much can lead to pancreatitis.
We’ll take a look at the dangers of feeding your pooch bacon, but first let’s take a look at some facts about bacon.
Other Cured Meats You Should Know About
Cured meat is one of the worst types of meat to feed your dog, here’s a table of other cured meats that you should avoid giving your pooch.
| FatBack | Pork Rind |
| Ham Hocks | Prosciutto |
| Salami | Spanish Chorizo |
| Pepperoni | Pancetta |
| Pastrami | Bologna |
| Ham | Chorizo |
If you’re unsure whether the meat is cured, then don’t feed it to your dog.
Fun Bacon Facts
The average American consumes about about 18 pounds of bacon per year. Bacon dates back to 1500 B.C and the early form of it started in China where they cured pork bellies with salt.
There are many different ways to cook bacon and it can be eaten at pretty much any meal. (although you shouldn’t)
It can be purchased in many different forms from pre-cooked, bacon bits, as fresh deli meat and etc.
Nutritional Facts
3 slices of pork bacon contains:
- Protein: 12 grams
- Calories: 161
- Carbohydrates: 0.6 grams
- Sodium: 581mg
- Fat: 12 grams
- Sugars: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
One single serving is high in saturated fat, and calories that does not provide any benefits for canines.
Is Bacon Safe For Pugs?
No, as mentioned above bacon is high in calories, sodium, and contains Nitrates (NO3), and Nitrites (NO2) which can be harmful to both humans and dogs. (source)
Foods that are high in nitrates can lead to nitrate poisoning which can cause death in animals.
Why Is Bacon Bad For Pugs?
Bacon is one of those human foods that are dangerous for your pooch and here are some of the reasons to keep it away from them.
Pancreatitis
Foods that are high in fat (saturated fat, the worst kind) can cause a condition known as pancreatitis. This requires surgical intervention and can be fatal to your four-legged friend. If they do survive, their quality of life will be affected.
Obesity
Pugs are prone to obesity and bacon has very high levels of fat. This food can quickly add pounds on your canine friend (it’s no different than if you and I eat too much), which can lead to obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems.
Salt
Bacon has high levels of sodium which can be terrible for dogs. Too much salt in your dog’s diet can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death.
Can Pugs Eat Raw Bacon?
No, pork is a fatty meat that can cause pancreatitis in dogs. It also puts your dog at risk for a parasite infection or trichinosis. When cooking bacon, dispose of the packaging in a way that your dog won’t access it and lick the contents.
Can Pugs Eat Turkey Bacon?
Turkey bacon is the best option for dogs. Just make sure that you choose a low-sodium variety like Oscar Meyer uncured Turkey bacon. It has 57% less sodium and according, and contains no added hormones, nitrates, or nitrites.
While turkey bacon is a healthier option, it should still be fed in moderation because too much of anything can still be bad for your pooch.
Always consult with your veterinarian before adding bacon to your Pugs diet.
Can Pugs Eat Bacon Bits?
Most bacon bits are not real bacon, but they are still bad for dogs. Most processed foods are high in fat, calories, salt, and have food additives that can be harmful to your pooch.
While they may make your salad taste great, many of them contain more sodium or the same amount as regular bacon.
Can Pugs Eat Bacon Grease?
If your dog licks grease that falls on the floor, they’ll be fine. Bacon grease is too rich, fatty, and high in salt content. You don’t eat or drink the grease, neither should your dog.
You shouldn’t even let your dog lick the pan where you cooked the bacon.
Is There A Safe Way To Give Pugs Bacon?
If you feel the need to feed your Pug bacon, make sure you don’t overfeed them. Keep the pieces small and don’t give it to them everyday.
An occasional piece won’t hurt, but consistently feeding your dog bacon can lead to problems.
Personally, I would rather you find some bacon dog treats that won’t cause them to have an upset tummy. These bacon doggie treats taste just like bacon and your dog won’t know the difference!
Alternatives To Bacon For Pugs
If you just have to share your breakfast or other foods with your Pug, then you may want to consider giving them some safer human food breakfast options.
Final Word On Feeding Pugs Bacon
If your Pug loves bacon and goes crazy whenever you cook it, then a small piece won’t hurt them. Just make sure that you don’t feed it to them every day or more than once a week.
References And Further Reading
Rover – Can My Dog Eat Turkey Bacon
Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory – Dr. Deon Van Der Merwe – Nitrate Poisoning