Did you know that one in three pet parents report feeding their furry friends human food up to three times per week? While some human foods are perfectly safe for dogs, others could result in intense illness or long-term health issues.

One human food that many people love to share with their dogs is bacon. While crispy, savory, and undeniably delicious to us, bacon is one of those foods that dogs should steer clear of.

In this article, we’ll explain why bacon is best kept out of a dog’s diet, the risks it can pose, what to do if your dog eats bacon — and some healthy alternatives that your pup will love just as much.

Though many dog parents offer bacon as an occasional treat, it can actually be harmful to a dog’s overall health and well-being. When consumed regularly and in large quantities, raw bacon, cooked bacon, and even bacon grease may lead to significant health problems.

Bacon is a processed meat, which means it’s not just pure, raw pork. It contains additives and preservatives, including high levels of salt — something dogs definitely don’t need. While these ingredients might be fine for humans in moderation, they aren’t suitable for dogs.

Let’s break down the specific risks of feeding bacon to dogs, which mostly stem from its high fat, sodium, and additive content.

Bacon is notoriously high in fat, and that’s one of the main reasons it’s not a good choice for dogs. Excess fat in a dog’s diet can stress their digestive systems, possibly leading to conditions like pancreatitis — inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis may cause symptoms such as bloating, vomiting, dehydration, and fever. If you suspect your dog has pancreatitis, call your local veterinarian immediately.

In the long term, excessive fat intake could lead to obesity and heart problems, both of which can negatively affect a dog’s quality of life. That’s why it’s important to avoid high-fat foods like bacon in your dog’s diet.

Like fat, sodium can also negatively impact a dog’s health. High salt content in dog food can cause dehydration, increased thirst, and even sodium ion poisoning (salt toxicosis) in severe cases. Symptoms of sodium ion poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and seizures.

Dogs just aren’t built to handle all of that salt, so it’s better to skip the bacon and keep your pup safe from any dangerous health issues.

As mentioned earlier, bacon is packed with preservatives, additives (like seasonings), and nitrates — all of which are used to boost flavor and extend shelf life. These chemicals can be harmful to dogs, causing anything from mild gastrointestinal issues to toxicity.

The reason humans can safely consume these chemicals is that our metabolisms differ from dogs’, leading to different reactions to certain substances. Just because it’s safe for humans doesn’t mean it’s safe for dogs.

Lastly, a diet high in fatty foods can lead to obesity in dogs, which is linked to health issues like diabetes, joint problems and even a shorter lifespan.

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is key to making sure they live their best, happiest life. So, no matter how much they beg for a piece of crispy bacon, consider healthier, low-fat treat alternatives that are easier on their digestion .

If your dog manages to get their paws on a piece of bacon, it’s important to monitor them closely, especially if they’re a small breed. It might be tempting to brush it off as a harmless mistake, but because bacon is so high in sodium and fat, it’s crucial not to overlook it. Watch for signs like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. These symptoms may not appear immediately and can develop gradually over several hours.

If your pup consumes a significant amount of bacon or starts showing any concerning symptoms, it’s time to act. Given the potential risks of bacon, it’s best to consult your veterinarian right away. They’ll guide you on what steps to take and whether any specific treatments or observations are necessary.

After your dog has eaten bacon, it’s important to refrain from offering them any additional food, especially anything fatty or salty. This could further upset their stomach, potentially worsening any symptoms they may be experiencing — especially if they have known digestive problems. Allow their stomach to settle and avoid overloading their system.

Lastly, breed plays a role in how severely bacon can affect a dog’s digestive system. Breeds like Schnauzers, Yorkies, Shih Tzus and Cocker Spaniels, are at higher risk of pancreatitis. If your dog belongs to one of these breeds and has eaten bacon, call your vet immediately.

While bacon isn’t a safe treat for dogs, there are plenty of delicious alternatives that your furry friend will love! Anything with a tempting aroma and a healthy fat content, like chicken breast or treats rich in omega-3s and omega-6s, can be great choices.

For convenient options, especially when you are on the go, check out treats from The Honest Kitchen. Made with whole, human grade ingredients that are minimally processed, these treats offer optimal nutrient absorption and pack big flavor into every bite.

Looking for a natural bacon alternative? The Honest Kitchen’s Ocean Chews are made from a single ingredient: wolffish skins that have been slowly dehydrated for a chewy, rawhide-like texture. These protein-packed treats are high in omega-3 fatty acids and contain no artificial preservatives — a much healthier choice than bacon or rawhide.

If your dog loves a meaty, chewy treat, The Honest Kitchen’s Jerky Harvest Mini Bars will be a hit. These bars come in a chicken recipe and a beef recipe, featuring tasty ingredients like real meat, oats, apples, carrots, and bone broth.

For a protein-rich, low-fat option, The Honest Kitchen’s Liver Chips are a fantastic choice. They will satisfy your dog’s cravings without any of the risks associated with bacon. Like all food from The Honest Kitchen, these treats are made from high-quality, natural ingredients. Available in two varieties — Beef Liver & Cheddar and Chicken Liver & Cheddar — these treats are slow-baked for an ultimate flavor burst while maintaining top nutritional quality.

Simply put, bacon is never safe for your dog to eat. It’s high in fat, high in sodium and loaded with preservatives and additives — all of which can negatively impact a dog’s health, sometimes resulting in serious illness. Instead, pet parents can serve other drool-worthy alternatives that are just as satisfying for their furry friends.

The Honest Kitchen offers convenient, healthier options that are worth exploring. Our human grade dog treats and food provide flavors your pup will love — without risking their health and longevity.

Explore The Honest Kitchen’s  dog food and treat collection today!