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Can Dogs Eat Turkey Bacon?

↯ Key takeaway points

  • Turkey bacon is a healthier alternative to pork bacon for dogs, but it should still be given in moderation.
  • Turkey bacon contains high levels of sodium, fat, and added sugar, which can be dangerous for dogs if consumed frequently and in large quantities.
  • Feeding dogs turkey bacon can lead to health problems such as bloat and pancreatitis.
  • It is recommended to consult with a veterinarian before feeding dogs any new food, including turkey bacon.
  • Turkey bacon should be cooked before giving it to dogs, and the oil/grease should be drained to avoid toxicity.
Written by Viena
Viena is passionate about all sorts of domesticated pets. They have written dozens of articles across the web.
Highly educated researcher and DVM with extensive experience in Clinical VetMedicine, Veterinary Nano Medicine, and Preventive Veterinary Medicine.
Published on
Thursday 1 October 2020
Last updated on
Wednesday 12 July 2023
can dogs eat turkey bacon
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If ever you have asked yourself, can dogs eat turkey bacon? you’ve come to the right spot. Pet owners love to spoil their pups, but there is plenty of human food that can be unhealthy for dogs if given too much. One of these is turkey bacon. Below are some of the answers to the questions that might be wandering in your head.

From your dog’s looks, as you cook that fatty and salty bacon on a beautiful morning, they are doing their best from snatching a piece or two off the table. However, because pork bacon can be toxic, turkey bacon for dogs tends to be a much healthier alternative.

Is Turkey Bacon Safe for Dogs?

You can feed your fur baby a few pieces of turkey bacon. Because turkey bacon is not toxic to dogs and compared to pork bacon, turkey bacon has less fat. However, it does not mean that turkey is always healthy for dogs, nor is it recommended by veterinarians. Giving your dog too much turkey bacon could result in potentially severe health problems in your pooch.

Try to be careful by limiting their intake to only a piece or two on special occasions. Dogs can eat turkey bacon legs in a limited amount since they contain significant sodium, fat, and added sugar, which is dangerous for your dog when given frequently and in high quantities. Sodium, along with the nitrate found in bacon, can result in various health problems to your dog, such as bloat. Even though people also get bloated, they only think of it as mere discomfort that will soon pass. In particular instances, bloat can be life-threatening to dogs that pet owners should never underestimate.

Additionally, because turkey bacon contains high-fat content, it can risk the development of pancreatitis in your dog – a condition that can be very dangerous to your dog’s health. And, in some particular cases, it can also be fatal. Your dog’s stomach might not be able to handle too much high-sodium and fatty food, such as bacon.

Keep in mind to play it safe and stick to the standard single-ingredient dog treats and dog foods rather than feed them with greasy human food. Finally, always consult with your veterinarian before feeding your dog any food. Especially so if you plan to give your pooch a new menu. You wouldn’t know the effect of the treats unless you ask for professional guidance from a vet.

Nutritional Content of Turkey Bacon

Although turkey bacon is not the healthiest snack or food for your dog, here are some of the nutrients that your dog can get from it:

  • high in protein
  • less fat
  • less salt
  • contains essential fatty acids

How to Feed Your Dog Turkey Bacon?

You should only give your pups turkey bacon moderately on rare occasions. Ideally homemade turkey bacon. Bigger dogs can handle one slice, while smaller dogs should only get a half slab. You might wonder, “can dogs eat turkey bacon raw?” Unless you want your pups to risk getting bacterial infections, then always make sure to cook the turkey bacon before you feed them to your dogs.

Most of the time, you will find turkey bacon already pre-cooked in their packages, which is why there is no need to fry them in oil. Remember that fried food can also be potentially toxic to dogs. As long as you only give your pooches small quantities, turkey bacon will not impose any problems to your dog’s health. You can let your dogs eat turkey bacon on the following occasions and conditions.

  • As a dinner topping – you can sprinkle bits of turkey bacon above your pup’s dinner
  • As a special treat – keep in mind, however, not to use turkey bacon every day or as training treats for your dog
turkey bacon for dogs
Turkey bacon can be given to your dog in small amounts.

Factors to Consider

If you have wondered, “can dogs eat bacon grease?” You will have to note that the grease in bacon can be toxic for your fur babies. It is always best to drain the oil before serving them with turkey bacon. Remember that low-sodium meat such as turkey or chicken can be an unnecessary addition to calories on your dog’s health. Veterinarians recommend that dog owners follow the ten percent rule: your dog’s diet should compose only ten percent or fewer treats, like bacon.

However, it is wise always to be cautious when it comes to giving them a taste of this very delicious snack. One of the most inviting aromas a dog can smell might be the sizzling bacon drifting through the air. Unfortunately, it also causes severe drawbacks and risks to your pet’s health.

Therefore, give your pup only small amounts of turkey. Further, it is wise to discuss with your vet the addition of food scraps to your dog’s diet. It might not be beneficial, especially if a preexisting health condition concerns your dog, such as diabetes.

Dogs Eating Turkey Bacon – FAQs

One problem that dog owners share is how they can’t stop themselves from spoiling their beloved dogs. Most of the time, processed food that people eat is a big no for dogs to keep them healthy, but is turkey bacon safe for dogs? Below are answers to FAQs about turkey bacon.

Is turkey bacon okay for dogs to eat?

You can count on turkey bacon to be the best option for dogs when it comes to bacon types. However, you must ensure that the package contains uncured variety and low-sodium. Even if the turkey is not toxic to dogs, you must only give them in moderation due to additives.

Is turkey harmful to dogs?

Turkey is not toxic in dogs. Often, dog food commercials include turkey in their products because of its rich nutrients such as phosphorus, riboflavin, and protein. You can ask a veterinarian for advice on how to properly cook the turkey that you can include in your dog’s food diet.

Can bacon kill a dog?

Significant amounts of bacon can be fatal to dogs as it creates chaos in their digestive system. It is due to the combination of high fat, sodium, and preservatives that can be life-threatening. Try to resist the puppy-dog eyes that might entice you into feeding them more than a slice.

Can my dog have a small piece of bacon?

A tiny piece of bacon that fell on the floor is not fatal. However, bacon has a high amount of grease and fat, which is why feeding them to your pooches in significant amounts will upset their stomach. The oil in bacon also leads to artery-clogging, as it does to humans.

So now you know that dogs can eat turkey bacon in moderation. It is tasty and your dog adores it!

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