Bacon flavored treats have become increasingly popular for dogs in recent years, with many pet owners drawn to the smoky, salty, meaty aroma that dogs find irresistible. However, cat owners may wonder if it’s safe and appropriate to give bacon flavored treats to cats as well. The short answer is yes, cats can eat bacon flavored treats, but there are some important considerations and precautions to keep in mind.
Are Cats Attracted to the Taste of Bacon?
Cats have a strong sense of smell, and many do seem attracted to the scent of bacon. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require meat in their diet to thrive. Their sense of taste is attuned to strong savory flavors like meat and fat. The smoky aroma and concentrated umami flavor of bacon is similar to other meaty flavors that appeal to feline taste buds. So it’s not surprising that many cats are very interested when they smell bacon cooking or see packages of bacon flavored pet treats.
Nutritional Considerations for Cats
While the taste of bacon may interest cats, it’s important to look at the overall nutrition of bacon flavored feline treats. Cats require certain nutrients in their diet like protein, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. Some things to look for when evaluating bacon flavored cat treats:
Protein Content
Cats need a high level of quality protein from animal sources like meat, poultry or fish. Look for treats where real meat is the first ingredient, rather than artificial bacon flavoring. The protein should come from whole meat sources.
Fats and Carbs
Cats have minimal need for carbohydrates, but require animal fats and oils. Make sure the treat does not contain unnecessary fillers like corn, wheat or soy.
Vitamins and Minerals
Treats should have added nutrients like taurine, vitamins and minerals that may be deficient in meat-based ingredients. Avoid treats with added salt, sugar or preservatives.
Moisture Content
Look for soft, chewy treats that contain some moisture content rather than dry, crumbly treats. Cats tend to have low thirst drive and need moisture from their food.
Health Concerns Around Bacon for Cats
While bacon flavor appeals to cats, actual bacon tends to be too high in fat, sodium and preservatives to feed cats. Some specific health concerns around bacon include:
High Fat Content
The high fat content of bacon can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats. It also adds unnecessary calories that lead to obesity.
Sodium and Preservatives
The sodium content in cured, smoked bacon can be unhealthy for cats in large amounts. Bacon also contains nitrates for preservation, which may cause toxicity.
Unsafe Ingredients
Raw bacon may contain onion or garlic powder, which are toxic to cats. Sugar and artificial colors added to bacon treats are also not ideal for feline health.
Pancreatitis Risk
The high fat content of bacon has been associated with inflaming the pancreas and causing pancreatitis in cats. Pancreatitis can be life-threatening.
Caution With Any Human Food Treat
In general, any human food given to a cat should be done in strict moderation. Table scraps and people food should not make up more than 10% of a cat’s diet. Too much can lead to obesity and other problems.
Conclusion
To wrap up, bacon flavored cat treats can be a safe occasional snack as long as you choose high quality products free of artificial additives. Look for treats made with real meat as the first ingredient and added vitamins. Avoid excessive fat, salt and sugar. And be sure to feed treats in moderation as part of an overall balanced feline diet. Bacon flavor can add interest but should not become a diet staple for cats. Monitoring your cat’s health and weight while introducing any new treat is the best practice to keep your cat healthy.