Can Dogs Eat Bacon Fat?

Dogs should not eat bacon fat. It is very rich, and a fatty meal can cause pancreatitis, a painful swelling of the pancreas (an organ that helps with digestion). The AKC says a large amount can even be deadly. Bacon is also very salty, which adds to the problem.

Why is bacon fat bad for dogs?

Fat itself is not a poison. Pet Poison Helpline explains that fatty table food does not act like a toxin. But it can upset the stomach, and in some dogs it leads to severe pancreatitis that can be fatal.

The AKC describes bacon as very rich and fatty, with a lot of salt. It says plain pork contains fat that dogs find hard to digest, and that pork fat can lead to pancreatitis.

Pet Poison Helpline lists these fatty foods as possible triggers:

• Bacon and meat grease or drippings
• Butter and oils
• Gravy, turkey skin, and gristle
• Meat scraps

The ASPCA adds that even small amounts of fat drippings or greasy leftovers can cause trouble in some pets. Vets can’t say ahead of time which dogs will react, and none of these sources give a safe amount.

What are the signs of pancreatitis in dogs?

Pet Poison Helpline says signs usually start 1 to 4 days after a fatty meal. Watch for:

• Vomiting that starts later
• Belly pain
• Diarrhea, sometimes with blood
• Eating less than normal
• Being very tired

Cornell’s Riney Canine Health Center calls pancreatitis extremely painful. It also lists fever as a sign. Severe cases can be fatal.

What should I do if my dog ate bacon fat?

Think about how much your dog ate and what kind of dog you have. One lick of a greasy pan is different from a whole cup of grease. Miniature Schnauzers are more likely than other breeds to get pancreatitis, according to Pet Poison Helpline.

• A big amount, or a dog who already feels sick: call your vet or a hotline right away.
• A small amount and no signs: call your vet for advice anyway. Then watch your dog closely for several days, since signs can come late.
• Signs appear: see a vet quickly. Don’t wait to see if it passes.

Treatment depends on the dog. Pet Poison Helpline says it may include anti-nausea medicine, holding back food or giving an easy-to-digest diet, fluids through a vein, blood tests, and care in the hospital. It says the outlook is good when treatment starts early. Cornell notes that most dogs who recover must eat a strict low-fat diet for the rest of their lives.

Other fatty foods to skip

Ham fat and pork fat. These are risky for the same reason. The AKC links pork fat to pancreatitis. It also warns that ham is very salty, and that too much salt can make a dog drink a lot and can lead to bloat, a life-threatening swelling of the stomach.

Steak and burger trimmings. The ASPCA says these can trigger pancreatitis. Keep dogs away from the grill, and don’t give table scraps.

For more on the meat itself, see our guides on bacon for dogs, ham for dogs, and pork for dogs.

How can I keep my dog away from grease?

• Let grease cool and throw it away in the trash, in a place your dog can’t reach.
• Don’t pour grease on dog food, even to get a picky dog to eat.
• Don’t leave pans, plates, or the grill where your dog can lick them.
• Ask guests not to share scraps.

What can I give my dog instead?

Cornell suggests carrots, broccoli, or snap peas as treats. You can also save a few pieces of your dog’s regular food to use as rewards.

Cornell says treats should be no more than 15% of a dog’s daily calories, and many vet nutrition experts suggest 10%. Pet Poison Helpline’s advice is simple: when in doubt, don’t give table food. For more, see foods that are toxic to dogs.