Ask the APCC: Is Bacon Fat Where It's At?

My aunt puts bacon or sausage grease and fat drippings on her dogs’ food; she says it’s good for them. Is this true? If it’s not good for us, how can it be good for them?
—Theresa B.

Good question, Theresa. While dogs do need certain types of fats in their diet, the consumption of significant amounts of bacon or sausage grease (either in one sitting or habitually) could potentially cause vomiting and diarrhea—or even a life-threatening inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. In addition, these cured meats contain a lot of sodium, which could also be harmful in large quantities. You might suggest that your aunt talk with her veterinarian if she feels that her dogs may be in need of a nutritional supplement.

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