Can Parrots Eat Bacon?

Can parrots eat bacon? The answer to that question is a resounding yes. Parrots go crazy for bacon (like most humans), but since bacon is not good for us, it is definitely not good for our feathered friends.

Tiny amounts won’t do any harm in moderation, but too much bacon can seriously harm your parrot’s health.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about feeding bacon to your parrot.

can parrots eat bacon

Is Bacon Good for Parrots?

Bacon is not good for people or parrots. However, you should know that like humans, some parrot species are more tolerant of pork than others.

So yes, parrots can eat bacon in small doses, but make sure it is lean and you don’t overdo it.

As with all other foods (including fruits and vegetables), moderation is key to keeping your pet healthy.

kaytee parrot food

Worried your parrot isn't getting enough nutrients?

Then you need this healthy and tasty parrot food. My birds love the taste, are full of energy, and have never been healthier! Check out this food on Amazon now.

How Should Bacon be Prepared for Parrots?

Crispy, low-fat bacon is best for parrots.

Bacon should not be cooked in butter; the fat content of the butter will send your bird’s blood lipid levels sky-high. And don’t cook it too long – you want to keep as much fat intact as possible.

Fatty bacon may induce pancreatic and gastrointestinal problems, including pancreatitis and obesity.

Bacon should be grilled and the fat should be removed before it goes anywhere near your bird. It should also be chopped into tiny pieces to make it easier for your parrot to eat.

You should also never serve your parrot bacon with any sauce such as maple syrup (also extremely bad for parrots), and never feed bacon to your parrot when you are eating it yourself.

How Much Bacon Can a Parrot Eat?

sizzling bacon

Parrots can eat very small amounts of bacon. But I recommend that you limit how often you feed it to your pet and how much they get overall. Like I mentioned before, moderation is key when feeding all types of foods (including fruits and vegetables) to your pets.

Large amounts of bacon are also bad because they may contain high amounts of fat – including trans fat – which is especially dangerous for birds. The average slice contains 4 g (1/5th of an ounce) of total fat. Of course, it’s important to note that there are 9 slices per serving; that means about 36 g of total fat per serving.

If you give your parrot a small, one-time treat of bacon, that’s probably okay. But don’t make it a regular part of his or her diet because too much strain on the pancreas can cause pancreatitis – and that is no good for anybody.

A high-fat diet may also contribute to obesity in birds. I recommend you watch out for the amount of total fat per serving when feeding your pet human food items to avoid putting him/her at risk for these kinds of ailments.

When You Shouldn’t Feed Bacon to Parrots

You should never feed your bird bacon that has been fried in butter or oil. Similarly, you should not give them any sort of bacon-containing products like salad dressings, marinades, barbeque sauces, etc.

The high levels of salt and sodium (and sometimes sugar) found in these types of foods can cause serious health problems for your pet down the road.

Health Risks of too much Bacon in Parrots:

Other health risks associated with feeding your parrots bacon include:

  • High cholesterol is a major risk factor for all animals, including birds. Elevated levels of LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol and decreased levels of HDL (or “good”) cholesterol can lead to various cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and strokes.
  • Too much sodium in the system can cause liver and kidney damage; it also contributes to high blood pressure and heart disease.
  • Bacon contains nitrates and nitrites which contribute to increased incidence of certain cancers like colon cancer.
  • Eating large amounts of processed meats like bacon may increase your parrot’s risk for developing diabetes with age.
  • Fatigued pancreas leads to chronic pancreatitis.
  • Too much cholesterol in the diet may lead to fatty liver disease, which can be life-threatening for parrots.
  • Parrot Fatigue is caused by lactic acid that builds up in the body when birds process too much fat without enough exercise.
  • Obesity leads to heart disease, diabetes, strokes, arthritis, and other health problems. It also brings about premature death in most pet birds.

What Types of Parrots Can Eat Bacon?

senegal parrot

First of all, no matter what types of parrots you have at home, they should only ever be fed human-grade ingredients. This includes any meats or other food items which may be on this list.

Also, remember that there are lots of dangerous foods out there that look very tasty indeed, like chocolate. If your parrot eats something it shouldn’t, you should be prepared to take action immediately.

Budgerigars (also called budgies or zebra finches) are able to eat some types of bacon, but they must be cooked very carefully. You can use an oven or a stovetop (preferably the latter).

Can Parrots Eat Eggs with their Bacon?

Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper breakfast without an egg or two – and fortunately for your parrot, this is acceptable. Thoroughly cooked eggs are an excellent source of protein and calcium.

Some types of parrots can also eat hard-boiled eggs with their bacon as long as they’re well done. Never feed your parrot fried eggs as cooking oil is not good for their health.

Can Parrots Eat Bacon Fat?

Bacon fat contains high amounts of saturated fat which can contribute to heart disease. However, it also has some good things for your parrot too – but only in moderation. For example, there are certain essential fatty acids that are beneficial to the health of your pet bird.

One tablespoon of bacon fat will give you 1 g of polyunsaturated fat and 1 g of monounsaturated fats; it’s also rich in vitamins A and K along with various minerals such as calcium, potassium, and phosphorus.

You should avoid giving your parrot large servings of bacon grease on a regular basis as this may result in elevated levels of cholesterol and other health issues just like overeating any other type of food would.

Can Parrots Eat Bacon – Final Thoughts

The answer to the question of can parrots eat bacon is yes, but in moderation. Some species are more tolerant than others so it’s important not to overdo it with any kind of food (including fruits and vegetables).

The final thoughts on this topic conclude that you should know your pet’s tolerance level when considering whether or not they should be given pork products like bacon. So if you’re wondering “can my parrot eat bacon?” then make sure you understand what their individual needs are before making a decision about feeding them anything else besides their regular diet.

Related Articles:

Jill Taylor Happy Farmyard

Jill Taylor

Jill is a full-time homesteader who enjoys learning about sustainable living and practicing self-reliance. She'll most likely be found tending to her many animals including chickens, ducks, goats, and alpacas. You can find out more about her on LinkedIn.