Hot dogs and bacon are delicious foods that we often share with our dogs as high value training treats or simply because we can’t resist our pup’s adorable begging face. But scientists say that processed meats can do serious damage to our bodies – and likely to our pups, as well.
Today, the World Health Organization released a statement that they now classify processed meats in the same category as tobacco, asbestos and other carcinogens.
(No, I did not give my dog all of that bacon.)
While WHO says that the risk of cancer is small, there is sufficient evidence to label hot dogs, bacon, ham and others as carcinogens. According to their findings, daily consumption of 1.8 ounce of processed meat increased the risk of cancer, specifically colorectal, by 18%.
Obviously, our pups don’t consume that much processed foods, and some pup owners never give their dogs human food, but their bodies are smaller and the effects of these foods on them remains unclear. But, it definitely gives pawrents something to think about the next time we consider sharing bacon or hot dogs with our fuzzbutts.
Speaking of hot dogs, Clear Foods, a company that uses genomic analysis technology to keep track of the exact contents of our food, found that 2% of hot dogs contain human DNA.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Don’t get too concerned, there aren’t actual people in hot dogs. Clear Foods said that the contamination is likely from poor hygiene in the places where these foods are manufactured. Still, it’s a gross thought for us and even more ew-inducing to consider the idea that we might be feeding our pups people.
Even though that’s not the case… really… maybe… no, it’s still gross.
You can read Clear Food’s full report here.
Like most things, giving treats like hot dogs and bacon to your dog is a personal decision, but both of these pieces of news are giving us a lot to think about.
h/t Globe and Mail and Daily Caller.
