Is Bacon Really Made Out of Dogs? Get the Facts on This Bizarre Rumor

As a lover of all things bacon, I was shocked the first time I heard the claim that bacon is made from dogs. This bizarre rumor has circulated for years, scaring bacon enthusiasts everywhere. In this article, I’ll explore the origins of this false claim and reveal the truth behind how real bacon is produced.

The Disturbing Dog Bacon Rumor

Rumors that bacon is made from dogs began circulating online around 2015 The most popular iteration claims that large corporations send stray dogs to China to be slaughtered and turned into bacon

Understandably, this claim horrifies most people The thought of beloved pets being killed for their meat is appalling But there is simply no evidence to back up this urban legend. It is a fabrication spread through social media.

In one viral TikTok video with over 500,000 views, a woman warns viewers to stop buying bacon from large chain stores. She insists the meat comes from boiled stray dogs shipped from the U.S. to China. Her serious tone lends an air of credibility to this baseless rumor.

Comments on the video show many viewers believed the fake news. The rumor gained traction by preying on emotions and mistrust of corporations. But spreading misinformation ultimately does more harm than good.

What Bacon is Really Made From

To clear up this falsehood, let’s outline what real bacon is made from. Bacon consists of cured and smoked pork belly. The pork belly is cut from the underside of a pig, then cured, smoked, and sliced to make bacon.

Pigs have been domesticated and used for meat for over 9,000 years. Pork is the most widely consumed meat globally. Bacon is just one popular processed pork product made from specific cuts of the pig.

The Origins of the Dog Bacon Myth

So how did this disturbing myth originate? There are a few potential sources that may have spawned the rumor that corporations turn dogs into bacon.

First, there are some unusual dog treats on the market made from cured and smoked pig skin that are marketed as “bacon flavored.” This could confuse consumers into thinking real bacon contains dog meat. Of course, these dog treats only contain pork, not actual dogs.

Additionally, the consumption of dogs does occur in some parts of the world. In parts of Switzerland, Nigeria, and South Korea dogs are eaten by a minority of the population. This legal dog meat trade combined with confusion over pork dog treats likely fueled the mythology that corporations secretly sell dog bacon in stores.

Finally, general mistrust of large companies may contribute to the rumor’s popularity. Stories of shocking corporate misdeeds make some consumers overly suspicious. But there is simply no credible evidence for the dog bacon claim.

Why the Rumor is Harmful

While the dog bacon rumor is clearly false, it can still do real damage. Spreading misinformation encourages fear and hurts the reputations of both the pork and pet industries.

For pork producers and processors, the rumor damages their credibility and questions the integrity of their products. Bacon enthusiasts may come to see this classic food as tainted or unethical.

For the pet industry, the myth increases irrational fear about stolen pets being abused. This may make pet owners less likely to adopt dogs in need.

Combating misinformation with facts is important. While the idea of dogs becoming bacon is disturbing, consumers can rest assured this is nothing more than an unfounded internet hoax.

Inside the Real Process of Making Bacon

To give peace of mind to bacon lovers everywhere, let’s walk through the standard steps for actually producing bacon for consumers.

Step 1: Selecting the Pork Belly

Bacon begins with pork bellies harvested from pigs bred specifically for meat production. Only the belly area—not other cuts of the pig—is used to make bacon.

Step 2: Curing with Brine

The pork belly is cured by pumping or soaking it in a water brine solution. The brine contains salt, sugars, and curing agents like sodium nitrite or potassium nitrate.

Step 3: Smoking and Drying

After brining, the pork belly is smoked to add flavor and color. Wood chips from maple, hickory, apple, or other woods impart a smoky taste.

Step 4: Slicing and Packaging

Once fully cured and smoked, the pork belly is sliced into the familiar strips we know as bacon. The bacon is then packaged for consumers.

Step 5: Cooking and Enjoying!

Finally, the finished bacon arrives in stores or restaurants where it is cooked to crispy perfection. From there, bacon lovers can enjoy this tasty treat on its own or incorporated into all kinds of dishes.

As we can see, real bacon bears no resemblance to the disturbing rumors about dogs being used. Pork bacon is its own unique product with a rich history and culinary tradition.

Clearing Up Another Bacon Myth

While we’re on the topic of clearing up bacon misconceptions, let’s briefly tackle another common myth. Some people claim turkey or other poultry bacon products are healthier alternatives to pork bacon. However, this is not necessarily true.

Turkey bacon is often just as high in saturated fat and sodium as pork bacon. It goes through a similar curing and smoking process. The only advantage may be slightly fewer calories, but most of the fat and sodium remains.

When choosing bacon, going with a high-quality, uncured pork product in moderation is likely the healthier choice. And sticking to veggie-based proteins like beans often offers the greatest nutritional benefits.

The Takeaway: Bacon Comes from Pigs, Not Dogs

The disturbing rumor that corporations secretly turn dogs into bacon is completely unfounded. Real bacon is made solely from cured and smoked pork belly. While the myth may have originated from confusion over dog treats or cultural differences, there is absolutely no truth to this urban legend.

Bacon producers take pride in crafting quality cured meats from well-raised farm animals. Their products do not contain dubious ingredients or false advertising. Consumers can confidently continue enjoying bacon knowing it comes from pigs, not pets.

With the facts laid out, hopefully bacon lovers everywhere can rest assured understanding exactly where bacon comes from. Next time you hear the false claim that bacon is made from dogs, help combat misinformation by sharing the truth on this bizarre myth.