Beef jerky is another one of those foods thats been around for thousands of years. Cats should stay away from Slim Jims whenever possible. There probably are some cats that wouldnt be terribly interested in beef jerky (I own at least one of them). Seeing those big eyes staring up at you, silently begging for a morsel of jerky it can be hard to resist sharing your snack with your cat. The bad news is that if the cat ate the whole packet it might cause an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract. There are a few ingredients to be aware of: Two common ingredients used to flavor jerky are onion powder and garlic powder. Yes. The answer to this question is yes. Sodium is not usually present in a cats natural diet and they are easily upset by small quantities. Beef Jerky Often Contains Ingredients That Are Toxic to Cats. They may eat other things, including grasses and grains, but they do not need to do so to survive. Incidentally, this will make it healthier for you too! If your cat eats a small bite of beef jerky, it shouldn't be a probelm, but monitor your cat for any digestive upset and consult your veterinarian if necessary. In the event that your cat is allowed to eat human food, care must be taken to ensure that you only allow the kitty to have small amounts. Origins of Beef Jerky: How the New World Shaped Our Diet, Beef Jerkys Premium Price: 7 Factors You May Not Know. If you constantly let your cat eat off your plate or have a nibble of the foods you eat, they may constantly want what youre having. Therefore, theyre often loaded with sodium, seasonings, and preservatives; ingredients fine for human consumption, but not for cats. (And we bet your cat would love it!) Cats seem to love eating sweet things, and chocolate is no exception. Every pet parent wants the best for their furry friend. These flavors and spices can be hazardous to your kitty. I was scared until I read the ingredients! Contact Us: (800) 709-3572 Want To Send Us A Letter? Beef jerky is high in sodium and can lead to sodium poisoning in cats. Onion and garlic are in the allium family, and alliums are toxic to cats. If your cat consumes enough beef jerky flavored with onion and garlic powder, it can make them very sick and may even cause death. To the surprise of many loving cat owners, beef jerky is not safe for cats. Other Advice. Now that we know what foods not to share with a cat, we can move on to discussing the foods that we can share with our feline friends. The ingredients include preservatives like sodium, flavors, and seasonings. A better human-food alternative? The Seasonings May Be Toxic to Cats In general, if you give your furry feline a small sampling of beef jerky, shell likely be fine. To make the beef jerky, the meat is covered with spices such as salt, pepper, vinegar, and garlic, making the snack enticing for humans. Write To Us At: 19046 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. What happens if cats eat beef jerky? - Pet Animals Care There are other alternatives that are much safer and healthier for your cat than beef jerky. Additionally, beef jerky can lead to choking, dehydration, kidney damage, and fluid build-up in kitties. What Will Happen If My Cat Feeds On Beef Jerky. Ask a Vet Live Now My Cat Ate Beef Jerky Will He Get Sick? Can Cats Have Beef Jerky? - BeefJerky.com You know when you go in for a bite of beef jerky, and you have to tear it with your teeth? Beef jerky is not safe for cats to eat. Beef Jerky Is Too High in Sodium for a Feline Diet, 2. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. But can you share some of your jerky with your cat or should you be keeping it far away, beef content notwithstanding? Is beef jerky bad for cats? They say the way to truly bond with anyone is through food. While cats are carnivores and do love meat, beef jerky for human consumption should not be given to your feline friends. Search . These are made specifically with a cats physiology in mind to prevent harm. Though its high in sodium and touts other ingredients not necessarily healthy for feline digestive systems, a tiny piece wouldnt do too much harm. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Another snack that packs a protein punch, cheese, and eggs both are favorites among cats. Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes. Samwiseisthebest 4 yr. ago My cat ate a whole bag of beef jerky. Some foods that are perfectly fine for human consumption can be hazardous and even downright fatal to cats. Traditional beef jerky consists mainly of beef and is first soaked for long periods in a curing solution and then dried. Cat treats can help strengthen the special bond between you and your cat. If theyre fed human foods often enough, it may also lead to health issues, such as weight gain, indigestion, etc. While cats will likely enjoy beef jerky, its just not smart to give them this popular snack. But too much sodium isnt good for any organism, whether human or animal. The other issue with beef jerky is that it is salty and dried which makes you thirsty, let alone your cat. And be sure to call the vet for any concerning symptoms or for diarrhea/vomiting that lasts longer than 24 hours. Salt is also used in the jerky making process to help prevent bacteria growth and may also be used for flavoring in jerky marinades. None of the cats I have owned have shown a particular interest in beef jerky. Contact. Jerky has been around in human diets for millennia. Therefore giving your cat, this snack can result in sodium poisoning. However, in general, ensure that the meat your give your cat is cooked well and not spoiled. When not at work, Dr. Whittenburg enjoys outdoor activities, reading, and spending time with her family. A large piece of jerky should be taken away from a cat to ensure they dont choke on the tough piece of meat, or try to swallow before fully chewing it and cause damage to their digestive system. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? The most important thing to keep in mind when considering feeding human food as a cat treat is what foods may be dangerous. Now that beef jerky is not a good option for cats, theres a need to find other safer and healthier choices for cats. Zinc - Zinc aids in cell production and growth. The curing solution used for beef jerky is typically made up of water, salt, and sodium nitrite. In severe cases, sodium poisoning could lead to permanent kidney damage. Cats are carnivores, and in the wild, they depend on their natural instincts to survive. Before curing, butchers add spices and other flavorings to the jerky to enhance the taste during the meat preparation. Lets get started! In addition to the salt, other ingredients may be included in your beef jerky that can also be harmful to your cat. In severe cases, feeding beef to a cat whos allergic to it could cause an anaphylactic reaction swelling of the throat and tongue that prevents breathing and is often fatal. Firstly, sodium poisoning can cause dehydration. Also, make sure your cat doesnt eat the silica packet found in bags of beef jerky. So, if your cat has eaten some beef jerky, chances are he will be OK. This popular snack was created with humans in mind, not felines. Despite this, some domestic cats have developed a taste for all manner of non-meat products such as sweets, baked goods, fruits, and vegetables, so just because they dont require them does not mean they do not like them! As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Teriyaki beef jerky is generally not a good treat to feed a cat. Beef Jerky Desiccant Packets Can Be Dangerous for Cats, Bottom Line: Dont Give Your Cat Beef Jerky. Required fields are marked *. For instance, garlic beef jerky is dangerous and toxic of all beef jerk flavors. When snacking on a bag full of beef jerky, you might start to wonder if your cat can have a piece as well. Everytime I eat Beef Jerky : r/cats - Reddit Beef Jerky and Beef in General Can Cause an Allergic Reaction in Cats, 5. Commercial beef jerky in particular tends to be problematic for cats. There are a handful of ingredients in beef jerky that are bad for cats. "If the diet they have at home is devoid of certain vitamins, minerals . In fact, beef is one of the most common feline food allergens, whether its in jerky form or not. Can I Give My Cat Beef Jerky Yes, cats can eat beef. Sodium isn't the only component of beef jerky that's potentially hazardous to your cat. Offer him small bits of fresh and well-cooked chicken or turkey. My cat loves it! Cats can eat beef jerky, and they're a good source of protein. In addition to ingredients created for long shelf life, beef jerky also have various flavors and seasonings unhealthy for cats. Basically, it's the process of making beef jerky that makes it unsafe for cats to eat. Its incredibly high in sodium (which is what keeps it so sustainable! Colorado has three native feline species: the bobcat, lynx, and mountain lion. He could also develop symptoms related to ingesting garlic/onion powder and salt. While your cat may not be able to share your beef jerky, you can still enjoy your favorite food! Its not toxic, but it can cause a blockage that will require some help to remove. I realized the best beef jerky doesn't come from a store. These foods can make great treats in small amounts. Your cat eating beef jerky can result in some bad outcomes. Beef can cause skin irritation, hair loss, or excessive itching once cats consume them. It is hard to find a plain beef jerky. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website! Sodium isnt the only component of beef jerky thats potentially hazardous to your cat. 10% OFF ALL ORDERS OVER $75 - CODE: NEWYEAR. The salty meat we all love can wreak havoc on a cats health due to the high amount of sodium. Keep in mind, however, that Kitty might enjoy it! If youre a softie of a pet owner (nothing wrong with that! Also, theyre a high-protein source with small amounts of healthy fats to go along. The same goes for cats, but they are not naturally big drinkers. Drying the meat is what helps preserve it, but it also makes it tough. Dr. Whittenburg operates her own hospital in Lubbock, TX, named Kingsgate Animal Hospital. Or, if every time you go into the kitchen, they jump up, run to your feet and start meowing. Your email address will not be published. This could be caused by the amount of salt found in beef jerky. Other than salt, sodium nitrite is often used as a preservative in beef jerky. Felines can't tolerate the high amounts of sodium contained in this trimmed meat. You dont have to go far or buy fancy treats; many good options can be found at home in your kitchen. If your cat eats beef jerky, there may be some harmful side effects depending on how much you give her. Theyre also more potent in powder form. Beef jerky is mainly made of beef and salt. Other beef allergy symptoms include vomiting, low appetite, general inflammation, and diarrhea. However, the selected beef jerky should be a quality product with minimum sodium, salt, MSG, and nitrites. You should not feed your cat organic beef jerky because the ingredients are typically the same as regular beef jerky, theyre just organic. But a couple of times a week or as an occasional snack is just perfect. Today, jerky is considered more of a treat rather than a main dish. In my fifteen years as a practicing veterinarian, I have come to love all animals, but cats are indeed unique. Silica gel is a desiccant, which is a substance that absorbs moisture from the surrounding environment. Many cat owners have wondered, is beef jerky good for cats? Many cat owners might be thinking that since cats are obligate carnivores that need to eat meat to survive, shouldn't it be fine to feed my cat beef jerky? Youll notice your cat becoming overly thirsty. To put it bluntly, no. Beef jerky with additional preservatives should always be avoided. Did your cat eat a pile of jerky? Our cat was so eager to have some that its good to know we can find it made just for cats. Beef jerky is a form of dried and salted meat. Even my cat has shown interest in beef jerky before, though she usually doesnt want to eat it. In most instances, your cat should be perfectly fine if they consume small amounts of beef jerky. In the event that your cat was ever to eat any of these foods, please call your nearest veterinarian immediately. Her area of expertise is small animal general practice, equine practice, surgery, and academia. If he ate a little more than a small amount, its possible your fur baby could be very thirsty afterward. Can Cats Eat Snakes? | Planet Feline Especially for predatory animals, the smell of meat makes their mouths salivate. (Find Out Now! If this behavior is to be discouraged in your household, then human food should not be used as a treat. Can Cats Eat Beef Jerky? Is it Safe - LearnAboutCat Learn more. Most jerky contains hot peppers and garlic, and neither of them is good for your cat. This content is not veterinary advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. Can Cats Eat Beef Jerky? > Live Long and Pawspurr Cat bodies are sensitive to sodium, so too much of it can lead to the felines death due to dehydration. that is specially processed without added salt and in a biologically-safe environment. And if your jerky is of the spicy variety, its even less suitable for your cat due to its hot pepper content. Both in the Allium family, onions and garlic can cause a blood disorder called hemolytic anemia. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on all things jerky. This website is where she gets to share her knowledge and interact with other cat lovers. I had just given him some Luckily the flavored one I had did not use any of the fatal ingredients, so hell be fine. Even though it is a good source of protein, you should not give them regularly. The bobcat and lynx are the most closely, Cats, for the most part, are not always the most affectionate creatures in the world, and for many cat lovers,, Sometimes a cat might need shaving. Jolie1086 4 yr. ago Thank you!!!! IS BEEF JERKY SAFE FOR CATS TO EAT? 6. And how often? Hamsters. We know its hard to say no to your cat, but giving him beef jerky just isnt worth the numerous risks to his health and safety. Xylitol causes a rapid decrease in blood sugar, which quickly leads to liver damage and, in many cases, death. You can also find pet-specific jerky that will be a lot safer for your cat to eat. These additional ingredients could potentially be hazardous to your feline friend. However, you need to know something about beef jerkys, and even if the treat is safe for cats, it does not mean they should just consume it. If your feline friend scratched their way into your bag of beef jerky and had a little nibble, they should be fine. Are Great Pyrenees Aggressive? As a pet owner, it is up to you to set boundaries for the animals in your care. Can A Cat Eat Beef Jerky? Now heres where things can get a bit problematic. Either way, your cat could choke on the desiccant packet, requiring you to intervene as described above in section 3. On the other hand, they tend to be very high in salt and sodium and the preservatives can cause health problems if your cat eats too much of it for too long.

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