Most beef jerky products we find in the market are flavored. Cats are also known to love the chewy texture and meaty flavor of beef jerky. Developed by DeshTech Solutions. Beef jerky is extremely high in sodium; when a cat consumes a high quantity of sodium, it can result in sodium poisoning. Although a small amount of this would not harm your cat, this chemical compound is toxic enough and has been a cause of death amongst cats. They contain many essential nutrients and more importantly do not contain excessive amounts of salt. Can Cats Eat Pine Nuts? Stick to healthy cat snacks there are plenty to choose from. Instead of, giving them as a treat. The jerky might give your cat a boost of protein and encourage them to try out other foods. Although I had been eating jerky since as far back as I could remember, I was genuinely blown away by the flavor. Cats and Rice Cakes: Safety, Nutrition, and Causes. Your cat might be a beef lover and sits along with you to binge-watch your shows and munch on some beef jerky snacks. In this case, they may be put off by the texture or just dont care to eat food that they see their humans eat. Dried meat is typically too tough for most cats to chew and digest properly. Cooked chicken is an ideal healthy high-protein treat for any cat, though its not enough to feed them this alone. Avoid giving your cat table scraps or human food, as these can be high in fat and harmful to their health. Sodium poisoning usually presents first as intense dehydration and thirst, causing the cat to drink far more water than normal. If youre talking about jerky or roast beef that has been dried out in a dehydrator, then your cat probably may not like it. The amounts are really small for a single serving. The excessive amount of protein can also cause dehydration as well as an inability to produce urine. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. I could only find one piece of jerky left even though I'm positive there was a lot more in the bag. Along with this, you can also try giving your cat bananas, cheese, melon, carrots, rice, etc., to your cat during snack time if the cat has no problem with it. A veterinarian can help you determine how many treats they can safely have in a day or week, as well as what is best for their specific needs. 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. On the other hand, some stores selling beef jerky are highly toxic for cats because they contain high sodium and spices, which causes dehydration, stomach problems, and vomiting in cats. If your cat has eaten beef jerky and is showing symptoms of poisoning, take them to the vet immediately. The reports involve more than 6,200 dogs, 26 cats, three people, and include more than 1,140 canine deaths. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Cat owners should know that some forms of jerky come with added sugars and sodium, while others contain MSG (monosodium glutamate) which has been linked to several health issues in humans including headaches and difficulty breathing. Continue with Recommended Cookies. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive. Thats why jerky is often loaded with it in various forms: soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, meat tenderizer, curing salt, and, of course, regular old table salt. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a diet that is primarily made up of animal proteins. Even a tiny amount of either ingredient can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and the rupturing of red . Can Beef Jerky Kill Cats? And cats are especially sensitive to high sodium levels, making beef jerky a serious feline health hazard. Its not toxic, but it can cause a blockage that will require some help to remove. From there, symptoms can progress to low appetite, weakness, lethargy, behavioral changes, seizures, and even unconsciousness. It is a good practice if you could use a food dehydrator for this purpose. These things are not suitable for the felines digestive system as the cats digestive system does not produce such vital enzymes to digest rich food. If your cat got into a bag of jerky and ate several pieces, it will probably be all right, but make sure it has access to plenty of water. This will lead to upset stomachs in your cat, and eventually, it will fall dangerously ill. You can try replacing the beef jerky with something cat-friendly snack, to avoid the unwanted scenario. Cats are much more sensitive to . However, it is not recommended to give beef jerky or any other human food to cats, as it can lead to digestive issues, dehydration, and other health problems. Meat Beef, pork and lamb are popular choices for jerky. The Truth About Interbreeding, Can Cats Eat Alfredo Sauce? I have found this video showing how you can make homemade beef jerky. The Truth About Feline Nutrition, Can Cats Have Jerky? Garlic and onion contain compounds called thiosulfates, which can cause oxidative damage to a cat's red blood cells and lead to anemia. Well, it depends on the type of beef. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Other beef allergy symptoms include vomiting, low appetite, general inflammation, and diarrhea. Fortunately, beef jerky can be safe for dogs. (Theyre not good for humans either!). Dont we? Privacy Policy | Bamboo on Trellis Framework by Mediavine, Cooked chicken is an ideal healthy high-protein treat for any cat, Heres a link to see reviews, flavors and prices. Cats can eat beef jerky but they shouldnt. The treat contains high sodium content which can lead to sodium poisoning if felines consume it. You can offer teriyaki beef jerky to your kitty cat as an occasional snack. Make sure your cat has access to freshwater when they are nibbling on jerky so they dont get too thirsty! Did your cat eat a pile of jerky? These are ensuring both your cats and your healths safety. Your cat might be a carnivore, but that doesnt mean they should only eat meat. Most of these products contain highly toxic elements such as; According to ASPCA, the above items are highly toxic to cats; even if there are used in human foods. As a general rule, no more than 10% of a cat's daily caloric intake should come from treats. Slim jims contain high levels of sodium and fats which can prove toxic to dogs when they eat too much slim jims. While your cat may enjoy the taste of beef jerky, it is not smart to share it with them on a regular basis. Beef jerky is typically too high in protein for a cats diet; they lack the necessary enzymes to digest proteins found in meat that are higher than 10% on the dry matter basis (DM). Homemade beef jerky is the best. But there might be a chance that your cat is allergic to beef. But the beef jerky available in stores is full of artificial flavors. If your cat loves snacks, you can try giving something healthier and cat-friendly instead of the toxic beef jerkyfor example, the dried fish. Let's take a look at this snack in greater detail and see how is the connection between beef jerky and dogs. They seem thrilled to eat them. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Is it okay to give my cat a small piece of beef jerky as a rare treat? Thats why most vets are recommending wet cat foods for your cats and kittens. Well, we all know those items are really toxic to ourselves too. We'll start with some basic facts about cats, and then provide answers to all the kitty jerky questions you can think of! So be careful. Cats really shouldnt have more than a piece or two every once in a while. Then eventually, it will make your cat vulnerable to a deadly illness. Cats will love them as a treat. Beef jerky, assuming its safe, to begin with, is a reasonable treat to give a cat, but its still a treat. Beef jerky can also lead to dehydration, fluid buildup, kidney damage, and choking in cats. That way, you can control the ingredients and ensure that there is nothing there that could make your cat ill. Just keep an eye on them if they fall sick and bring them instant aids. These ingredients can damage a cat's red blood cells and cause anemia, which can be serious or fatal if left untreated. So naturally, many people assume that beef jerky would be a perfectly fine snack and even good for cats. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. While cats are obligate carnivores and can eat meat, jerky is often highly processed and may contain a lot of salt and other additives that are not healthy for cats in large quantities. So a sizable, challenging piece of meat might be complicated for them to chew and swallow. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Its tempting to slip a cat a slice of beef jerky snack and believe it can do no harm. Further, if possible, giving homemade beef jerky is the best choice other than any commercial product. Because of this, they frequently contain high levels of sodium, spices, and preservativesingredients suitable for human consumption but not for cats. Felines can also be like human snacks. Its a good idea to encourage this and refrain from giving your cat any other salty food that day. If you let your cat eat beef jerky on a regular basis, there is a strong chance this will lead to salt poisoning. Living With Cats. That way he can feel included during treat time and you can stop feeling guilty for withholding beef from your carnivorous companion! @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-walkwithcat_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0-asloaded{max-width:336px!important;max-height:280px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'walkwithcat_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_4',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-walkwithcat_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Even though it is a good source of protein, you should not give them regularly. Further, she volunteered in cat rescue centers in her leisure time. When beef jerky is made commercially or at home, additional ingredients may be used. If your cat starts displaying symptoms of illness, contact your vet for information and advice. Fattier meats may become rancid quickly. If you notice this on your cat, obviously stop feeding your cat jerky and go back to their usual treats and food. She has a passion as a writer and editor for pet publishing industry too. A packet of beef jerky will not miss in our kitchen. The answer is yes and there is more to it. Are the packets in beef jerky poisonous to cats? Take a look at your cat's treats. A small pack of beef jerky contains a 1-ounce portion. Here is the answer So, Can Cats Eat Beef Jerky? You may have asked why? Here is a brief research on how good or bad beef jerky is for cats. Ill simplify it for you. The vet may induce vomiting and provide supportive care to your cat to ensure a full recovery. Cat Behaviour. Beef Jerky Often Contains Ingredients That Are Toxic to Cats, 3. Now, lets see how much nutrition beef jerky contains. That means, do not give beef jerky as a full meal. This causes stomach upset in cats. Symptoms of methemoglobinemia include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. More. The other issue with beef jerky is that it is salty and dried which makes you thirsty, let alone your cat. Guinea Pigs. When it comes to feeding your cat treats, it's essential to keep their health and safety in mind. Cats are able to enjoy an occasional treat, but they should eat more natural food as their main diet and maybe occasionally have little bits of meat with high sources of protein for them to thrive! While beef jerky might seem like a delicious snack for your kitty, it could lead to deadly consequences. Cats are carnivores, so they will love the fact that beef jerky is made out of meat. No, beef jerky cannot kill cats; however, it can cause some serious health issues if consumed in large amounts regularly. She is a cat expert with 20 years of experiences in field. Some of these may include onion powder, garlic, sodium, and nitrites. Also Please Note That We are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Walk with Cat program is a free resource place specially composed for cat owners. Manage Settings Let us find out more about Cats and Beef Jerky. Your cat is also used to your pampering and the cat food you give them. Pet Owners. There probably are some cats that wouldnt be terribly interested in beef jerky (I own at least one of them). High sodium content, spices and additives, and the risk of choking make it a less than ideal treat for your feline friend. Yes. If your cat tries to eat beef jerky and chokes, youll need to act quickly to pull the jerky out of his mouth with your fingers.