Cat bodies are sensitive to sodium, so too much of it can lead to the felines death due to dehydration. You shouldn't give your cat Slim Jims. Its a great way to ensure that meat doesnt spoil and lasts for extended periods. While humans love sweet flavors, cats lack the taste buds to taste them. Beef jerky is primarily dried beef and cats are obligate carnivores, so it makes sense that many cats will start mooching pretty hardcore when the pack of jerky comes out! Guinea Pigs. Samwiseisthebest 4 yr. ago My cat ate a whole bag of beef jerky. 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. Special Note! Contact Us: (800) 709-3572 Want To Send Us A Letter? Through extensive research and caring for our own fur-pals, were able to provide something cat owners worldwide will love. Cats seem to love eating sweet things, and chocolate is no exception. Other Advice. What may seem like a few innocent beef jerky treats, then, could lead to many more severe health complications. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. 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. Theyll be able to determine if your cat is at risk and inform you of symptoms to watch for, and when/if you should bring them into the clinic. In this article, well take a quick look at beef jerky and whether or not it can make your cat sick. If you wouldnt eat it, dont feed it to your cat! You dont have to go far or buy fancy treats; many good options can be found at home in your kitchen. There probably are some cats that wouldnt be terribly interested in beef jerky (I own at least one of them). In addition to salt, sodium nitrate is sometimes used to preserve the meat. Can cats eat beef jerky? Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on all things jerky. To accomplish this process, a lot of salt is necessary. Like all owners, I enjoy giving my cats a little treat every now and then. When snacking on a bag full of beef jerky, you might start to wonder if your cat can have a piece as well. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Store-bought jerky is often quite high in sodium. Todays beef jerky isnt just dried meant, however. For safety reasons any unidentified flavorings are best avoided. Of course, in some cases the beef jerky may contain preservatives or additional ingredients. Your email address will not be published. Therefore giving your cat, this snack can result in sodium poisoning. Just like people, cats can have allergies. And if you have a cat, youve probably noticed that the scent of beef jerky really whets his appetite as well. Beef jerky is mainly made of beef and salt. Beef jerky is a popular treat for cats. Contact. Dr. Jamie Whittenburg is a vet with 15 years of clinical experience. Cats tend to be very talented snake hunters. Can Cats Eat Beef Jerky? If you do have some beef jerky near your kitten, make sure to keep this packet out of their reach. Chicken can also be an allergen to cat, so youre not even reducing that risk by switching from beef to chicken (unless you know your cat isnt allergic to chicken). Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. Cats can eat beef jerky, and they're a good source of protein. ), Why Are Cats Afraid Of Balloons? As mentioned before, too much sodium causes an electrolyte imbalance in cats. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Their bodies are designed to digest proteins found in beef. - Pet Advisers Can A Cat Eat Beef Jerky? Small pieces of cooked chicken, beef, turkey, and other deli meats are fine to sample out to her. Required fields are marked *. How Much Beef Jerky is Safe for My Cat to Eat? So, if your cat has stolen a small piece (or even a whole) of beef jerky, chances are he will be OK! Many owners also object to their cats begging in the kitchen or at the dinner table. Garlic is poisonous and even lethal to felines. Fatally Flavored Beef Jerky Cats are carnivores, and in the wild, they depend on their natural instincts to survive. Your cat is also used to eating cat food with a softer consistency, so the tough meat may be hard for them to chew, especially if its a large piece. For instance, garlic beef jerky is dangerous and toxic of all beef jerk flavors. 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. Cats have committed carnivores, which implies they should have meat in their eating routine to survive and be healthy. Cat Health. The salty meat we all love can wreak havoc on a cats health due to the high amount of sodium. It is still pure meat, so cats, the little carnivores that they are, may come running when their noses catch a whiff of beef jerky after the package is torn open. Youll be the first to find new products, snag offers and discounts, scope reviews and spot blogs. But cats can start playing with it and can end up accidentally ingesting it. Our advice: head to the pet store and pick up a package of jerky-esque cat treats to share with him while you eat your beef jerky. Chemical preservatives are bad for cats but they are cheaper than natural ones. Many cats will come running when they smell beef jerky. This popular snack was created with humans in mind, not felines. Its easy to absentmindedly leave your desiccant packets out on the counter or table after you open your bag of jerky and your cat may interpret this as a snack offering. If your cat consumes enough beef jerky flavored with onion and garlic powder, it can make them very sick and may even cause death. Cat Diet . Cat's shouldn't be eating beef jerky, as it is high in both sodium and seasonings that can be toxic to cats in large quantities. Make sure your cat has access to freshwater when they are nibbling on jerky so they dont get too thirsty! Cats can be sweet and loving. Small treats are key to managing a cats weight. Most of the abundantly available beef jerky has some extra flavor, such as jalapeno, teriyaki, or pepper. What cat doesnt love fish? But can you share some of your jerky with your cat or should you be keeping it far away, beef content notwithstanding? The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Email us at [emailprotected], However! A chemical called theobromine, which is contained in chocolate, and is in higher concentrations in bakers and dark chocolate, cannot be metabolized by cats. You should not feed your cat organic beef jerky because the ingredients are typically the same as regular beef jerky, theyre just organic. Dr. Whittenburg operates her own hospital in Lubbock, TX, named Kingsgate Animal Hospital. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. And his source was from the most unexpected of places - a random guy in Thailand he had met while living there. 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. Jolie1086 4 yr. ago Thank you!!!! Please consult a veterinarian before making any decisions. The treat has high sodium content dangerous to felines. Firstly, sodium poisoning can cause dehydration. Cats are no different. If theyre fed human foods often enough, it may also lead to health issues, such as weight gain, indigestion, etc. Most of the beef jerky produced for human consumption is very high in sodium so it would be best to find one that is low sodium or to give your cat beef jerky that is made specifically for cats. I feed my cats Old Trapper Old Fashioned Beef Jerky every so often as a treat. Cats have evolved to eat fresh meat thats softer, wetter, and more tender than beef jerky. I only gave her two little chunks from the jerky I was eating, and she seems to be in love now. 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. Thank you for the information. Cats should stay away from Slim Jims whenever possible. Other beef allergy symptoms include vomiting, low appetite, general inflammation, and diarrhea. In general, if you give your furry feline a small sampling of beef jerky, shell likely be fine. A cat's natural diet includes meat and small amounts of vegetables. The rubbery consistency is unlike that of traditional cat foods and treats; therefore, if a cat gets too big of a piece, she might not be able to chew it as well as she should since the texture is so foreign. This is called an obligate carnivore.. Yes. Beef allergies can manifest as itching, skin irritation, redness, and sometimes hair loss. He could also develop symptoms related to ingesting garlic/onion powder and salt. Silica gel is a desiccant, which is a substance that absorbs moisture from the surrounding environment. For instance, garlic beef jerky is dangerous and toxic of all beef jerk flavors. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Be wary of overly spicy meats as they may result in a gastrointestinal upset for your cat. Although the occasional beef jerky treat made for human consumption is fine for cats, snacks tailored to them are healthier and they might even enjoy them more. Youd think that cats would have no problems eating beef, but thats often not the case. Or, she might think its chewed thoroughly enough and pre-emptively swallow it. To accomplish this process, a lot of salt is necessary. There are, in fact, some manufacturers who make beef jerkyforcats. Even a tiny amount of either ingredient can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and the rupturing of red blood cells a symptom thats often fatal. These flavorings alone can be harmful to your feline. Since refrigeration and canning technologies are quite recent discoveries, removing the moisture from the meat was the most reliable way to ensure that it could be preserved. Our furry friends also love drinking from flowing water, so if you can install a pet fountain for them, it will encourage them to drink more. It can also be a choking hazard! In this way, you can easily understand why some food that is safe for you is not safe for your cat to eat. However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. However, your cat may also experience stomach upset, vomiting, and/or diarrhea if they eat beef and are allergic to it. Animal tissue contains several nutrients that aren't found elsewhere in nature, including the amino acid taurine, a fatty acid called . that is specially processed without added salt and in a biologically-safe environment. And thats easy enough because just about every pet store sells some form of cat jerky treat. Our team writes about everything related to cats; even the most complex of topics. In order to actually make jerky, meat is cured in a salt solution and then dried. I was a bit spooked when I read that flavored types should be avoided. There are, in fact, some manufacturers who make beef jerky. Its not toxic, but it can cause a blockage that will require some help to remove. Their delicate electrolyte balance is also easily disrupted by too much sodium. Cats need meat every day and fresh beef is a good source of animal protein. Cat treats can help strengthen the special bond between you and your cat. The ingredients include preservatives like sodium, flavors, and seasonings. However, in general, ensure that the meat your give your cat is cooked well and not spoiled. I found this info very interesting. Even my cat has shown interest in beef jerky before, though she usually doesnt want to eat it. But this is only the basic jerky; when you start looking at the flavored jerky, you have the potential for far more serious problems. Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. A tiny sliver of meat, for example, ham, turkey, or roast beef, is likely the best choice to try with your cat as a treat. Often used to flavor snacks like chips and beef jerky, they are poisonous to cats. So naturally, many people assume that beef jerky would be a perfectly fine snack and even good for cats. The sodium overdose can lead to swelling of the legs and unbalance; it can also lead to permanent kidney damage. Senior cats and cats with kidney disease or diabetes are especially susceptible to sodium poisoning. 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! Also, while it is meat, its not something cats should eat very often. Salt prevents bacterial growth and eliminates the need for refrigeration and its undeniably tasty to boot. (And we bet your cat would love it!) The meaty aroma that fills the air when you open a bag of beef jerky is pretty much guaranteed to make your mouth start watering. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Beef jerky is not safe for cats to eat. Also, theyre a high-protein source with small amounts of healthy fats to go along. Have a look around, and leave us feedback anytime! Some sugar-free beef jerky is sweetened with xylitol, an artificial sweetener thats deadly to cats. 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. If so, then youve come to the right place! Other than salt, sodium nitrite is often used as a preservative in beef jerky. These foods can make great treats in small amounts. Check out our blog to learn more about beef jerky health stats. To be on the safe side, it is best to avoid any flavored jerky. Every pet parent wants the best for their furry friend. Beef jerky can also lead to dehydration, fluid buildup, kidney damage, and choking in cats. Cat-friendly jerky is actually usually made from things like fish and chicken, not beef! If they swallow the whole packet contact your veterinarian for further instruction. Additionally, beef jerky can lead to choking, dehydration, kidney damage, and fluid build-up in kitties. Unlike humans who know to drink water with their jerky, cats are notorious for not drinking enough water and beef jerky gets them dehydrated all the faster. Cats are pure carnivores and beef jerky is essentially not anything more than dried meat, so you can feed it to your cat. Yes, cats can eat beef jerky. Cats are strictly carnivores, meaning they only eat meat and meat byproducts. Jerky has been around in human diets for millennia. Before giving your cat any type of human food, you should do a deep dive into what seasonings may be toxic. These two factors make this an unhealthy treat for a cat. (Reviewed by Vet) Reviewed By Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS Updated: 02/18/23 3 min read Health Digestive System Excited Cats is reader-supported. And for a cat, that usually means playtime. Kitten Care. But teriyaki includes a lot of salt and additional ingredients like soy sauce, onion, sugar, chives, roots, and garlic or ginger. Cats. Your cat will get a nice intake of fish oils that help keep their coats shiny and smooth. The sugar isnt toxic to your cat, but it can contribute to weight gain. Treats can be used as a method to increase the love between humans and pets. This site contains affiliate links. But its also easy to accidentally grab a packet along with a piece of jerky and toss both to your cat without realizing it. These tips apply whether you are shopping for a commercially made treat or simply looking around your kitchen. My fat gray cat knows the sound of the beef jerky bag and will flip his shit when he hears it. Salt is also used in the jerky making process to help prevent bacteria growth and may also be used for flavoring in jerky marinades. This content is not veterinary advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. (See What The Vet Says!) Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website! We'll introduce you to some of the most delicious, off the beaten path jerky makers around! Origins of Beef Jerky: How the New World Shaped Our Diet, Beef Jerkys Premium Price: 7 Factors You May Not Know. Beef allergies can manifest as itching, skin irritation, redness, and sometimes hair loss. If your cat gains too much weight, it may need to be put on a specialty diet which will complicate your life as much as theirs. It usually includes other ingredients for flavoring and preserving. Although making teriyaki beef jerky is easy and delicious, which is why the cat loves to taste it. Either way, your cat could choke on the desiccant packet, requiring you to intervene as described above in section 3. If a cat accidentally eats beef jerky, there might be some harmful side effects depending on the amount of beef jerky consumed. Beef jerky is a popular treat amongst humans but can cats eat beef jerky? It is quite difficult, however. However, this rubbery texture poses a special threat to cats. All rights reserved. Last, but not least, you may want to refrain from giving your cat beef jerky because it could lead to bad eating habits. For starters, beef jerky manufacturers load the snack with sodium to best preserve it (and make it more delicious!). Therefore, theyre often loaded with sodium, seasonings, and preservatives; ingredients fine for human consumption, but not for cats. So, jerky has been around for a very long time. So, in general, its best to stick to traditional cat treats for your pretty kitties. Although its unlikely your cat will consume enough beef jerky for the sodium nitrate to be toxic, the chemical compound has been found to lead to the death of cats (source). Beef jerky is another one of those foods thats been around for thousands of years. Many cat owners have wondered, is beef jerky good for cats? First, Do Cats Like Beef Jerky? The soy sauce adds even more salt to already salty jerky, sugar adds calories with no nutritional value and can raise blood sugar levels (which can cause health problems for diabetic cats), and garlic is toxic to cats. Garlic has been shown to be toxic for cats, and even lethal in high doses. Always cook the eggs before giving them to your cat, as raw eggs may contain bacterial contamination. Is beef jerky bad for cats? Pet Stories. Required fields are marked *. Unfortunately, while these two seem like they would make the perfect healthy snack, they can cause life-threatening kidney failure. 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. The concern is that your cat could become dehydrated. Basically, it's the process of making beef jerky that makes it unsafe for cats to eat. Wondering what your cat can and cannot safely eat is very common. Your cats diet should consist mostly of cat food and other foods created specifically for felines; however, the occasional meat snack is okay for your cat to have. The last thing you want is for a tasty treat to lead to a kitty in distress and you with an expensive new vet bill. The reason grapes and raisins cause kidney failure had been a mystery for many years, but recently scientists have discovered the cause. Why Do Cats Like Emery Boards? ), Are Bubbles Safe For Cats? Adding more salt to their diet can cause dehydration, and if they eat enough jerky, they could consume toxic levels of sodium. Added Sugar Can Lead to an Obese and Unhealthy Cat, High-Sodium Foods Can Lead to Dehydration, .

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