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Have you ever ever puzzled if cats can eat beef jerky? Possibly you latterly opened a bag of jerky to snack on and your cat crawled into your lap begging for a chunk. You would possibly suppose beef jerky is protected for cats to eat as a result of it’s meat-based, however earlier than giving your cat a nibble of any new human meals, it’s a good suggestion to do a little bit of analysis to verify it’s protected.
Cats can eat lots of the meals individuals do, and a few human meals are even wholesome for cats moderately. Nonetheless, some meals should not protected to feed cats, both as a result of they trigger gastrointestinal upset (like diarrhea or vomiting) or as a result of they’re poisonous. Let’s discover out if cats can eat beef jerky.
Is Beef Jerky Good for Cats?
Though meat merchandise are important in a cat’s weight-reduction plan, jerky will not be an appropriate selection for cats. Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
The quick reply isn’t any – though many people take into account beef jerky to be a tasty snack, beef jerky will not be good for cats.
So why isn’t beef jerky protected for cats? Though most meats, together with beef, are a wholesome supply of protein for cats, beef jerky will not be protected for cats as a result of manner it’s ready. The principle downside substances in beef jerky are sodium, nitrates, nitrites, synthetic flavors, spices, and seasonings.
“Human beef jerky accommodates an excessive amount of salt, which might result in dehydration and hypertension,” mentioned Emma Passman, a business pet nutritionist primarily based in the UK. “Substances in beef jerky like nitrates and synthetic flavors might be dangerous to cats. Many beef jerky merchandise additionally include onions, garlic, or different spices which might be poisonous to cats.”
One other downside with beef jerky is the truth that this dehydrated meat has an especially chewy and difficult texture, making it troublesome for felines to chew correctly and digest. It may even pose a choking hazard.
What to Do if Your Cat Eats Beef Jerky
Feeding your cat beef jerky will not be advisable, however what in case your cat by accident will get right into a bundle of beef jerky and eats it? Except your cat eats a big quantity, an unintentional one-off beef jerky snack might be not going to do any hurt. Do your greatest to maintain beef jerky away out of your cat, but when your cat sneaks a small piece it’s not more likely to trigger points.
In case your cat eats a considerable amount of beef jerky, hold a detailed eye on them to observe for digestive points (diarrhea or probably vomiting) or different signs. Consuming massive portions of salt can result in sodium poisoning, which causes cats to drink excessively, vomit, grow to be uncoordinated, have muscle tremors and even seizures. Beef jerky which accommodates garlic or onions is poisonous to cats and may trigger anemia, with signs together with lethargy, pale gums and respiration difficulties.
In case your cat seems nicely with no indicators of sickness or upsetmonitor them fastidiously for just a few days. Encourage your cat to drink loads of water to flush extra salt out of their system, and feed small quantities of extremely digestible meals to assist settle their digestion.
In case your cat appears to be feeling unwell after consuming a considerable amount of beef jerky, contact your veterinarian for recommendation. Even when their signs seem minor, it’s best to err on the aspect of warning and search skilled recommendation.
What Feed Your Cat As an alternative of Beef Jerky
Canned fish is a protected different deal with for a cat. Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
In the event you’d wish to deal with your cat with a small little bit of meat, Passman recommends some alternate options to beef jerky you possibly can take into account:
- Freeze-dried meat treats: Single-ingredient freeze-dried rooster, turkey, or fish treats designed for cats.
- Home made jerky: Thinly sliced, unseasoned meat (rooster, beef, or fish) dehydrated at house particularly to your cat.
- Cooked lean meats: Plain, unseasoned boiled or roasted rooster, turkey, or beef in small quantities.
- Canned tuna or salmon: In water (not oil or brine), as an occasional deal with.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
What occurs if my cat eats beef jerky?
Beef jerky is excessive in sodium, which might trigger dehydration and hypertension. The preservatives and seasonings in beef jerky can be harmful for cats. In case your cat eats a considerable amount of beef jerky, contact your veterinarian for recommendation.
Can cats have Slim Jims?
No, cats shouldn’t eat Slim Jims. Processed dehydrated beef snacks like Slim Jims and beef jerky include substances that aren’t protected for cats.
Are jerky treats protected for cats?
Sure, jerky treats which might be specifically formulated for cats are protected for cats to eat. Nonetheless, they are often excessive in energy, so at all times give treats moderately.
