Can cats eat jerky? It’s a question that has likely crossed the minds of every cat owner at some point.The answer, as it turns out, is a bit complicated. While there are many types of jerky available on the market, not all of them are safe for cats to consume.

In this blog post, I will provide you with all the facts about jerky and whether or not cats can eat it.But as you’ll find out in this article, there is a lot that goes into what makes a food “jerky.”

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that they require animal protein to survive. While there are many different types of jerky available on the market, not all of them are safe for cats to eat.

What Exactly Is Jerky?

The term “jerky” is used to describe a variety of dried, cured, or smoked meat products. The most popular type of jerky is beef jerky, but poultry, fish, and venison are also common types of jerky.

Jerky is made by slicing meat into thin strips and then drying it out. It can be done in a variety of ways, including using a dehydrator, smoking the meat over low heat, or air-drying it. Jerky is often seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or other spices before being dried.

What Are The Ingredients In Jerky?

While the ingredients in jerky vary depending on the type of meat used, most types of jerky contain

  • meat,
  • salt,
  • sugar,
  • pepper,
  • Flavourings
  • and spices.

Some versions also contain soy sauce or teriyaki sauce. Some versions also contain preservatives such as sodium nitrite or BHA/BHT to help keep the meat from spoiling.

Jerky that is made from wild game often contains additional ingredients like onion powder, celery seed powder, and black pepper. This is because different meats have different flavors and it can be difficult to make a consistent flavor across all types of jerky.

Can Cats Eat Jerky?

Cats can eat jerky in moderation, technically, but it is not a recommended food item for them. Jerky is high in fat and salt, which can be harmful to cats. It can also contain other ingredients that are toxic to cats, such as onion powder and garlic powder.Cats can only consume meat that is specifically designed for them, and most types of jerky do not meet these requirements.

Jerky that contains soy sauce or teriyaki sauce is not safe for cats.These sauces contain sodium and potassium levels that are too high for cats and can cause serious health problems if consumed in large quantities. Jerky that contains preservatives like sodium nitrite or BHA/BHT should also be avoided as these chemicals can be harmful to cats.

While there are some versions of beef jerky that are specifically marketed for cats, these versions typically only contain a small amount of meat and a lot of other unhealthy ingredients.

It’s important to remember that just because something is marketed for cats doesn’t mean it’s good for them. In fact, many cat foods are loaded with unhealthy ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy.

If you insist on feeding your cat jerky, it’s important to make sure that the jerky is made of human-grade meat and is free from additives, preservatives, and other chemicals. It’s also important to ensure that the jerky is not too salty or spicy, as these ingredients could potentially upset a cat’s stomach.

Stick to natural jerky made from real meat sources like chicken, beef, or pork.

If you’re wondering whether or not your cat can eat jerky, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid giving it to her altogether.

List Of Side Effects Of Jerky On Cats:

  • Salt toxicity:Excessive salt intake can cause a cat to become dehydrated and experience kidney problems. Excessive amounts of salt can cause a condition called hypernatremia, which is when there is too much sodium in the blood. This can lead to a number of serious health problems, including brain swelling, seizures, and even death.
  • Dehydration:Jerky is high in fat and salt, which can cause a cat to become dehydrated. This is because both of these ingredients can inhibit the body’s ability to absorb water.Dehydration can lead to a wide variety of health problems in cats, including kidney damage, liver damage, and even death.
  • Vomiting:Jerky is a dense and chewy food item, which can be difficult for cats to digest. This can lead to vomiting in some cats.Vomiting can also lead to the development of gastritis or other stomach problems.
  • Diarrhea:The high fat and salt content of jerky can also lead to diarrhea in some cats. It can also lead to the development of other digestive problems, such as gastritis.
  • Constipation:The chewy texture of jerky can also lead to constipation in some cats. Constipation can cause a cat to become uncomfortable and may lead to the development of other health problems.
  • Infections:Jerky can also contain bacteria that can cause infections in cats. If a cat consumes raw jerky, she is at risk fordeveloping bacterial infections like salmonella and E. coli.
  • Toxicity from other ingredients : In addition to the salt and fat, jerky can also contain other harmful ingredients that are toxic to cats.Onion powder and garlic powder are two common ingredients in jerky that can be toxic to cats.These ingredients can cause a cat’s red blood cells to burst, leading to anemia. They can also cause liver damage and gastrointestinal problems.

Will Eating Jerky Kill A Cat?

While it’s not likely that eating jerky will kill a cat, it can cause a variety of serious health problems.Consuming large quantities of jerky can lead to a number of serious health problems in cats, including dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and infection.

Garlic and onion flavorings are common ingredients in jerky, and they can be harmful to cats.These ingredients can cause a cat’s red blood cells to burst, leading to anemia. They can also cause liver damage and gastrointestinal problems.

If your cat has consumed excessive amounts of jerky, it’s important to take her to the veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian will be able to diagnose the problem and provide treatment if necessary.

What To Do If Your Cat Has Eaten Too Much Jerky?

If your cat has eaten too much jerky, there are a few things you can do to help her.

  • First, remove all of the jerky from her diet and make sure she doesn’t eat any more.
  • Second, provide plenty of fresh water for her to drink.
  • Third, monitor her for signs of vomiting, diarrhea, or other digestive problems.
  • Fourth, take her to the veterinarian if she begins showing any signs of illness.

When To Take Your Cat To The Veterinarian?

There are a few instances when you should take your cat to the veterinarian after they have consumed excessive jerky pieces . These include:

  • If your cat has vomited or had diarrhea for more than 24 hours,
  • Seek immediate veterinary attention if your cat exhibits signs of dehydration such as sunken eyes, lethargy, dry mouth, or excessive panting.
  • If there is blood in their vomit or stool.

If you are unsure whether or not to take your cat to the veterinarian, it is always best to call and speak with a professional. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action depending on the situation.

What Are The Alternatives To Jerky For Cat?

There are a few alternatives to jerky that you can offer your cat. These include:

  • Canned tuna or salmon:This is a good source of protein for cats, and many cats enjoy eating it.
  • Cooked chicken or turkey:These are also good sources of protein and many cats enjoy them.
  • Baked or boiled eggs:Eggs are a good source of protein and fat, and many cats enjoy them.
  • Yogurt:This is a good source of probiotics, which can help to keep your cat’s digestive system healthy.

You can also consult with your veterinarian about other suitable food options for your cat.

Parting Words

Jerky is not the best option for your feline friend because it is higher in sodium than most other meats and doesn’t offer much nutritional value- so if you want to give them something meaty, try some chicken breast strips or another form of ground beef instead. 

So as you’ve seen, there is a lot of debate about whether or not cats can eat jerky. We hope that by reading this article and understanding the science behind it all, you are able to make your own decision for yourself.

Remember that feeding your cat food with too many preservatives could be dangerous for them.

If you’re looking for a healthy snack that your cat may enjoy, try some chicken breast strips with all of the fat trimmed off; this should make them easier to chew and digest!

I hope this blog post has answered any nutrition related questions you had about whether cats can eat jerky or not ! If there is anything else I didn’t cover in detail or if you still have more specific questions on this topic, feel free to reach out with your concerns by clicking the contact button below.

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Meow for now 🙂

XoXo

Genie