Can Cats Eat Beef Jerky?

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Have you ever wondered if cats can eat beef jerky? Maybe you recently opened a bag of jerky to snack on and your cat crawled into your lap begging for a bite. You might think beef jerky is safe for cats to eat because it’s meat-based, but before giving your cat a nibble of any new human food, it’s a good idea to do a bit of research to make sure it’s safe.

Cats can eat many of the foods people do, and some human foods are even healthy for cats in moderation. However, some foods are not safe to feed cats, either because they cause gastrointestinal upset (like diarrhea or vomiting) or because they are toxic. Let’s find out if cats can eat beef jerky.

Is Beef Jerky Good for Cats?

Although meat products are essential in a cat’s diet, jerky is not a suitable choice for cats. Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com

The short answer is no – although many humans consider beef jerky to be a tasty snack, beef jerky is not good for cats.

So why isn’t beef jerky safe for cats? Although most meats, including beef, are a healthy source of protein for cats, beef jerky is not safe for cats due to the way it’s prepared. The main problem ingredients in beef jerky are sodium, nitrates, nitrites, artificial flavors, spices, and seasonings.

“Human beef jerky contains too much salt, which can lead to dehydration and high blood pressure,” said Emma Passman, a commercial pet nutritionist based in the United Kingdom. “Ingredients in beef jerky like nitrates and artificial flavors can be harmful to cats. Many beef jerky products also contain onions, garlic, or other spices that are toxic to cats.”

Another problem with beef jerky is the fact that this dehydrated meat has an extremely chewy and tough texture, making it difficult for felines to chew properly and digest. It could even pose a choking hazard.

What to Do if Your Cat Eats Beef Jerky

Feeding your cat beef jerky is not advisable, but what if your cat accidentally gets into a package of beef jerky and eats it? Unless your cat eats a large amount, an unintentional one-off beef jerky snack is probably not going to do any harm. Do your best to keep beef jerky away from your cat, but if your cat sneaks a small piece it’s not likely to cause issues.

If your cat eats a large amount of beef jerky, keep a close eye on them to watch for digestive issues (diarrhea or possibly vomiting) or other symptoms. Eating large quantities of salt can lead to sodium poisoning, which causes cats to drink excessively, vomit, become uncoordinated, have muscle tremors and even seizures. Beef jerky which contains garlic or onions is toxic to cats and can cause anemia, with symptoms including lethargy, pale gums and breathing difficulties.

If your cat appears well with no signs of illness or upsetmonitor them carefully for a few days. Encourage your cat to drink plenty of water to flush excess salt out of their system, and feed small amounts of highly digestible food to help settle their digestion.

If your cat seems to be feeling unwell after eating a large amount of beef jerky, contact your veterinarian for advice. Even if their symptoms appear minor, it is best to err on the side of caution and seek expert advice.

What Feed Your Cat Instead of Beef Jerky

Canned fish is a safe alternative treat for a cat. Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com

If you’d like to treat your cat with a small bit of meat, Passman recommends some alternatives to beef jerky you can consider:

• Freeze-dried meat treats: Single-ingredient freeze-dried chicken, turkey, or fish treats designed for cats.
• Homemade jerky: Thinly sliced, unseasoned meat (chicken, beef, or fish) dehydrated at home specifically for your cat.
• Cooked lean meats: Plain, unseasoned boiled or roasted chicken, turkey, or beef in small amounts.
• Canned tuna or salmon: In water (not oil or brine), as an occasional treat.