Beef jerky is a favorite snack among human beings. It is chewy and savory and full of flavor and this makes it an attractive snack to give to pets. However, with dogs, the matter is not that straightforward. The question that many owners ask is; can a dog safely eat beef jerky? Although dogs are creatures of fervent meat eater, not every human food can feed them and beef jerky belongs to the category of dangerous food. The knowledge of what can make jerky potentially harmful and what can be taken to replace it safely is significant to any dog owner.
The Beef Jerky to Dogs Advert
The beef jerky has strong smell, which attracts dogs naturally. Their attention is drawn to the smell of dried and seasoned meat. Since dogs are carnivores in nature, the owners might think that beef jerky is simply another meat and hence nothing harmful. Nonetheless, the process of preparation of jerky to be consumed by humans can affect pets in an extremely harmful way. Salt, spices, sugar and preservatives are added in order to improve the taste and the shelf life, but these ingredients do not match the digestive system of a dog.
Beef Jerky in Moderation? Can a Dog?
The simple solution is that dogs cannot consume the normal beef jerky that is meant to be consumed by human beings. Although a small portion will not be harmful to you instantly, treating or having it as a snack of a delight will accumulate health issues in the long run. Jerky typically has excess sodium and dogs are much more sensitive to salt than a human being. Even a little overload of salt will cause one to become dehydrated, high blood pressure or in extreme situations sodium poisoning.
The other issue is the usage of onion powder and Garlic in most of the jerky products. Both ingredients are wicked to the dogs and may cause destruction of their red blood cells, causing anemia. Therefore, the answer to such a question as can my dog eat beef jerky is no, only under the condition that it is aimed at dogs in particular and that it is not composed of harmful additions.
Is Teriyaki Beef jerky a snack that dogs can eat?
Teriyaki beef jerky is one of the variants of the jerky that is the most dangerous to dogs. This type of jerky is normally marinated in some marinades that include soy sauce, sugar and spices. Soy sauce is extremely high in sodium and is therefore not safe to the dogs when used alone. High sugar levels may cause obesity, dental problems and even diabetes in dogs. Other additions that teriyaki jerky can include include ginger, garlic or chili flakes all of which can be upsetting to the stomach of a dog, or even fatal.
Therefore, the question of whether or not dogs can consume teriyaki beef jerky is a resounding no, since the number of ingredients that are added to it is vast.
The Reason Why Beef Jerky Is Hazardous to Dogs
To better comprehend the reasons why beef jerky is not a safe snack, it is good to consider the primary hazards it causes to the health of a dog:
Excess Sodium– Dogs require very little salt in their food. Jerkys can easily contain more sodium than is safe in a meal to a dog.
Toxic Ingredients– Flavored jerky is typically made with garlic, onion and chili which are also toxic to dogs.
Additives and Preservatives – Preservatives can be chemical and increase the shelf life of a product but are harmful to the digestive system of a dog.
Digestive Problems – Jerky is rough and chewy and some dogs may not digest it and thus have constipation or bloating.
Obesity Risk – Fatty or Sugary jerky contains extra calories, which can lead to obesity when fed on a non-regular basis.
What to Do When Your Dog Eats Beef Jerky?
When your dog is able to acquire a small piece of beef jerky, then there is no need to panic immediately. Dog bite would not lead to severe harm in most occasions, yet you are supposed to be vigilant of your dog. Watch out to know when you are too thirsty, vomiting, diarrhea, or acting in a strange manner. When your dog consumes a lot of it, particularly a lot of flavored jerky such as teriyaki then your veterinarian should be contacted immediately. Professional consultation about the serious complications can be avoided easily.
Healthier Substitutes of Beef Jerky
The positive thing is that you can keep your dog happy by not depriving him of a jerky-like treat in its entirety. Dog safe options in the market are available. Numerous pet stores offer jerky treats that are specifically designed to be fed to dogs; these jerky treats may be made of dehydrated beef, chicken, or salmon. They are made without a combination of harmful spice, salt or preservative thus being safe and healthy.
Home made jerky may also be made. It is as simple as dehydrating lean cuts of beef or chicken without any seasoning added to it and you end up with a high protein snack that your dog will enjoy. Home-cooked treats involve the ability to regulate the ingredients and to be sure that nothing toxic gets into the food of your pet.
How to Choose Safe Dog Treats?
You should always look at the ingredient list when you are purchasing treats to your dog. Find out items that contain simple and natural ingredients and, do not purchase anything containing artificial flavors, salt, or sugar. Good quality dog jerky treats normally consist of single or two ingredients, including pure dried meat. It is also a good thing to check with your veterinarian about the best brands to use particularly when your dog has dietary restrictions or health problems.
Conclusion
So, can dogs eat beef jerky? The answer to this is no to the safest when it comes to human-made jerky. A small portion might not be harmful to your pet right now, but the amount of salt, spices, and preservatives is so high that it is a dangerous decision. Dogs, especially, should not be served teriyaki beef jerky because of its large content of sodium and sugar. To give your dog a treat, you can buy jerky snacks in animal form or make your own, using unseasoned raw meat. Your dog will remain happy and healthy and not be at risk like with the human jerky products by providing safe options.