Dogs are descended from wolves, but this doesn’t mean their diets are the same. Dogs have evolved a lot since humans decided they needed furry companions. This means their diets have also evolved.
You’re probably not going to feed your dog a fresh prize from your latest hunting trip. There’s also a good chance your pooch isn’t going to know what to do with the trophy.
Since not every meat product is a great option for your pet, you may be asking yourself can dogs eat beef jerky. The answer isn’t an automatic yes or no, instead, it’s more of a maybe.
Can Dogs Eat Beef Jerky?
Overall, beef jerky is generally safe for dogs to eat. However, make sure it comes from a single dried meat source and doesn’t contain any additives or preservatives that may be unsafe for dogs. Stay away from beef jerky intended for human consumption. This type of jerky may contain seasonings that, while safe for people and delicious, can be harmful ingredients for dogs.
Some homemade jerky, store-bought jerky dog treats, and natural types of beef jerky can all be great options. Just check the ingredients list, and, if in doubt, talk to your veterinarian. Like we mentioned earlier, as long as you leave off the seasoning, most types of beef jerky are perfectly safe for puppers to enjoy as a tasty treat.
Essential Tips on Giving Your Dog Beef Jerky Treats
Before ripping open a package of beef jerky for your dog, take a minute to consider things like checking the ingredients. The type of beef jerky can also make a difference in whether it should be a dog or human treat.
Homemade beef jerky is the best option. You can make beef jerky dog treats by drying meat at home. The process isn’t too complicated, but it does take time. In other words, it’s not something you can make in a couple of hours. Making dog-safe natural beef jerky involves drying lean beef and adding almost nothing. The add-ons that flavor processed products like beef jerky sticks may not be safe for dogs. Stick with plain beef jerky.
Always go with beef jerky that has a low sodium content. Dogs can’t handle the same amount of sodium (salt) as you can, so watch how much is in your dog’s beef jerky. Special jerky flavors like teriyaki beef jerky, peppered beef jerky, spicy beef jerky, or soy sauce–glazed jerky will likely have too much sodium. These are also flavors usually found in human-grade snacks, not ones geared for your pooch.
Large quantities of spices, like black pepper, also aren’t good for dogs. These and similar spices can give them an upset stomach and potentially cause excess urination. This can possibly lead to issues with dehydration. To help keep man’s best friend safe, there are some important ideas to keep in mind:
- Look for dog-friendly jerky snacks. Many dog food companies make a style of beef jerky custom-formulated for pets. Give your dog this kind of beef jerky, and keep the human-grade beef jerky for yourself.
- Always avoid jerky that contains onion or garlic. Onions and garlic are common seasonings found in different types of beef jerky. They are part of the allium family, which is toxic to dogs. Keep your dog’s beef jerky free of seasonings like onion or garlic powder. Remember, the beef jerky is for your dog and not for you to snack on.
- Steer clear of xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many human foods. Occasionally, it pops up in flavored beef jerky. The purpose is to add flavor and increase shelf life. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. It can cause an upset stomach in small quantities, but larger amounts can be deadly. If jerky contains any xylitol, keep it far away from your dog.
- Feed your furry best friend beef jerky in moderation. Even the best jerky can be harmful if you feed your dog too much. Your dog should only be receiving around thirty percent or less of their daily calories from treats like beef jerky.
- Don’t be afraid to try other types of meat jerky. Beef isn’t your only option. Your furry friend will probably love chicken jerky and turkey jerky, too. As with beef jerky, always check the ingredients label and consider homemade or dog-specific jerky.
Go ahead and give your furry best friend a treat they’ll love. Beef jerky is usually perfectly okay for dogs, as long as the ingredients are safe. If you’re not sure if you or your pooch should be eating the beef jerky, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet.
