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Beef jerky is a popular product that many pet parents enjoy. And if pet parents love this source of protein, you can bet their canine companions do, too! But can dogs eat beef jerky?
Has your dog eaten beef jerky? Are you worried the beef jerky will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve put together some information about beef jerky and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Beef Jerky?
Beef jerky is made from thin strips of beef that are dried. Sometimes other flavors may be added to the jerky. Commercially prepared jerky can also contain a high amount of salt.
Jerky can be made commercially or at home!
While beef jerky is safe for humans, what about dogs? Can dogs eat beef jerky?
Beef Jerky & Dogs
Fortunately, beef jerky can be safe for dogs. However, there are some potential issues you should be aware of with this tasty treat.
When beef jerky is made commercially or at home, additional ingredients may be used. These can include salt, sugar, onion & garlic powder, and more. These and other ingredients can be toxic to dogs. So, the safest beef jerky for dogs is the kind that does not contain other flavors or ingredients.
In addition, some commercially prepared beef jerky may use xylitol in place of sugar. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs.
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Ask a Vet Live NowWhat to Do If Your Dog Eats Beef Jerky
If your dog has eaten beef jerky that’s commercially prepared, read the product packaging and check the product’s ingredients. If the jerky contains onions, garlic, sugar, or xylitol, call the vet immediately. This could be an emergency.
And if you can’t determine the beef jerky’s ingredients, call the vet. They will be able to provide the best advice and guidance for your canine companion.
Finally, if your dog eats jerky and develops any concerning symptoms, it’s best to call the vet. It’s possible your fur baby could develop diarrhea and vomiting from eating too much beef jerky. The good news is these symptoms should be limited and clear up on their own. But call the vet if you’re concerned or worried.
So, your canine companion can eat a little bit of beef jerky once in a while. But avoid feeding him jerky that’s made with ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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