Jerky-style dog treats can provide delicious and long-lasting chew treats, but should only be given in moderation as they may lead to the risk of bacterial infection and possibly cause choking hazards.
Find jerky made from grass-fed beef without additives, preservatives or flavors, such as garlic, onions, peppers or xylitol that is harmful to dogs.
Contents
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Jerky treats are low in fat and designed to promote chewing which is essential for dental health. Plus, they’re high protein snacks and training rewards – perfect! But be wary: these treats should not replace a well-balanced diet; occasionally dogs may experience mild vomiting or diarrhoea from eating too many beef jerky treats!
Dehydrated beef jerky treats typically use dehydrated dehydrated beef that includes meat by-products like heart, gullet (oesophagus) and lung to produce this treat that is typically sold in thin strips or sticks.
FDA, in collaboration with veterinarians and the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN), conducted investigations of jerky pet treat products implicated in reports of illness in dogs including gastrointestinal issues and Fanconi-like syndrome. FDA determined that most often implicated was contaminated with antibiotic residues; necropsies conducted on some dogs with Fanconi-like syndrome showed changes to kidney tubules, suggesting this treat contributed to its development.
Sodium
A dog’s diet should contain minimal sodium levels, yet most store-bought beef jerky contains too much. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one ounce of beef jerky contains over 1,300 milligrams of sodium — that represents nearly one quarter of their recommended daily sodium intake!
Jerky created specifically for dogs is often an appropriate treat in moderation, providing high amounts of protein as well as essential minerals like iron, vitamin B12, magnesium and zinc – essential components to good health for any canine companion.
These treats are slow-dried to reduce salt intake and make them healthier choices than many commercially available chews and treats for dogs. Furthermore, their highly palatable nature makes them highly motivating rewards in fear-free training sessions, encouraging chewing that naturally helps remove plaque and tartar accumulation in teeth.
Preservatives
Beef jerky can be used as a high value chewable treat to provide positive reinforcement during training sessions, and larger chews can also help alleviate stress and anxiety while providing mental enrichment for dogs. Furthermore, they may reduce plaque and tartar build-up when combined with a tooth brush.
Jerky treats contain high levels of protein, an essential nutrient for dogs. Protein helps with cell repair, hormone production and muscle growth – so too little protein could result in health complications – before changing how much you feed your pup, always consult your veterinarian first.
Jerky treats are composed of beef by-products and may include unsuitable parts for human consumption, including heart, lungs and the oesophagus (gullet). While certain brands clearly state their country of origin and ingredients traceability is easy; others do not provide such transparency. Furthermore, there have been reports of illness associated with imported jerky-style pet treats from China such as Fanconi Syndrome and Thyrotoxicosis resulting from eating these treats.
Side Effects
Beef jerky offers more than just reduced plaque and tartar levels; it can also foster fear-free training sessions that strengthen bonds between owner and dog. Small pieces can serve as high-value rewards in reward-based training to reinforce desirable behaviors like sitting or leaving toys alone.
Jerky is composed of dehydrated meat, and when eaten in large amounts it can cause your pet to become dehydrated. This is especially true with spicy or garlic-flavored jerky products; thus it’s essential that they have access to clean drinking water while snacking on this treat.
Certain jerky products contain seasoning ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic and onion. Thiosulfate found in these ingredients damages red blood cells causing hemolytic anemia which leads to symptoms including excessive diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy; in extreme cases kidney failure and even death could ensue.
