Slim Jims are a popular snack that can be found in almost any American store. It’s made of (dry) meat, or so the story goes. Meat jerky is another name for jerked meat. Whenever you get the munchies for something salty, Slim Jims are the only thing that comes to mind.
Although you may enjoy chewing on a Slim Jims stick, it might not be feasible to give it to your pet in the same manner. Slim Jims sound delicious, but are they safe for dogs to eat?
Can dogs eat Slim Jims?
Canine consumption of Slim Jims is not recommended. It’s not that the Slim Jims themselves are poisonous, but the added salt and preservatives make them a bad treat for your dog. To add insult to injury, your dog may become ill from eating Slim Jims because of the ingredients used in their production.
Are Slim Jims bad for dogs?
To answer your question, Slim Jims are not good for dogs. While the occasional Slim Jim treat is fine for dogs, making it a regular part of their diet is not. Let’s take a closer look at Slim Jims to determine if you should be feeding them to your dog and what exactly they contain.
What are Slim Jims?
You can find Slim Jims, or “meat sticks,” in the snack sections of most convenience stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies.
They’ve gone through some kind of processing, and they have a bunch of artificial stuff in them. Even small amounts of most of these synthetic additives can harm your dog’s health.
Slim Jims appear to be ubiquitous. Their market extends far beyond American shores.
More than a billion Slim Jim Snacks are manufactured every year by the company behind the brand, ConAgra. The location of the factory is Ohio.
Slim Jims are a type of snack food that are sold under the guise of being made of meat, but in reality are composed mainly of corn, wheat, and various parts of animals such as pigs, cows, poultry, and sheep.
Where do Slim Jims come from?
ConAgra, a food and farming conglomerate, owns the Slim Jims brand. ConAgra sells a variety of other brands as well. Of course, there are brands that emphasize healthy eating, but many of these companies also sell unhealthy, ready-to-eat frozen meals.
In 1998, ConAgra purchased Slim Jims from its previous owners. However, Slim Jims were first manufactured in the 1940s.
Adolf Levis and his business partner Joseph Cherry created this meaty snack stick. At first, they were only available in vinegar jars for use in restaurants and watering holes.
These days, they are readily available as a grab-and-go option for anyone craving something savory and meaty. The aroma and flavor of the umami makes one want more.
Fun Fact: Veggie Straws are another highly processed human food. Crunchy and delicious, Veggie Straws also boast a vibrant rainbow of hues. Is it safe for dogs to eat veggie straws? investigates this question.
What are Slim Jims made of?
Twenty different flavors of Slim Jims are available. These meaty snack sticks come in a variety of flavors, including beef jerky, pork rinds, and turkey jerky. Here are the components of the original Slim Jim flavor.
Types of Ingredients in a Slim Jim
- Chicken was separated by machine.
- Pork.
- Beef.
- Water.
- Soy flour with added texture.
- Salt.
- Corn sweetener.
All of the following make up less than 2% of a Slim Jim Original:
- Flavorings from nature (though many supposedly natural flavors are actually synthetic).
- Paprika.
- Paprika is taken out of the ground.
- Dextrose.
- Soy protein isolate; soy protein isolate (hydrolyzed).
- Starter culture containing lactic acid.
- A caramel hue.
- A concentrate made from malted barley.
- Grain starch; wheat flour.
- Nitrite of sodium.
- Maltodextrin.
- Acid citric.
- Lecithin from soy.
How are Slim Jims made?
ConAgra is responsible for making Slim Jims. There are more than a billion Slim Jims produced annually. You would think that something that’s this widely consumed would be healthy, wouldn’t you?
Humans, too, would do well to limit their consumption of Slim Jims to special occasions.
Slim Jims, surprisingly, are not made from just one kind of meat. Ingredients include pig, chicken, beef, and even sheep. I mean, is that it? Instead, Slim Jims have a number of different preservatives in addition to the wheat and starch that act as binders. Slim Jims contain a number of other ingredients, including:
- Genuine tastes
- Removing paprika from its plant.
- Dextrose.
- Protein isolated from hydrolyzed soy.
- This culture was started with lactic acid bacteria.
- Extract of malted barley.
- In this case, sodium nitrite.
- Maltodextrin.
- Hydrochloric acid.
It is common knowledge that chicken is disassembled mechanically to extract the meat. We can, however, rest assured that they are not the bird’s finest cuts. Similarly, ConAgra’s methods of acquiring meat are unclear. The manufacturing of Slim Jims is a shady business, one that is not ethical in any sense.
Slim Jims eat people for lunch. Avoid giving any of these to your beloved dogs, as they are not healthy even for people. Some sticks in your dog’s diet won’t hurt it, and it may even benefit it. Making this a regular practice, however, is like asking for health issues to arise with your dog.
Ingredients in Slim Jims
Let’s quickly identify which of the ingredients on that list are bad for Fido.
Don’t forget that these are just the worst-case scenarios, and that you’d have to take a very large dose to experience any of the negative effects.
1. Sugars
Slim Jims, despite being a salty snack, have three types of sugars: corn syrup, dextrose, and maltodextrin.
Fruits and vegetables are the only acceptable sources of sugar for dogs. Even though they taste sweet, artificial sugars are terrible for humans. Liver disease, obesity, bone and tooth loss, and other health problems are just some of the consequences for dogs.
2. Salt
The right amount of salt is essential for a dog’s health. The sodium in a dog’s diet is important for the health of the dog’s muscles and nervous system.
A 15-kilogram dog needs 100 milligrams of salt a day, and no more than 200 milligrams. Over time, dogs may experience health problems if exposed to more than this amount.
Sodium levels in processed foods are extremely high. There is 120mg of sodium in a single serving of Slim Jims (4 sticks).
Considering your dog will be getting some from its regular meals, this is an excessive amount for a snack. Some of the most serious effects of sodium poisoning are on the kidneys.
3. Sodium nitrite
Preservatives are always present in canned and processed foods. Despite their negative health effects, these additives are essential for extending the storage life of food. The Slim Jims production process includes the use of preservatives like sodium nitrite.
If a dog ingests enough sodium nitrite, it will become toxic. When combined with proteins in Slim Jims, it forms carcinogenic nitrosamines.
Carcinogenic nitrosamines cause cancer in animals and humans. All canned meat contains sodium nitrite, which is another reason why it shouldn’t be given to dogs.
4. Hydrolyzed soy protein
Generally speaking, hydrolyzed soy protein is safe for canine consumption. This flavor enhancer is chemically similar to the potentially toxic monosodium glutamate, but has none of the negative side effects.
Hydrolyzed soy protein is an excellent substitute for other proteins if your dog has trouble digesting meat.
Hydrolyzed soy protein, like monosodium glutamate (MSG), is used to enhance the savory flavors of foods and snacks.
Excessive amounts of MSG are toxic, according to studies, and can cause the following health issues:
- Diseases of the nervous system.
- Diseases of metabolism.
- Obesity.
- Impairments in reproduction.
The result is that processed food companies no longer include MSG in their meals and snacks. And they did it with soy protein hydrolysate. Tossing some savory snacks in your bag just got a whole lot more umami thanks to this flavor enhancer.
5. Beef and pork in Slim Jims
These are the two components of Slim Jims that are least likely to cause harm to your pets if they accidentally eat one.
Dog owners, on the other hand, have no idea how much hormone was given to their pets or what kind of food they were fed.
Thus, the beef and pork are of questionable quality, and there is no way that feeding our dogs such food will have any positive effects in the long run.
6. Corn, soy, and wheat
Slim Jims are made with ingredients that include soy, corn, and wheat. Allergies to wheat or gluten are extremely unusual in canines. However, Slim Jims shouldn’t be given as snacks to people with nut or peanut allergies because they may cause rashes.
When shouldn’t you feed Slim Jims to your dog?
Don’t give Slim Jims to your pet during these conditions. They are:
- An excessive amount of sodium can harm the kidneys and the heart of senior dogs.
- animals suffering from pulmonary edema (fluid accumulation in the lungs).
- The canine equivalent of the condition.
- Dogs who are too fat.
- Dogs with diabetes.
- Grain- and gluten-sensitive canines.
Does Slim Jims provide nutritional benefits for your dog?
Your dog or cat will not benefit nutritionally from eating Slim Jims.
There are four sticks in a single serving of Slim Jims. The average dog needs 25g of crude protein per day, so the 8g of protein in this diet won’t come close to meeting that requirement.
In addition, 14 grams of fat is the maximum amount they should consume daily. This means that giving your dog any additional table scraps will cause him to exceed his daily fat quota.
There is no nutritional value because of the abundance of additives, poor quality of the meat used, and high sodium content. No beneficial vitamins or minerals have been added for your dog’s consumption.
Helpful Hint: Your dog should not have Madeleines or any other snack that has no nutritional value. In our article titled “Can Dogs Eat Madeleines?,” we discuss the possible side effects that your dog may experience if it consumes this small cake on a regular basis.
What if my dog accidentally ate a lot of Slim Jims?
The high sodium content of Slim Jims is the main concern if your dog accidentally ate a lot of them.
The adverse effects of too much sodium depend on the size of your pup and the health of your dog in general. Possible signs and symptoms include:
- Restlessness.
- Extreme dry mouth.
- The heart was racing.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Body shakes.
- Seizures.
- Discomfort in the stomach.
- Coma.
- An accumulation of fluids.
Your furry friends need to go to the vet right away if you think they may have sodium poisoning. For information on how to get help, keep reading.
If my dog ate one or two Slim Jims, will he be fine?
If your dog accidentally eats one or two Slim Jims, don’t worry; they’ll be fine. He’ll be fine, but keep the Slim Jims out of your dog’s reach.
Because once they get their paws on one of those Slim Jims, they won’t be able to resist eating as many as they can.
A bowl of fresh, cool water should be provided alongside the Slim Jims to ensure that your guests don’t become dehydrated.
Symptoms to watch for
What happens if your dog eats too many Slim Jims depends on a number of factors, including the dog’s size and general health, as mentioned up top. There may be no signs at all for some dogs.
The following symptoms may indicate that your dog is allergic to one or more of the ingredients in Slim Jim meat sticks, and that you should avoid feeding them to your dog.
- An extreme need for liquids.
- Having to use the restroom frequently.
- Restlessness.
- Excessive and labored breathing.
- Vomiting.
Useful Suggestion: If your dog is feeling snacky, try satisfying their appetite with some wholesome foods like Brussel Sprouts, pumpkins, blueberries, and apples.
Treatments
Bring your dog in right away if you think he or she has food poisoning. Do not attempt to treat them in your own home.
Activated charcoal tablets (even those sweetened with sorbitol) should not be given to them. However, while it is effective at removing toxins, activated charcoal comes at the expense of fluids.
Your veterinarian may choose to use enemas or emetics to help your stomach upset. Mannitol or dexamethasone may also be used to help the dog.
Your veterinarian may recommend an intravenous (IV) treatment plan to gradually lower salt levels and restore electrolyte balance in your dog.
Reduce the dose gradually to avoid severe cerebral edema from the sudden drop in blood pressure. Possible treatment duration is between two and three days.
When there is an abundance of fluid in the extracellular or intracellular spaces of your dog’s brain, this condition is known as cerebral edema.
Canine brain swelling, or cerebral edema, can cause problems like high intracranial pressure and nerve damage. This can put pressure on the brain and its blood supply.
Only very small amounts of clean water should be distributed. Because of this, veterinary care should be prioritized. Toxic levels of salt in the body can cause severe thirst in your canine or feline companions. But there are downsides to drinking an excessive amount of water as well.
The brain may swell from too much fluid, and the kidneys may be overworked from trying to flush out the excess sodium.
Canine-friendly and safe alternatives to Slim Jims
If you want to stop giving your pets Slim Jims, here are some alternatives that are better for them.
- Instead, try swapping in some fresh produce, like green beans, butternut squash, apples, or carrots. Instead of rice, cook some barley for your dog. Put in some parsley as well.
- Avoid foods like grapes, chocolate, and macadamia nuts. The kidneys of your dog will suffer under the stress of these.
- Low in fat and calories, air-popped corn is a tasty way to keep your dog entertained. If you’re going to feed this to your pet, make sure they aren’t allergic to corn.
- Delicately sliced liver that has been slowly dried in the oven is a nutritious and delicious snack.
- Chicken breasts that have been simply cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces are another option.
Check the fat and sodium content before buying dog treats from any of the many pet food brands. Snacks that you make yourself are much more likely to be healthy.
Homemade healthy alternative
Dogs can’t benefit nutritionally from eating Slim Jims. Dog treats can be made out of any number of healthier foods. Make some homemade treats for your dog if you want to ensure he gets the best of both worlds: tasty treats without the negative health effects.
Meat jerky is easy to make at home, and your dog will absolutely go crazy for it. Easy homemade beef jerky that Fido will love!
Ingredients
- One pound of lean beef.
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- A little bit of turmeric
- Cut ginger into 2-inch chunks
Method
- Thinly slice the beef. The slices would taste better if they were cut thinner.
- Spiced ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon paste makes a delicious marinade for beef slices. However, you can omit the ginger if your dog does not enjoy its flavor.
- The beef should be marinated for at least two hours before being sliced and placed on a wire rack to cook. It’s important to leave enough room between each slice.
- In a 275°F oven, the beef jerky needs to be baked for two hours.
- Hold off on giving the jerky to your dog until it has cooled down. Keep fresh for up to a week in a sealed Ziploc bag.
- If you don’t want to use beef, you can substitute chicken and get the same great results.
Concluding our thoughts on dogs eating Slim Jims!
Being a dog owner is not a walk in the park. Every day, you face tough choices about your pet’s well-being.
You have to feed your dog healthy food no matter how tired or lazy you are. You probably shouldn’t feed your dog Slim Jims. While you may feel temporarily better, you should know that doing this repeatedly is detrimental to your dog’s health.
FAQs
How many Slim Jims can a dog eat?
Although Slim Jims aren’t toxic to dogs, you still shouldn’t give them to your pet. Never give a Slim Jim to your pet as a reward for good behavior.
If you must feed them, limit them to a quarter of a normal portion. And do so only occasionally, once every few months. One stick is equal to a quarter of a serving.
Can Slim Jims harm dogs?
If your dog eats a lot of Slim Jims, it could be bad for their health. Keep the Slim Jims up high where your dog can’t get to them to save money on vet bills.
Can dogs eat bacon?
A dog should not eat bacon because of the high levels of salt and fat it contains. Problems like pancreatitis and diarrhea are brought on by salty and fatty foods fed to dogs.
Can dogs eat beef jerky sticks?
Small amounts of beef jerky sticks are fine for dogs to eat. Beef jerky can be used as dog treats as long as you ensure that the ingredients and cooking method are dog-friendly.
Can dogs eat turkey jerky?
It depends on the ingredients, but yes, a dog can eat one piece of turkey jerky. If your dog has a salt or additive sensitivity, you shouldn’t feed them this jerky.
What happens if you feed a dog a Slim Jim
The meat in Slim Jims probably isn’t going to hurt your dog, but the additives could be a problem. Especially for some people, the high sodium content of Slim Jim’s could have negative health effects.
Dogs shouldn’t eat human food because of the risk of toxic ingredients. To learn about the potential dangers, please read the preceding section.