Can Dogs Eat Biltong?

It is best not to give dogs biltong made for people. Although the meat itself may be familiar, human biltong is cured with salt and often contains spices or seasonings that are unsuitable—and sometimes toxic—for dogs.

If you want to offer a dried-meat reward, choose a product made specifically for dogs with a clear ingredient list and an appropriate serving size.

What is biltong?

Biltong is meat that has been seasoned, cured and air-dried. Beef is common, although other meats may be used. Recipes vary, but salt, vinegar, coriander and pepper are typical, while some products contain sugar, garlic, onion or flavourings.

That variation matters. You cannot judge whether biltong is suitable for a dog simply because it is made from meat.

Why is human biltong unsuitable for dogs?

It can contain a lot of salt

Dogs need some sodium in a complete diet, but salty human snacks can add far more than they need. A small accidental piece may not cause a problem for a healthy dog, but larger quantities can cause excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea or more serious salt poisoning.

Very small dogs, puppies and dogs with heart, kidney or other medical conditions may be especially vulnerable. Fresh drinking water should always be available.

Garlic and onion are toxic to dogs

Some seasoned or flavoured dried meats contain garlic, onion or related ingredients. These are toxic to dogs even when cooked or dried because they can damage red blood cells and lead to anaemia.

Always read the ingredients. Garlic powder and onion powder still count, and seasoning blends may not be suitable for pets.

Spices and rich ingredients can upset the stomach

Pepper, chilli, smoke flavourings, sugar and rich or fatty cuts can cause digestive upset. High-fat foods may also be particularly unsuitable for dogs with a history of pancreatitis or those on a prescribed diet.

Large or tough pieces can be difficult to swallow

Dried meat can be chewy. A large strip swallowed quickly may become a choking risk, particularly for small dogs or enthusiastic eaters. Dog treats should be appropriately sized and supervised.

What if my dog has already eaten biltong?

Check the packet and estimate how much was eaten. Contact your vet promptly if:

• the ingredients include garlic, onion, leek or chives
• your dog ate a large quantity or the salt content is high
• your dog is very small, young, elderly or has a medical condition
• they are vomiting, unusually thirsty, weak, restless, shaking or behaving differently
• packaging or an oxygen absorber was swallowed as well

Do not try to make your dog vomit unless a vet specifically instructs you to do so. Keep the packaging because it will help the vet assess the ingredients and amount.

Can dogs eat plain dried meat?

A dog-specific treat made from plain dried meat can be suitable when it is correctly prepared, stored and served in moderation. Check the label rather than relying on phrases such as “natural” or “high protein”.

Look for:

• a clear and short ingredient list
• no onion, garlic or unnecessary seasoning
• a suitable size and texture for your dog
• storage and feeding instructions
• a reputable product made for dogs

Treats are complementary foods, not a replacement for a complete diet. Include them within your dog’s daily allowance.

Dog-friendly alternatives to biltong

Dewkes offers dried-meat treats made specifically for dogs, including:

• Chicken Jerky made from chicken breast
• Beefy Sticks made from beef tendon for supervised chewing
• Porky Scratchings for a crunchy meat-based reward
• Pure-meat training treats in small pieces for walks and training

Every dog is different, so check the individual product ingredients and feeding information. Introduce an unfamiliar treat gradually, supervise chewing and stop if it does not agree with your dog.

The simple answer

Human biltong is not a sensible everyday treat for dogs because the salt and seasonings vary, and some recipes contain toxic ingredients. A clearly labelled dried-meat treat made specifically for dogs is the safer and easier choice.

Explore the Dewkes pure-meat dog treat range for dog-specific alternatives.

Further reading: PDSA guidance on onion and garlic poisoning in dogs.