We all love our pets and want to do the best for them. However, in many cases, it can seem a little difficult to ensure they’re getting the ideal nutrition - and, since every dog is different, there are no hard and fast rules to follow when it comes to the best meats and proteins for dogs.
In line with this thought, today, we’re taking a look at some of the different meats for dogs that you might want to try, including which meats are bad for dogs and that you might want to avoid and which are generally considered to be the healthiest. But remember, this is just a general guide, and you should always seek professional veterinary or nutritionist support for your beloved pooch to ensure they’re enjoying the healthiest diet for their needs.
Are All Meats For Dogs Created Equal?
Before we go any further, we should first start by asking ourselves, are all meats for dogs created equal? Well, the reality of this is that, no, not all of the different meats for dogs are the same, and some can offer different nutritive and allergen properties for your canine friends.
Why is it So Important to Provide the Best Type of Protein for Your Dogs?
Providing the best type of protein for your dogs is essential for different reasons. Of course, the main reason for most dogs is simple: the nutritional status of different meats will differ, and giving your dogs the right type of protein is important to ensure they’re getting a suitable intake of both protein and vitamins/minerals.
Furthermore, not all meats will necessarily agree with each dog’s stomach! In fact, some meats are much more prone to cause allergic reactions in your pet than others. However, this is an individualized thing, as each dog will have different nutritional requirements and allergies. Food sensitivity can also make certain meats more or less suitable for your pet.
The Different Meats for Dogs You Could Try
There are many different types of meats that you could try for your dogs. Of course, these vary widely regarding availability, nutritional status, allergenic properties, and price. Thus, these factors must be weighed to ensure your pet’s diet is appropriate.
Some of the most common types of meats for dogs include:
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Lamb
- Beef
- Fish
These are often the most common types of meat that you’ll find in your dog’s diet, along with other particular cuts. Offal is also a common addition to your dog’s diet, providing a wealth of minerals; for example, liver, kidney, heart, and tripe are all common nutritive additions to dogs’ diets, both for raw and commercially prepared foods.
However, while these are the most common types of meats, they’re not necessarily the optimal diet for dogs. In particular, since many dogs eat these meats regularly, allergies and sensitivity to such diets are not uncommon. This can leave people searching for alternative meat and protein sources for their dogs. Hypoallergenic and novel meats such as ostrich, venison, buffalo, bison, alligator/crocodile, and many more are widely considered here.
In the end, variety is the spice of life! As such, when designing a diet for your canine friend, consider adding plenty of different meats to help ensure a diverse platter of foods. Don’t forget that dogs are generally considered to be more omnivorous than obligate carnivores like cats, as such, adding grains and veggies to your pet’s diet, if appropriate and on veterinary or professional nutritional guidance, could also be a great source of protein for your pet.
What are the Best Meats for Dogs Overall?
Overall, there’s no single “best meat for dogs” since this will depend on your pet’s individual nutritional status and allergies. Instead, feeding your dog a diverse diet with lots of different types of meats is generally recommended to help avoid them developing allergies to specific types.
Following this line of thought, it’s often also recommended to introduce novel meats into your dog’s diet, such as ostrich and venison, which are often fed to dogs which are sensitive to common alternatives such as chicken, beef, and lamb.
These meats - among others - are widely considered to be hypoallergenic, making them a safer bet if your dog has been suffering from allergies. They are also highly nutritious, ensuring your pet doesn’t miss out on that all-important protein source.
Benefits of Ostrich for Dogs
Ostrich is a delicious and healthy red meat alternative, offering the same satisfying texture and flavour as beef. It's packed with protein and surprisingly low in fat, calories, and cholesterol, making it a great choice for dogs, just like it's becoming increasingly popular for humans.
Ostrich is a rare protein source, meaning it's less likely to cause allergies. This makes it perfect for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. It's also an ideal ingredient for elimination diets, helping to identify potential food triggers.
We invite you to give your pup a taste of something special with our new Ostrich Jerky Strips! It's a healthy and delicious treat that's perfect for training or just a tasty reward. Made from the same high-quality ostrich meat we use in our other products, the jerky strips are tender, low-fat, and easy to break into bite-sized pieces, making it perfect for pups of all ages (12 weeks and up). It's also low in odour and highly palatable, so even picky eaters will love it.
This jerky is a healthy way to give your dog some enrichment, responsibly sourced, hypoallergenic, and naturally low in fat, making it a guilt-free snack you can feel good about giving.
Here's a quick look at the nutritional breakdown (per 100g):
- Crude protein: 18%
- Crude fibre: 2%
- Natural oils and fats: 13.9%
- Moisture: 18%
- Crude ash: 2.7%
Benefits of Venison for Your Dog
Venison is a fantastic choice for dog owners who are looking for a healthy and environmentally friendly option. It's a superbly sustainable meat, producing less than a third of the carbon emissions compared to beef.
It is a relatively uncommon protein source for dogs, which makes it less likely to trigger allergic reactions. And if your dog hasn't tried venison before, chances are it won't cause any problems.
Venison is a good source of B vitamins and minerals, including B12, niacin, riboflavin, iron, phosphorus, and zinc. The B complex vitamins are essential for healthy blood cells and good metabolism, keeping your pet full of energy for walks and playtime.
Compared to other protein sources, venison is leaner, with only 159 calories per 100 grams and just 3.3 calories from fat. This makes it a great option if you're looking for a healthier choice for your dog.
Final Thoughts
Every dog’s digestive system is unique. Your pet’s diet should always be carefully tailored to their particular needs. However, while there’s no hard and fast rule as to which proteins are the best meats for dogs to enjoy, several are widely considered to be healthier or less likely to cause allergic reactions. Inevitably, it would help if you always got your vet involved to help find the perfect meats for your dogs.
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