Dogs need protein for proper growth and development, and ground beef is an excellent source. In addition, ground beef provides other important vitamins like Niacin (Vitamin B3) and Cobalamin (Vitamin B12), plus calcium that contributes to strong teeth and bones.
Though raw meat may contain potentially dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria or E coli, cooking at an appropriate temperature will kill these pathogens and ensure safe consumption.
Contents
Benefits
Raw ground beef provides dogs with a nutritious source of lean protein. In addition, it contains essential vitamins and minerals including B6, B12, B3 zinc phosphorus calcium iron potassium which are all important in helping them stay healthy by maintaining an appropriate weight.
Remember, though, that raw ground beef should only ever be fed as part of a complete diet; it should be used as an addition or topper with other components such as vegetables, fruits, whole fish, organ meats and raw bones. Furthermore, excessive beef can pose health concerns if your dog is overweight.
Raw ground beef may harbor harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E coli that can lead to food-borne illnesses and parasites, including Salmonella infections that can spread via licking surfaces contaminated with raw meat residue or handling animal feces. Cooking kills these harmful organisms, making the product safe for pets.
Safety
Raw ground beef provides your dog with all of the essential nutrients they require for a healthy life, such as protein, vitamin B12, choline and potassium – plus iron and zinc! Furthermore, raw ground beef contains less fat than cooked meats so can help him or her keep an ideal bodyweight and reduce obesity.
Raw ground beef does pose the potential risk of contamination by harmful bacteria, including Salmonella and E coli that could make you or your family sick. Furthermore, such meat could spread bacteria throughout your home and spread infections that lead to more illnesses than intended.
Thankfully, most dogs can tolerate the bacteria found in raw ground beef without becoming sick. Their short digestive tracts allow food and bacteria to pass quickly through their bodies; high acidity levels inhibit any colonies forming; plus most dogs poop soon after eating so there’s no time for absorption!
Precautions
Dogs can consume raw ground beef safely in moderation, but it is vitally important that safety precautions and hygiene regulations are strictly observed. Otherwise, your pup could contract salmonella which can lead to foodborne illness; this is especially relevant when feeding young puppies, those with compromised immune systems, or older animals.
Once the beef is ready to eat, be sure to place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it immediately to kill any harmful organisms or bacteria. Also remember to trim away excess fat before giving the meal to your pet as too much can cause pancreatitis.
Avoid giving your pup bones with cooked marrow or small, fine bones as these could splinter and pose a choking hazard. Also try not feeding him corned beef as its high salt content could potentially cause vomiting, diarrhea and pancreatitis in certain dogs; opt instead for home-cooked meat with less fat content instead.
Cost
Dogs require a varied diet in order to obtain all of the vitamins and nutrients they require for good health. A raw diet may include meat, organs (such as liver and brain), ground up bones, offal and whole grains.
Source quality meat. Abatoirs, butchers and farms often sell cheaper cuts that you can use to make homemade raw meals or freeze-dried dog food for your pet.
Retailers also sell raw diets crafted with grass-fed beef, which has higher concentrations of vitamins and antioxidants like vitamins B6 through B12, niacin, zinc phosphorus and calcium than grain-fed. A diet consisting of raw ground beef can help picky dogs eat their regular kibble more readily while adding protein to your pet’s diet – just make sure it’s cooked thoroughly first! For added peace of mind regarding salmonella or other pathogens, consider purchasing pet health insurance to cover emergency vet costs should anything arises.
