Protein plays a pivotal role in every aspect of a dog’s health and wellbeing, from building and repairing cells to transporting oxygen and supporting digestion. No wonder dogs require high-quality proteins in their diet.
Though venison is not commonly found commercially, some pet parents choose to feed their dogs ground venison for its leanness and protein content. Just ensure it is cooked in order to avoid contamination from disease-causing bacteria.
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Chicken
Chicken is one of the most frequently used proteins in dog food, both as an affordable source of high-quality protein and due to its easy digestion by dogs.
poultry over beef or pork for your dog’s meal is advantageous because it contains less fat, making it easier for him or her to chew, while providing essential fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K.
Organ meats such as liver, kidneys, and hearts may seem gross to some people; however, they provide valuable nutrients not found in lean cuts that can strengthen immunity while also helping to regulate hormones.
Pork
Pork products such as bacon, sausages and pepperoni pizza slices are highly valued treats for many dogs. Unfortunately, uncooked pork meat may contain parasites such as trichinella that could lead to serious health concerns in them.
Pork can be difficult for some dogs to digest. Furthermore, processed pork products like bacon and ham may contain excess sodium that could potentially lead to salt toxicity in your pet. Although occasional lean pork snacks might make an occasional treat for your pup, for best results use dry or cooked commercial dog food instead.
Rabbit
Rabbit protein can help dogs maintain muscle mass. Furthermore, rabbit is packed full of essential vitamins like Vitamin B12 and other essential nutrients that support canine health. Furthermore, rabbit is considered a novel protein source compared to more common proteins used in pet diets, making it an attractive solution for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.
Food grade rabbit meat offers a nutritious alternative to more traditional forms of protein and can be included in some raw diets, providing essential healthy fats to maintain soft, shiny coats. While raw or cooked rabbit should only come from reliable sources since wild rabbits may carry Tularemia (rabbit fever). Most often farmed rabbit is mixed with organ meats such as liver or kidney for additional nutritional value.
Organ Meat
Organ meats offer dogs a delicious and nutritional treat. These overlooked animal parts contain essential fatty acids, vitamin B-12 and minerals such as zinc and iron which all support good health and can make this treat all the more delicious!
Green tripe, also known as stomach lining, contains probiotics which are important in maintaining healthy digestions and immune systems in dogs. Furthermore, green tripe is packed full of healthy fats and selenium for their bodies to take advantage of.
Some commercial dog foods contain organ meats like chicken liver or beef kidney as supplements for your pup’s diet, such as an added treat. But remember, these should only ever serve as supplements and not as staples!
Quail
Protein is an integral part of your dog’s diet. But when it comes to selecting which meats are ideal for their nutritional needs, the options can often seem overwhelming.
Most processed pet foods contain beef meal, an inexpensive source of protein and minerals. Beef meal comes from non-useable animal parts from abattoirs (offal, bones, feet and horns), ground into powder form then dried for storage as a food supplement. This form provides an excellent way to sustain protein needs in pets while saving precious farmland!
Pheasant is an affordable game bird that makes an excellent alternative to chicken when used in recipes. While harder to come by than its more ubiquitous counterpart, pheasant may also prove more costly than its chicken counterpart.
Lamb
Lamb is an excellent source of protein and healthy fats for dogs. Additionally, it is packed full of calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin B6/B12 as well as omega-3 fatty acids – essential nutrients.
Omega-3 fatty acids provide many health benefits, from improving skin and coat health to taurine for building proteins and coenzyme Q10 which promotes heart health. Tuna provides an exceptional source of omega-3s.
Lamb can also provide an ideal novel protein source for dogs who suffer from food allergies to chicken or beef; however, introduction should only occur under vet supervision.
Salmon
Salmon is an extremely nutrient-rich meat, providing essential omega-3 and 6 fatty acids essential to dogs’ skin and coat health. Plus, its high protein content makes it easy for canines to digest.
Salmon can make an excellent food item to add variety and add extra nutrition. Salmon provides healthy fats, making it a wonderful complement to commercial dog kibble diets.
Though you won’t find many salmon-based kibbles, tilapia remains an increasingly popular choice for raw diets. Packed with lean and protein-rich fish meats like cod and whiting, tilapia makes for an excellent protein source in raw diets.
