Protein & Bones
Beef
Beef is usually one of the more affordable meats and is relatively healthy for dogs being high in protein, iron, zinc, selenium and vitamins B12, B3 and B6. Although usually high in fat, red meat is not known to cause arteriosclerosis in dogs like in humans and there are plenty of beef sources that are leaner and low in fat. Beef is one of the most widely available and most commonly used meat source for pet food, second only perhaps to chicken. Beef and beef by-products (by products indicating non-meat parts of the body like offal, bone, feet and horns) are the major red meat sources. The majority of beef used in processed pet food is actually meat meal a combination of all non-useable or non-saleable body parts from the abattoirs (eg bones with meat scraps left on, offal, contaminated carcass parts etc) which is ground to a pulp and then dried at high temperature to produce a powdered product. Meat meal generally forms the protein component of dry foods, and is also used, in combination with milled cereal and gelatine, to form the “meaty chunks” in tinned pet foods.
Fresh beef is not as commonly used as pet food, often due to price constraints and demand for table meats and export. Nutritionally, beef can be quite good, if it is raised naturally on pasture. It has good amounts of protein, and can have quite high fat content (14%+), and this level can be much higher in grain fed beef. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, beef is seen as a “heating” meat, because it originates from a colder climate. Beef is often raised using traditional farming practices, which include the use of chemical fertilisers, herbicides, drenches and antibiotics. Free range, organic beef can have a lower fat content than the traditionally farmed product, cost per kilo is higher.
Lamb
Lamb and venison have become quite popular among pet owners. This is because lamb and deer are often let out and fed on pasture. Therefore they are grown in a healthier environment and so their meat is often considered quite healthy for dogs and are rich in B12 and B3 vitamins, Omega 3 and Omega 6 acids and selenium and zinc. Lamb tends to be a fattier meat however so may be great for active or working dogs or those looking to put on weight but less suitable for overweight or older dogs. Lamb has recently become a popular meat source for pet food, introduced a “unique” source of protein, driven by the increase in targeting allergic skin conditions in dogs and cats. Due to cost, that the majority of lamb sold as pet meat is actually mutton, older sheep. Nutritionally, lamb is very good. It does have high fat content, much like beef, but it is all pasture grown, under good conditions, and the meat is of high quality. Lamb is also considered a “heating” meat, as sheep are native to cold climates. Lamb shanks are however, a common choice for a good meaty bone.
Kangaroo
It has Antimicrobial properties with pathogen-fighting capabilities, meaning it can help keep food from spoiling and help against various fungi and bacteria in the body. Rosemary also contains antioxidants against free radicals in the body that have been linked to age related illnesses like cardiovascular disease and cancer. It has Digestion aid properties as well, especially when it comes to gas, indigestion and other related problems. And because of its antimicrobial abilities it can help with infections as well as promoting a healthier gut and better absorption of nutrients. Cardiovascular health is another benefit of rosemary as it it has antispasmodic (spasm preventing) abilities on smooth muscles.
Fish
Fish is not only an excellent source of protein but it is also low in fat, enriched with omega oils, and rich in vitamins and minerals. Because relatively few dogs are allergic to fish and its so high in omega 3s its also a great meat for hypoallergenic foods for dogs suffering from allergies. Fish meat is a very good source of protein, low in fat, and high in vitamins and minerals
Chicken
Today one of the most commonly found meat in pet food is chicken. As well as being very popular and generally the least expensive meat, chicken is also high in protein, B3 and B6 vitamins and phosphorous and selenium.
However, some dogs have developed allergies to chicken so its best avoided if your dog has a history of food intolerances.
Turkey
A close relative of the chicken, turkey meat is becoming a more popular choice of meat for pet foods. It combines both 70% white meat and 30% dark meat, is both high in protein and low in fat (except for the skin). Turkey is a good nutritional source of iron, zinc, potassium and phosphorous, and contains vitamin B6 and niacin. Turkey farming is nowhere near as intensive as chicken sheds, and most birds enjoy a lot more space and outdoor time. Goat Goat meat, also known as Chevon, Capretto or Cabrito, is the most widely eaten meat in the world. Popularity in Australia is increasing as diversity in population grows. Feral goat meat is now commonly fed as pet meat. Goat is available at many butchers, and is becoming more widely available in supermarkets due to the demand attributed to its use on television cooking shows. Goat meat is lean and lower in fat and cholesterol than chicken, lower in calories than beef, lamb and pork and contains iron levels higher than beef. The taste is described as being similar to lamb.
Offal
Offal such as kidney, liver, and spleen is often considered quite gross to us humans! But, to our furry friends this can be a natural and excellent source of energy and nutrients. Liver for example is pound-for-pound one of the most nutritionally dense foods on the planet. Its important when feeding offal to your pets to make sure it makes up only a small proportion of the meal (around 10%) and that is from human-grade facilities that screen for parasites. We also use offal from the same animal as the meat in our foods to reduce the chance of allergic reactions in dogs.
Natural Yogurt
Yoghurt is high in calcium, protein and have probiotics properties that boost immunity and help aid digestion. Yoghurt can be used as well as a protein replacement for dogs that suffer from allergies from common meat beef/chicken etc. We use Greek yogurt because is strained to remove liquid whey and lactose, and ends up having double the protein and half the sugar and salt then regular yogurt, making it an even better choice for canines. It contains more concentrated levels of probiotics (live cultures of bacteria), which do good things for a dog’s gut. Greek yogurt is particularly helpful for dogs taking antibiotics, which kill off some of the good bacteria in a dog’s gut. The probiotics in Greek yogurt also fight yeast infections, which can help dogs with recurring ear or skin infections.
Follow us
@Nutripetgc
100% Raw, 100% Healthy