As pet owners, it’s natural that we might think about whether or not we could or should feed certain foods to dogs. For instance, looking at a plate of Brussels sprouts, you might think about tossing one to your pooch. With meat, we tend not to think about it as much. Dogs are meat eaters (or omnivores, to be precise), and it’s a normal part of their diet. What’s more, when compared to kibble or certain other processed dog foods, it can provide more accessible and dgiestible protein, alongside other nutrients. However, if you do want to add a little extra meat to your dog’s diet, it’s important to be aware of a few ways to make it as safe and healthy as possible.
Avoid Feeding Raw Meat
You might think that, in the wild, dogs would probably eat raw meat, but vets tend to recommend caution. After all, raw meat can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can get not just humans but also dogs sick, as well. Especially if they have weakened immune systems for one reason or another. Raw meat can also contain parasites that can lead to nutritional issues if it becomes a common part of the diet. Cooking meat thoroughly helps eliminate many of these risks while still preserving valuable nutrients and protein.
Keep It Plain And Simple
You might think of providing your dog with an extra tasty meal by adding a few extra ingredients to add new levels of flavor, but don’t worry, they’re going to find regular, plain cooked meat delicious as it is. High-quality meat is all that you need to meet their palate’s needs, and simplicity is best. Many ingredients we typically flavour our meals with can be harmful to dogs. Vets typically recommend against garlic, onions, certain spices, and excessive salt. Rich sauces and marinades tend to lead to digestive upset as well. It’s best to serve it plain. Your dog isn’t going to miss the added flavors that we tend to enjoy. Simple preparation also makes it easier to see how dogs respond to different meats and potential sensitivities, since you don’t have other factors to eliminate.
Remove Bones And Excess Fat
You might think that you can simply cook a piece of meat and toss it to your dog without worrying too much about how well those hardy beasts can handle it. However, it’s wise to remove any bones and trim away excess fat. Cooked bones can be a lot more dangerous than we give them credit for. When cooked, they become brittle and splinter easily, which can lead to dental injuries, choking, or even damage to the digestive system. While a little fat in the diet is good, excess fat can also lead to stomach upset, while contributing to the long-term risk of pancreatitis. Lean and boneless cuts of meat tend to be the best choice when adding a little extra protein to the dog’s diet.
Avoid Frying
How you cook your meat makes a big difference, as well. Frying meat often means adding oils and excess fats that can not only make it harder to digest, but also add extra calories that they don’t need. You should instead try out gentler cooking methods that keep the flavour while ensuring that the meat stays lean. Boiling, poaching, baking, roasting, steaming, or grilling without added seasonings are all perfectly fine options. What’s more, these methods ensure that the meat is cooked through thoroughly. Just make sure that you use a meat thermometer to test the temperature at the centre of the meat before letting it cool and serving it to your dog.
Use It In Moderation
Even health additions to your dog’s diet should be used in moderation. As a general guideline, treats and extras, including cooked meat, should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. The rest should come from the food that you serve them regularly at meal times. Too much meat can pile on the calories, leading to a risk of weight gain. Be sure to adjust how much you give based on their size, age, and activity levels. Cooked meats typically serve well as a meal topper or an occasional treat, not the foundation of a whole meal.
A little meat can make an excellent addition to your dog’s meals, or serve as an alternative to more calorific treats. With the tips above, make sure that you’re providing it the right way.