Dogs are four-legged furry friends who share our lives and hearts.
They deserve the best! The very best food for your pup is one that contains ingredients you would eat yourself, like chicken or beef.
These high-quality proteins provide essential amino acids and nutrients to keep your dog healthy from head to tail.
Learn more about what makes up the healthiest meat for dogs in this blog post.
Why is meat important for your dog’s diet?
Dogs are omnivores.
Like us, they derive energy for life from both plants and animals.
The best dog foods contain high-quality animal ingredients.
Your dog needs a balanced diet to remain healthy and active for years to come.
A common ingredient in dog food is animal protein.
This comes in many different forms, from beef to fish and pork.
It provides the amino acids that are necessary for healthy growth and development.
Animal protein is also a source of essential fats, carbohydrates and minerals your dog needs to thrive.
In addition, dog food made with proteins from the animal kingdom is lower in fat than most plant-based options.
A diet that is too high in fat can lead to weight problems, illness and other issues.
What are the best meats to feed dogs.
That depends on your dog!
Each pet has a different palate and may like other things.
The following are the best meats for dogs that we recommend, broken down by category:
Beef, pork, chicken and turkey;
Fish, like salmon, tuna and herring;
Duck, lamb, rabbit and venison.
These are not the only options for dog food with meat ingredients.
But they are some of the most popular choices with pet owners.
How much meat should be in a dog’s diet?
This depends on the type of animal protein you choose to feed your canine.
For example, fish tends to have an oily nature that may increase fat content when fed in large amounts.
This can cause problems if too much is served at one time or over extended periods.
Some dogs do better-eating fish more often than others.
Chicken tends to be a cleaner source of animal protein, but many pet owners choose to feed chicken more often due to its affordability.
The general rule of thumb is that dog food made with high-quality animal proteins should contain about 25% meat in the first five ingredients.
For example, if you are feeding your dog Purina® Beneful®, check out the ingredient list on the label.
If “chicken” appears fifth on the list, this product contains about 20% chicken as its main ingredients.
What are some healthy alternatives to feeding your dog meat.
Dogs need a variety of nutrients to remain healthy as they age.
That’s why some dog owners choose to supplement their furry friend’s diet with dog vitamins.
You can carry them around in a bit of a pill pocket or another treat you know your pup will gobble up.
We love the natural ones.
They’re made with real meat and ingredients that your dog could find in nature, like pork liver and beef heart.
We like Vitamin D-3.
It helps support healthy bones and skin, among other functions.
We also like to give our pups vitamins C and E.
They help your dog’s immune system stay strong.
Vitamins also come in many different forms.
You can find them in treats, kibble and dog food.
They all have different benefits for your pup’s health.
How much meat should I feed my dog per day.
It’s recommended to feed a dog twice per day.
Feeding smaller meals more often can help keep your dog active and happy as he ages.
It also keeps him from overeating and gaining unhealthy weight.
Dogs need food in their stomachs to digest it properly.
When the body stays empty for too long, waste products build up. This can lead to nausea and other health problems.
The amount that your dog should eat each day depends on his age, weight and activity level.
Look at the feeding guidelines on the bag or can of dog food you are purchasing to make it easy.
Frequently asked question from our readers
Can dogs eat meat?
Yes. Dogs are carnivores and need meat in their diet to stay healthy.
How much meat should I feed my dog?
That depends on your dog’s age, weight and activity level.
Can dogs eat hamburger?
Yes, but burgers can be a little fatty for some dogs.
You may want to look at a grilled hamburger or something without all the added grease.
What meats can dogs eat?
Dogs can eat beef, chicken, ham, lamb, pork and turkey.
They do not need all of these meats to be healthy, but they need other protein sources.
Is ground beef good for dogs?
Yes, but it may be higher in fat than you think.
Like we said – check the amount of fat on the package before you feed it to your puppy.
Ground beef is another affordable option for pet owners on a budget.
Chicken is better than ground beef.
It can be.
Chicken tends to have a lower fat content than ground beef.
Check the amount of fat on your package of ground beef.
If it’s higher than 20%, you should consider another meat alternative for your pup.
Can dogs eat cooked meat?
Yes.
They can eat cooked meat in moderation or even raw, depending on what you and your vet agree upon when it comes to your fur baby.
If you are cool with it, dogs can eat cooked meat several ways besides off the bone.
They can have it chopped and mixed into their kibble or canned dog food.
They can also have it as a treat, which is typically referred to as a crunchy bone or chew.
You can find these treats at your local grocery store in the dog treat section.
We recommend giving your dog these treats in moderation, or they could cause some health problems.
Is roast beef good for dogs?
Roast beef is an excellent source of protein for your dog.
It’s very affordable and usually comes from the more delicate parts of the cow.
However, there are some things to keep in mind before you feed your dog roast beef.
Roast beef can be a bit fatty.
You will want to check the fat content on your roast beef package before you feed it to your pups.
Lean meats for dogs?
Yes. Dogs need lean meats in their diet to stay healthy and provide them with the nutrients they need.
Conclusion
With all of the information you’ve learned in this blog post, it’s now easier than ever to provide your pet with a healthy diet.
Whether you’re feeding them canned food or cooking their meat for dinner, they’ll be getting all the nutrients that they need!
Just remember to feed them smaller portions more frequently throughout the day and make sure they get plenty of water too!
To learn more about what other types of foods are suitable for dogs, check out our article on how much vegetables should I give my dog?
In addition to these helpful tips, we also have some tasty recipes that can help keep your pup happy and healthy while ensuring you don’t end up with an expensive vet bill from obesity-related health problems.
Have fun trying out new recipes with your dogs, and tell us about any good ones you’ve tried!
