A healthy dog food consists of 50-70% meat products. In this case, the nutrition of the animal should be varied. Veterinarians recommend regularly including different types of meat in the menu so that the animal receives all the necessary amino acids, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins. The most useful varieties are beef, turkey and lean lamb. A caring owner should understand the properties of certain products.
Beef
The favorite type of meat for most dogs, which combines high protein content (22 g per 100 g) and moderate calorie content (133 kcal per 100 g). Unlike poultry, beef contains more of the following substances:
- Copper. Participates in the construction of bones and connective tissue, is important for the functioning of the liver.
- Calcium. Essential for strong bones and healthy teeth.
- Gland. Responsible for the level of hemoglobin, the normal functioning of the nervous system.
- Zinc. It is important for the harmonious growth and development of the body, reproductive health and the rapid healing of wounds.
- Vitamin B12. Essential for cell growth, normal brain function, good digestion.
A small amount of by-products may be included in the feed. Beef liver is useful for hematopoiesis, skin health, heart – for the cardiovascular system.
Lean lamb
It is considered the least allergenic meat for dogs. Contains 125 kcal and approximately 20.5 g of protein per 100 g of raw product. Lamb contains slightly more vitamin B12 than beef, and several times more vitamin B9 – folic acid, which strengthens the central nervous system, promotes hormonal balance.
In addition, there is quite a lot of meat in this type of meat:
- Vitamin E – responsible for normal puberty and reproductive function, healthy skin, beautiful coat;
- Vitamin A – necessary for sharp vision and proper metabolic processes in the body;
- Iodine, phosphorus, iron and zinc.
Veterinarians advise supplementing the menu with offal, but they are given 2-3 times a week or added in small quantities to meat.
Turkey
Dietary meat: Contains 112 kcal and 22.6 g of protein per 100 g raw. Unlike lamb and beef, it contains a higher concentration of the following substances:
- Linoleic acid. Provides healthy skin, attractive coat, increases the protective function of the body.
- Tryptophan. It is an essential amino acid that is responsible for good and sound sleep, regulation of mood and appetite, and proper eating behavior.
If you constantly feed a dog one type of meat, he will get too much of some substances and miss others. For example, with a diet consisting only of turkey, linoleic acid enters the body in too large quantities. The result may be inflammatory processes.
Eating only beef, the dog receives an excess of copper. It is dangerous with an increased load on the liver. If the dog is poorly fed by birds, a tryptophan deficiency will lead to behavioral problems.
Types of meat that it is undesirable to give the dog
Experts advise against feeding animals with chicken meat, which often causes an allergic reaction. If the bird was raised on antibiotics and growth stimulants, this will also negatively affect the health of the dog.
It is strictly forbidden to give pork to a dog, and it’s not just about its fat content. Even a heat-treated product can contain Trichinella larvae, which cause serious parasitic diseases. The disease affects not only the intestines, but also the vascular system, skeletal muscles.
How to alternate between different types of meat
It depends on the dog’s preferences and his body’s reaction to a change in food. You can feed poultry and red meat every other day or several days to feed one variety and then another. Some animals normally tolerate the alternation of several types of meat during the day.
How to get the most from a natural diet
In terms of digestion and nutrient absorption, it’s best to feed your dog raw meat. Boiling in hot water destroys a significant number of vitamins and minerals.
Important! This article is merely informative, at Petsfeed.co we do not have the power to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the vet in the event that it presents any type of condition or discomfort.