It should basically be cooked the same way you’d cook a similar cut of beef. The pet food supermarket aisle is brimming with numerous brands of dog food, each claiming to be the healthiest option for your pooch. Rabbit is also a popular quarry for hunters, who may find that it makes a good choice for their dog. Tilapia is easy to cook; just throw it on a pan and roast it until it reaches an internal temperature of 145. Finding the best dog food for small dogs is the first step toward helping your pet live a long and healthy life. We’ll try to help you pick out the best protein for your pooch below. This is another healthy meat option that might throw you through a loop. Here are The Advisor’s best dog foods… by category. Beef can be a very good protein to feed your dog if it pasture-raised, organic, and uses whole cuts of beef. So it is a very nutritionally dense protein source and great to feed any dog. Dog food is cooked so much that it can’t be all that healthy. These pellets are highly processed and could be the cause of obesity and cancer in your dog. Any bone — cooked or otherwise — can cause a fatal obstruction in dogs. Whole cuts are best roasted, while ground products are easier to cook on the stove. See our top picks for the best goat-based dog food! That’s a pretty obnoxious comment from someone who used their real email address. Wash your hands after handling raw chicken and disinfect any utensils or surfaces the chicken has touched. —Dave. This primarily means selecting cuts that come from the hip (round) or shoulder (chuck). Just like you, your dog may not be getting all the necessary nutrition he needs from eating his regular diet. Dog owners love to ask… “What’s the best dog food?. What You Need To Know About Preservatives. Note that whole cuts of pork are often tougher to cut than beef or chicken. Ground beef also requires no cutting – you can just portion it out with a measuring cup. However, they all have real meat or meat meal, use natural methods for preserving the food, and contain no by-products. Beef has a high protein, a great fat content, and is rich in iron and B vitamins, which are all very healthy for dogs, especially active dogs. Additionally, K9ofMine.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Pork. However, alligator meat isn’t available in all markets, and it isn’t particularly cheap, so it may not be a viable choice in practice. It is, however, leaner than beef, pork, or duck, and it has more protein than any of these three foods too. It is typically described as having a taste that is similar to chicken, and most dogs appear to like it. I make her “puploaf” which is totally complete as is requiring nothing. Don’t start handling the chicken and then grab the handle on your fridge — you may end up making your whole family sick. Turkey is loaded with natural minerals like iron, zinc, potassium, and phosphorous, and B vitamins. Chicken is usually cheaper than beef, but it presents greater risks than beef typically does, as it is frequently contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. It has as much protein as chicken and nearly as much as turkey. To make sure your dog is only getting fed the best, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best and the 10 worst dog foods. Unfortunately, rabbits are starting to be factory farmed, and much like chicken can be raised malnourished. Want to assure proper nutrition for my best friend! So, it may also be a good choice for dogs who are trying to lose weight. Check out our article on the subject to learn more. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. So the beef most commonly found in dog food is not whole cuts of beef but beef meal or beef byproducts. So, don’t worry that feeding your dog turkey will make him a couch potato. The kosher beef dogs have classic flavor along with great snap on the outside and are plump and juicy on the inside—everything lower fat hot dogs usually aren’t. They’re made of organic grass-fed beef, water, sea salt, organic spices, organic garlic powder, organic onion powder and cultured celery juice powder. By FYI, tough guy: The figure you cite as the evolutionary time frame for dogs is off by an order of magnitude. You actually don’t cook the chicken cause it hardens the bones raising the chances of your dog choking on the bone. Would love to her you thoughts on this. Nevertheless, duck is a perfectly suitable protein for dogs, and it is a viable option for owners who can get their hands on it reliably and aren’t put off by the high cost. Omega-3s provide a number of benefits to canine, but they are likely most celebrated for reducing inflammation. This may very well be the case, but there is a growing number of people who are opting out of feeding their dogs pellets. Be aware that goat has a strong flavor that may not appeal to all dogs. Healthy dog … I say go natural to go healthy. Ben’s had the chance to work with hundreds of different species, but his favorite animals have always been dogs. Not all protein sources are the same. It's made from wheat gluten, tomato paste and spices. Any other recipes she recommends a mineral supplement. This is primarily due to duck’s high cost and the fact that it is not as widely available in grocery stores. Salmon provides a relatively modest amount of protein, and it contains a hefty helping of fat. It contains 32% protein and 18% fat. Lamb is a common protein used in commercial dog foods, but relatively few owners incorporate it into homemade foods. 20 Most Healthy Homemade Dog Food Recipes Your Dogs Will Love The following three types of meat are the ones most commonly incorporated into dog foods – including both homemade and commercial varieties. Rabbit also appears in a few commercial kibbles. So even though dogs love the taste of ham and bacon, it is not the best source of protein for them. You have successfully joined our pup pack. Most high-quality commercial dog foods meet or exceed these requirements, so unless your dog is extraordinarily active, you usually don’t have to worry about the amount of protein your dog is getting if you feed him a food that is appropriate for his life stage and complies with AAFCO guidelines. Because of the rise of the commercial alligator farming industry, alligator meat has begun showing up in an increasing number of restaurants and grocery stores. Keep this in mind when cooking salmon – many people prefer salmon cooked in medium or medium-rare fashion, but you’ll want to make sure it is well-done when preparing it for your pet. He currently lives in Atlanta, GA with his spoiled-rotten Rottweiler named J.B. We’ve taken all of the nutritional data below from Self Nutrition Data or Nutritionix– just click on any of the proteins to see more in-depth data. Some of the serotonin produced is eventually converted into melatonin which is a neurotransmitter that makes mammals sleepy. 10 Comments. In 1993, Australian veterinarian Ian Billinghurst proposed extending the diet to family dogs. In fact, some protein sources are more healthy for your dog than others. Like lamb, goat commonly appears in human diets around the world, but it’s rarely eaten by Americans or their dogs. Made with air-dried meat, the lamb and cod formula can be used as a meal or a topper to kibble to up the protein and add variety to your dog’s dish. Rabbit also appears in a few commercial kibbles. This was a great read and very informative! It also tastes different than chicken, but most dogs appear to enjoy it. A raw dog food diet emphasizes uncooked meat (often muscle and organ meat), whole or crushed bones, fruits, vegetables, raw eggs and some dairy.. The AAFCO recommends that adult dogs eat foods that are at least 18% protein, while puppies and pregnant or lactating females consume foods that are at least 22.5% protein. 11. Cooked chicken serves as a perfect snack or meal additive for your dog. Ground venison has a caloric density that is similar to chicken, although it has less protein and more fat than chicken does. There are plenty of turkey-based dog foods on the market, so if you want to go the commercial route, you have options. Raw diets started with racing greyhounds and sled dogs. This is likely due to the same reason some people find duck too rich for their tastes: It’s greasy, fatty meat. K9ofMine.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. So, be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly and use good food safety practices while preparing chicken. Wet, Diet and Natural Foods Everything you need to know to choose the right food for your dog. Meats also differ in terms of cost, availability, and safety, and they also exhibit varying tastes, smells, and textures — factors which may influence your dog’s willingness to eat them. All meals are prepared using whole, restaurant-quality ingredients to ensure the highest quality nutrition for your dog with no … Though it has gained popularity in many natural brands because it is not as highly processed as other livestock meats, it may contain too much copper and fat which can be unhealthy for your dog. Commercial dog foods may not be perfect, but premium commercial products will provide your dog with better nutrition than most homemade diets will, and they’re also safer and more affordable too. Processed meat has been shown to cause a number of negative health effects. Ben is the senior content editor for K9 of Mine and has spent most of his adult life working as a wildlife educator and animal-care professional. Nutritionally speaking, alligator meat is somewhat similar to duck, except that it provides fewer calories and less fat. But the problem is, turkey doesn’t have a particularly high amount of tryptophan. Instead treat fish as a supplemental source along with another source like turkey or beef to have a truly balanced and healthy diet. It can also be helpful to understand the amount of protein your dog needs, rather than the percentage of his food that should be made up of protein. If beef isn’t the most common protein fed to dogs, then chicken certainly is. (Incidentally, while fish, poultry, and meats like beef are often treated differently in culinary contexts, we’re grouping them all together here under the “meat” umbrella. Hey, Betty. Like beef, chicken provides a great combination of nutrition and affordability, and it contains more protein and less fat than beef or pork. Pheasant is a pretty exotic protein, but – like many of the other unusual meats discussed here – it is becoming more readily available on the market. Ask your vet to recommend the best food for your pup. Additionally, raw chicken can make dogs very sick. For those unfamiliar with an Emu, it is the second-largest bird breed if measuring by height. It is also hard for dogs to digest and can cause some stomach issues. Dogs may be best described as omnivores, but meat is critical for their health and well-being. With a range of protein sources from livestock to game meats to fish, it can be extremely difficult to decide which type of protein is actually the best for the health of your dog. There’s something about the term “byproducts” that makes people leery. In fact, if fed solely a fish diet, a dog can end up with a vitamin B1 deficiency. NomNomNow Fresh Dog Food. The following brands are in no particular order. Price and availability concerns aside, kangaroo makes a lot of sense for dog foods. You know your dog better than anyone so it makes sense that you should be in control of your dog’s diet. However, few owners actually prepare raw kangaroo meat for their pets. Conversely, commercial dog food can have such garbage in it that its also harmful. I watch for sales on meat and can get it at less than a $1.00 a pound (except beef). Hey, John. Just cook organs to the same internal temperature that you would if they were muscle meat (cook chicken organs to 165, but beef organs are likely safe at 145). For example, some owners need to feed their dog novel proteins to avoid triggering dog food allergies. Chicken meat is another of the most common sources of protein in dog foods. This is not to suggest that it’s as easy to find as chicken or beef, but a number of restaurants regularly offer buffalo burgers and buffalo steaks (note that while they technically refer to different animals, the terms buffalo and bison are often used interchangeably). The healthiest food for your dog depends on your dog’s age, size and dietary needs. Beef is one of the most common proteins used in commercial dog foods, with many beef-based kibbles on the market. There are certainly a variety of proteins that can work well for dogs, so owners have plenty of options available. Make sure that whole cuts reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees; ground pork must be cooked to 165 degrees. So, be sure to let your dog try a small amount of the meat before setting up your own goat-breeding ranch in the backyard. By Andrew Daniels. Your email address will not be published. K9ofMine.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. 70% Meat Source Ingredients. Duck is another good protein for dogs, and many find it especially delicious. Related Articles. But you can also keep a few general guidelines in mind when you’re filling your dog’s dish. Tilapia isn’t often used in commercial recipes, but it may be a good choice for those who make their dog’s food at home. I feel like anything fresh and natural is better. One common meat will actually increase your risk of colon cancer (on page 10). Native to east Asia, pheasants were specifically introduced to America as quarry for hunters. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation and … HI Ben What is your protein of choice for your pooch? In fact, duck is often one of the best proteins for tempting picky pups. Lamb has a relatively high water content and therefore a low caloric density, so you’ll need more of it than you would beef or pork. So just make sure that if you switch to a game meat, you work with your veterinarian to see if it is making a positive difference in your dog’s health. This is important because meats differ rather significantly, and some provide more nutritional value than others. I’m a pretty big fan of chicken from a nutritional standpoint, and my dog loves the taste, so I give her a chicken-based commercial food. 1. So we put together a list of the benefits and downsides of each protein source so you can compare dog foods and pick the best one for your dog. Rabbit can be a bit gamey, so it is wise to let your dog sample a small amount before you buy a lot of it. So even though beef is a great source of protein, unless the dog food uses whole cuts of beef, it should be avoided. So if you feed your dog rabbit, just make sure it comes from an organic, free-range source so that your dog is getting all the important vitamins and nutrients rabbit offers them. Chicken is a good source of protein, which provides energy. Also, sardine is considered cheap and some pet owners have complained about its smell. We’ll talk about the different nutritional values of several common types of meat, explain any safety issues you need to consider, compare the basic differences in price, and discuss the availability of the different options. Note that there are a variety of different cuts of beef. Fish is incredibly healthy. You can get a number of different cuts of pork for your dog, but leg and shoulder pieces are generally the most convenient, affordable, and practical options available. So the next time you compare dog foods, make sure that even if you find a great brand, you pick the right flavor so your dog gets the best possible nutrition available. It’s easy to see why; beef has a lot going for it. Beef has a high protein, a great fat content, and is rich in iron and B vitamins, which are all very healthy for dogs, especially active dogs. Cooked bones can splinter and be dangerous. But think about that for a moment.. HOW could a one-size-fits-all dog food be “best” for every dog?. Ostrich is not used in very many commercial dog foods that we’re aware of (though there are some ostrich-based treats on the market), although it is becoming more and more common in specialty butchers and it may provide value for dogs suffering from food allergies. What you need to know to keep your adult dog healthy and fit. This service delivers freshly prepared meals to your door on a weekly basis. Rating: Taste of the Wild High Prairie with Bison is one of 5 canned recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.. First 5 ingredients: Beef, lamb broth, vegetable broth, lamb liver, dried egg product Texture: Chunks in gravy Type: Grain-free Life stage: All life stages Best for: Adults + all puppies See all 5 available recipes It is loaded which essential omega-3 fatty acids, high in lean protein, low in fat, and is easily digestible. Note that turkey is often used as an alternative to chicken in hypoallergenic dog foods, as it is a novel protein for most dogs. Turkey is a great protein source for dogs. First Things First: Let’s Talk About Your Dog’s Protein Needs, Clash of the Titans: Beef vs. Chicken vs. Pork, Other Relatively Common Proteins: Meats You Can Get at the Market, Living on the Wild Side: Exotic and Game Meats, Protein Comparison: Nutrition at a Glance. Maybe try emptying your cache and trying again? This is partly because it is so extraordinarily lean – each ounce contains less than a single gram of fat. Venison is an excellent choice for owners looking to manage food allergies. Protein sources range in nutritional content and digestibility. You probably could concoct a vegetarian diet that’ll satisfy your dog’s protein needs, but this is probably too difficult a trick for the average dog owner to pull off. Only this bird is a darker brown color. By virtue of their buying power, dog food manufacturers can simply source their ingredients for a fraction of what they’ll cost you. Sorry, but this just isn’t true. Because turkey is slightly more expensive than chicken (although this only amounts to about $0.10 per bird at the moment) and it’s generally more difficult to prepare, most owners probably default to chicken instead of turkey. Chickens, as well as their eggs are a great source of lean protein. Turkey is broadly similar to chicken from a nutritional standpoint, although it contains less fat. Nevertheless, lamb is a nutritious ingredient that can make a great choice for your dog. This is primarily due to the fact that most kangaroo meat comes from – wait for it – Australia, so it can be pretty expensive to purchase at the local butcher. In fact, duck has more fat than any other poultry or fish. Curious about having your dog give goat a try? Like lamb, turkey is not as intensely farm as some other livestock meats so it is often featured in natural, holistic, and organic foods. Tryptophan helps your brain produce serotonin. 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