Can dogs eat the meat of horned ungulates such as elk or deer (venison)?
Venison is a popular choice for dog food because of the benefits it can give to canines. It has been popularly used by pet owners and pet food manufacturers due to its low level of fat and cholesterol compared to beef and chicken. However, since this meat contains a lower level of protein, dogs that need a high protein diet will be left deficient.
What is venison?
The venison came from the Latin word “venatus” which means “to hunt”. The word was originally referred to any type of edible game but has now been commonly known as the meat of all kinds of deer. Its texture, color, and general characteristics resemble that of beef and mutton. It actually has the same chemical composition as beef but is leaner hence less fatty wherein its weight contains 75% water, 20% protein, and 2% fat.
Can my dogs eat raw venison?
Venison may be eaten raw as it is most advised by the expert due to its nutritional content. A lot of pet owners have shifted from cooked to raw feeding because uncooked venison has a higher level of protein plus fewer additives since it is not yet processed. Although nutritious, it is still important to consult your vet before shifting to a raw diet because there are a lot of dogs who are actually allergic to deer meat so it’s best to be preventive.
Is venison good for dogs?
Deer meat can give plenty of benefits to canines since it contains less fat than any other type of meat. It is even safer for dogs with sensitive stomachs to eat venison. The main reason why a pooch would sometimes experience sore tummies is due to grain allergy. Grains are often found in chicken meat because they are being fed with grains. And because venison is not commercially farmed, its meat does not contain grain substance hence the best option for dogs with sensitive tummies. It can also reduce allergens and skin irritation to dogs with food-related issues.
What nutritional value does venison have?
Well, although venison is a poor source of protein, the risk of having chronic diseases is low. Other than having a lower level of fat and cholesterol, deer meat also has vitamin B and minerals such as phosphorus, iron, and zinc that help maintain healthy energy levels. Further, it contains omega 3 fatty acids that may sound harmful but is actually good as it can help your furry pets to keep their coats clean and glossy.
What venison products are good for my dog?
Since deer meat is good and safe for dog consumption, it is also important to know which products are good to feed to your four-legged friend. Venison jerky and sausage are the most popular products of deer meat. Both products are good treats for dogs since these are great sources of omega 3 fatty acids, however, be careful in choosing which brand to buy. Always check the ingredients because some pet food manufacturers often include additives that can be toxic to dogs especially if consumed regularly. Thus, some owners would just want to make their own venison treats at home to ensure that what they feed is all-natural and won’t risk their pooch’s health.
What risks can my dog get if fed with venison?
Venison is known to be safe and good for dogs to ingest but there are still risks that owners should be aware of especially when feeding with raw venison. Uncooked venison, if not properly handled, may be contaminated with bacteria and foreign substances. Deer may also get infected with Chronic Wasting Disease that mainly affects their nervous system wherein its carcass should not be consumed by dogs or any pets and even humans as it could be dangerous.
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