Pet parents like you always look out for the best things for dogs. You may be focused on giving them the best diet possible that supports their lifestyle. One such important nutrient is protein, which is often found in most meats to help with muscle support, among other benefits. Of course, meat is one of the most natural sources of protein and has always been consumed by dogs.
There are plenty of meat options that are available to dogs. Not only are they delicious, but they are also rich in nutrients such as protein. Plus, they are easily digestible. Knowing what these meat options are will have you putting together a list of what to feed your dog while also actively avoiding foods that may be bad for their health.
Why Does Meat Matter for Your Dog’s Diet?
Dogs are omnivores, but they tend to prefer meat. While they can digest foods like fruits, vegetables, and grains, meat offers essential nutrients that are difficult to match from other sources. These include:
- High-quality protein for muscle repair and maintenance
- Essential amino acids
- B vitamins for energy
- Iron, zinc, and selenium for immune system support and cellular health
- Fatty acids for better skin and coat health
If you think about it, the best meats for dogs are biologically appropriate. However, it is essential to choose the right meat as it can contribute to your dog’s overall energy, digestion, coat health, and vitality.
What Exactly Are the Best Meats to Feed Your Dog?
Now, we will be turning our attention to the best meats to feed your dog. With so many choices, it may be difficult to know what to feed them in the first place. Here are some of the following meats down below and why they are excellent for your dog's diet:
Chicken
It’s lean, versatile, and usually one of the more favorable meats for dogs. Believe it or not, it’s a staple in many dog foods, including most of Under the Weather’s bland diet dog foods. There are so many reasons why it’s one of the best meats to feed your dog, including:
- Lean source of protein
- Easy to prepare and digest
- Low in fat (especially if it’s without the skin)
- Ideal for dogs who may have sensitive stomachs
This can be best used for bland diets or whenever your dog is recovering from digestive upset. It can be boiled and skinless (specifically chicken breast) while also mixed with white or brown rice and sliced carrots. When feeding your dog chicken, make sure it’s cooked thoroughly. Also, it should not be seasoned, nor should it contain any skin and chicken bones, which can be harmful to dogs.
Beef
Beef is considered another excellent choice for dogs. It’s highly nutritious and packed with flavor. Like chicken, it’s also used in many pet foods. Another thing to note is that it can be eaten raw or home-cooked (yes, raw meat is safe for dogs because their ancestors have eaten it like that for ages, especially if they eat a raw diet to begin with).
It’s high in protein and iron while also containing essential amino acids. If your dog is active or underweight, this might be the best meat since it has a lot of extra calories. Ground beef or lean cuts, like sirloin, can be mixed with rice and veggies if you are looking for something that is hearty and home-cooked for your four-legged friend.
Be sure to trim any visible fat, as it can cause digestive upset. At the same time, added fats and oils are a no-go for your dog. In other words, it’s lean beef and nothing but that for your dog's diet if beef is on the menu.
Turkey
Turkey is a leaner meat than both chicken and beef. Plus, it’s a good alternative to both, especially for dogs who may have sensitivities to other proteins. It’s low-fat, has fewer calories, and is one of the most digestible proteins you can find. If your dog has food sensitivities, turkey may be a good option here since it won’t trigger them.
Ground turkey can be your best option. However, it needs to be unseasoned and skinless. Nevertheless, it can serve as a great base protein for dog meals. As you might notice, some of the bland diet foods offered by Under the Weather include turkey, which can be great for dogs with sensitive stomachs. If there is one meat in particular that no dog should ever say no to (unless they hate it), it’s turkey for sure.
One last thing, it has to be fresh and skinless. Deli turkey might not be the best option to have since it may contain added sodium, preservatives, and spices such as onion powder.
Lamb
Another meat that is great for dogs who have food allergies or sensitivities is lamb. It’s nutrient-rich and one of the most palatable of the meat selections we’ve provided so far. If your dog seems like a picky eater, consider lamb as the meat of choice. Chances are, they might enjoy it better than some of the other options.
It’s rich in iron and zinc and the perfect fit for dogs who may have a sensitivity to chicken or beef. While less common in dog diets, it’s an underrated and underappreciated source for protein (and is used in novel protein diets). It’s hypoallergenic and won’t trigger food reactions. Nevertheless, portion control should be a priority, especially if your dog is dealing with weight issues.
Duck
Another hypoallergenic option can also be duck. It might be a good meat choice for dogs who may enjoy variety. It’s high-quality, flavorful, and provides plenty of iron and protein for your dog. Like lamb, it can be an excellent choice for picky eaters since it is a flavorful kind of meat. It’s also a novel protein, making it the best choice for reducing allergy risks.
If you plan on rotating different types of proteins or switching to limited-ingredient diets for your dog, duck might be worth considering. One of the major health benefits it provides is support for their skin and coat. That’s because it has plenty of fatty acid content. Speaking of which, it does have higher fat content compared to other meats. For this reason, it should be used in moderation, especially for dogs who may be prone to pancreatitis.
Fish
Specifically, the best fish for dogs include cod, whitefish, and salmon. The reason is that all three of them are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Of course, they carry all kinds of health benefits, such as skin and coat support, while also improving your dog’s joints. Your dog’s mobility will be preserved well into their senior years thanks to this kind of joint support.
If your dog has grain or poultry allergies, fish can be an excellent choice. If they have itchy or dry skin flare-ups, this is an excellent go-to option simply due to the large amount of fatty acids. Cooked fish is highly recommended. Finally, make sure the fish is not seasoned, high in mercury, or contains bones.
Venison
Also known as deer meat, venison is gaining some popularity in recent years. Because it’s a novel protein, it may be great for dogs who have sensitivities to other meats. Most of the time, it’s lean and rich in nutrients. Plus, it can be great for when you are considering a protein rotation for your dog on a regular basis. The thing to remember is that venison may be a bit more expensive and hard to find compared to other meat sources. Plus, if you find any, you’ll want to make sure it’s from a trusted supplier. Though raw meat is typically OK to eat for dogs, venison should be thoroughly cooked before it’s eaten due to possible parasite concerns.
Organ Meats
Organ meats aren’t necessarily protein sources per se. However, meats like liver, heart, and kidney can be great when added in small amounts. All of these contain vitamins and minerals such as iron, B12, and Vitamin A. It’s also highly palatable, making it a good choice for picky eaters. It can be used as an occasional topper to home-cooked dog meals (especially if you are using liver that is cooked and chopped into small bites).
Too much organ meat can lead to vitamin imbalances. For this reason, it is important to make sure it’s served in moderation while also rotated with muscle meats.
Finding the Best Meat for Your Dog’s Health
There are plenty of meat options for dogs, and they are all nutritious. The question is: Which one may be the best fit for them? Whether it’s beef, chicken, or lamb, your dog deserves an excellent amount of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that provide them with all kinds of different health benefits. At Under the Weather, these meats can be found in many of our bland diet products, making it easy to digest and enjoyable for dogs like yours. To see what’s available, check us out today.
