What Meat Is Best for Dogs? Healthy and Safe Options

Dogs are omnivores, which means they can thrive on a diet that includes a variety of protein sources.

Their digestive system is designed to break down and utilize nutrients from animal-based protein sources, such as meat.

A well-balanced diet for dogs should include a mix of protein sources, including meat, to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients.

Some of the best protein sources for dogs include chicken, beef, and fish, which are all high in protein and low in fat.

Animal protein sources, like beef, contain the highest amount of essential amino acids that dogs need to stay healthy.

Plant proteins from fruits and veggies are not as digestible for dogs due to the fiber in plants being hard for their system to digest.

Beef is a commonly available option for dogs, but it's essential to choose a high-protein content dog food made from organic beef with a lower fat content for better nutritional value.

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Beef is a high-quality protein source for dogs, widely available in many commercial dog foods, including Ollie, which uses cow-based muscle and organ meat for optimal nutrition.

Beef can vary in price due to different cuts being used, but most cuts are similar in nutrients.

If you cook beef for your pup, choose a leaner cut or drain off excess fat before serving.

Ground beef and rice is a good option for a bland diet when your pup is under the weather.

Boil or brown the beef and skim off all the fat to ensure it's a little dry.

Red meat like ground beef is a commonly available option for dogs, but meat meals made for dogs often include non-saleable body parts rather than human-grade ingredients.

Organic beef with a lower fat content may be worth the extra cost for a higher protein content.

Beef is an excellent source of protein, vitamin B12, and B6, zinc, iron, magnesium, potassium, and sodium.

Grass-fed, lean beef like Nom Nom's beef mash is a great dinner option for your dog.

Rendering beef is a high-pressure and high-temperature process to ensure safety, but the protein digestibility can be variable.

Avoid feeding your dog fatty cuts of beef like ribeye or T-bone steak, as they can cause gastrointestinal issues.

Beef bones, corned beef, and fatty cuts should be avoided altogether.

Bison is a leaner alternative to beef, offering a meaty texture your pup will love. It's lower in protein than beef, so be sure to adjust portion sizes accordingly.

If you're a hunter or have access to game meat, bison is a great option for your pup. Ensure it's thoroughly cooked before serving, just like with any other protein source.

Commercial bison-based dog foods are available if you're not up for being your dog's personal chef.

Turkey is a good source of protein for your dog, with 70% white meat, making it a healthier option than chicken. It's rich in minerals like phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and vitamins like niacin and B6.

Turkey dog food often has a higher protein content and lower fat content compared to other protein sources. This makes it an excellent choice for dogs who need a balanced diet.

Feeding your dog turkey from your Thanksgiving feast can be a bad idea, as it can overstimulate their pancreas and cause inflammation. This condition is called pancreatitis.

Turkey bones can be particularly problematic for dogs, as they can cause gastrointestinal problems if ingested. It's best to avoid giving your dog foods they're not used to eating.

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Lamb is a great protein source for canines, commonly used in freeze-dried and air-dried dog food.

It's becoming increasingly popular in commercial pet food brands. Lamb contains heaps of essential amino acids as well as healthy dietary fats for energy.

Lamb is highly digestible, making it a great choice for dogs with food sensitivities.

Dogs suffering from gastrointestinal health challenges can benefit from lamb as their protein source of choice.

Lamb is a tasty option for dogs with intolerances to chicken, or with sensitive stomachs.

Additional reading: Is Lamb Meat Good for Dogs

Dogs love chicken, and it's no surprise why - it's an excellent source of protein and a staple in many dog food recipes.

Their second favorite is beef, which is high in protein and has a rich, meaty flavor that dogs adore.

Dogs also enjoy fish as a protein source, particularly salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and has a delicious flavor.

Some dogs have a strong preference for lamb, which is high in protein and has a mild flavor that many dogs find irresistible.

On the other hand, dogs tend to dislike eggs as a protein source, possibly due to their strong smell and taste.

For some pups with food allergies or adventurous palates, exotic meats can be a great option. Exotic meats like crocodile, kangaroo, ostrich, and even pheasant have found their way into dog food recipes to accommodate food-sensitive and allergic pups.

If you're considering feeding exotic meat to your dog, first chat with your vet to ensure you understand the nutritional profile and any risks. Boutique, exotic, and grain-free diets have come under scrutiny in recent years, so do your research before making a switch.

Cooking your dog's meat is a safer option than raw, as it destroys harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella.

At Ollie, they gently cook their proteins to preserve the nutrient content while eliminating the risk of food-borne illness.

Raw meat can also lead to digestive issues if your dog consumes too much or too little bone, which is a necessary source of calcium and minerals.

We're lucky to have access to high-quality, sustainable ingredients. At Ollie, they thoroughly vet all of their suppliers, including those for proteins like salmon.

Ollie's commitment to sustainable practices is evident in their sourcing of MSC-certified salmon. This certification ensures that the salmon is caught or farmed in a way that minimizes harm to the ocean and its inhabitants.

The quality of Ollie's salmon starts at the source, which is why they're so particular about their suppliers. By choosing certified suppliers, they're helping to promote responsible fishing and farming practices.

Ollie's dedication to sustainable sourcing is fundamental to their business model. They believe that quality starts at the source, and they're willing to go the extra mile to ensure that their ingredients meet their high standards.

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Raw meat diets can carry serious risks, including food-borne illness from bacteria like E. coli, listeriosis, and Salmonella.

At Ollie, we gently cook our proteins to destroy harmful bacteria, ensuring optimal nutrient content.

Cooking proteins preserves nutrient content, which is essential for a dog's overall health.

However, raw meat can also cause digestive issues from consuming too much or too little bone, which is a necessary calcium and mineral source.

By cooking our proteins, we balance health and safety for our furry friends.

Chicken is a great option for dog food because it's affordable, high in protein, and low in saturated fat.

Beef is another popular choice, but it can be higher in fat and the quality can vary.

Turkey is a lean protein source, but it may be harder to find as a standalone option.

Pork can be a good source of protein, but it must be cooked properly to avoid parasites and excessive fat.

Salmon is a great option for its low fat and high protein content, as well as its omega fatty acids that benefit brain, skin, and coat health.

Whitefish, such as cod and haddock, are less oily and a good option for dogs.

Some rarer protein sources, like bison, lamb, and duck, are available, but may come with a higher price tag.

If your dog has a food allergy, you'll want to avoid common allergens like beef, dairy, chicken, lamb, and wheat.

Here are some of the top protein sources for dogs:

If you're looking for a lean protein source, turkey is an option, but it may be harder to find as a standalone protein source. Chicken is a popular choice because it's affordable, high in protein, and low in saturated fat.

Beef is another option, but you should expect to pay a bit more for it, and the quality of the beef can vary widely. Pork is fairly common in dog food, and it provides about as much protein as chicken or beef.

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Pork does need to be cooked properly, though, because it can contain parasites and be higher in fat. Salmon is a popular option for fish, and it's low in fat and high in protein, with essential omega fatty acids that benefit brain, skin, and coat health.

Whitefish, which includes cod and haddock, may be a better option than salmon, but your kibble options may be more limited. Bison, lamb, and duck are also available, but they often come with a higher price tag and might be paired with other protein sources.

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