What types of meat can dogs eat? The answer to this question depends on your dog type, but let’s start with some basics.
Dogs are carnivores and thus need meat to survive, but they also evolved as scavengers, meaning they like to eat whatever they can get their paws on.
While dogs are typically not picky, eating certain meat can make them sick.
It’s up to you as the owner to know what’s safe and what isn’t so you can be sure your dog is getting the proper nutrition he needs.
1. Lamb
What types of meat can dogs eat? Many dogs are indeed like a lamb. It is also quite affordable and easy to find in most stores.
Lamb is a great source of protein, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, potassium, niacin, riboflavin (B2), thiamine (B1), vitamin B12, iron, and other vitamins.
However, lamb can contain high amounts of cholesterol and fat. This means you should monitor your dog’s intake of lamb as they age or if they have any medical conditions such as heart disease.
Also, remember that some dogs are allergic to lamb—check with your vet before introducing it into your dog’s diet! Finally, check out recipes for Easy Lamb Dinner for Dogs.
It’s a perfect meal option for pups on a budget who love lamb! However, if your pup eats too much lamb, there may be negative side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If your pup experiences these symptoms after eating too much lamb, stop feeding them more immediately and contact your veterinarian to get advice on how best to treat them.
To prevent illness from consuming too much lamb, carefully monitor your dog’s intake and introduce it slowly into their diet.
Start by adding a little bit at first and increasing each day until they reach an appropriate amount for their weight/age.
Be sure to give plenty of water during meals containing lamb so that no bloat occurs; bloat is when air gets trapped inside a pet’s stomach, which leads to painful spasms that could cause death.
2. Chicken
What types of meat can dogs eat? High in protein, chicken is a great meat to feed your dog. It’s also very easy on their digestive system, making it good for dogs with sensitive tummies.
However, remember that raw poultry can cause food-borne illness in dogs and humans, so be sure to cook it thoroughly before feeding it to your pup.
Chicken necks or backs are also extremely fatty, so you may want to avoid those areas if you’re trying to help your dog shed some pounds.
Hamburger: Ground beef isn’t typically considered human grade, but many stores sell ground beef specifically for pets—and these products are often just as high quality as what you buy at your local butcher.
Not only is hamburger cheap, but it has a lot of protein (which means more calories), making it an excellent option if you have a large breed dog who needs to maintain weight.
Fish: Fish is another great source of protein, especially salmon. However, some fish contain too much mercury for dogs to consume regularly.
For example, whitefish like cod should not be fed to your pet because they contain too much mercury; mackerel should also be avoided because its high-fat content will make your dog gain weight quickly.
If you decide to give your pet fish occasionally, opt for low-mercury varieties like salmon and sardines instead.
3. Steak & Beef
What types of meat can dogs eat? Most people believe dogs can’t eat beef, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Whether you’re grilling a steak for yourself or your dog, using it in casseroles, or just throwing a cube or two in his food dish, there are plenty of reasons to add beef to your dog’s meals.
Beef is an excellent source of protein and iron, both essential nutrients for healthy growth.
It also contains B vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamine, and vitamin B6 – all important nutrients that help convert fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into energy.
In addition, beef contains zinc, which supports immune function; selenium, which helps prevent cancer; and omega-3 fatty acids (DHA), which support brain health.
The best part? Beef is easy on your dog’s digestive system and often easier on his teeth than other types of meat.
Contact us anytime if you have questions about what meat dogs eat. We’re always here to answer your questions!
4. Pork
The American Kennel Club recommends that you feed your dog meat from pigs, cows, chickens, ducks, geese, or sheep.
These meats are rich in proteins and fatty acids that dogs need to stay healthy. For example, pork is pig meat that contains several nutrients dogs need for growth and proper muscle development.
What types of meat can dogs eat? As long as pork is cooked thoroughly, it’s safe for your dog to consume; raw pork can make him sick or kill him if he eats enough. Your veterinarian will recommend how much pork you should give your dog daily.
Generally speaking, however, 1 pound per 25 pounds of body weight should be sufficient. Dog Treats: For many people, dogs aren’t just pets but family members.
If you feel like spoiling your puppy, there are plenty of treats out there that contain pork meat.
Ensure they don’t have added sugar or salt, which can cause health problems.
Dog Biscuits: If you don’t want to spoil Fido with a treat every day but still want to reward his good behavior with something special occasionally, consider making homemade dog biscuits instead.
5. Duck
What types of meat can dogs eat? Many dogs enjoy duck, which is loaded with protein. It’s also easy to digest and has a mild flavor, so even sensitive dogs should be able to handle it.
However, duck is quite fatty compared to other meats, so it shouldn’t make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet.
Skin-on ducks also contain a lot of fat, so remove them before feeding your pet. Also, ducks can contain an enzyme called thiaminase that destroys vitamin B1, causing nerve damage in pets who consume it regularly.
This isn’t usually a problem for most pets, but some breeds, including Collies and Doberman Pinschers, are susceptible to thiaminase poisoning.
If you have one of these breeds or another susceptible breed (such as certain retrievers), limit duck consumption to once every few weeks.
You can feed raw or cooked duck; however, if you cook it yourself, I recommend boiling rather than frying because oil tends to add extra calories.
People often ask me about how many types of meat dogs can eat daily. It’s safe to feed duck once or twice per week.
6. Turkey
Most dogs love turkey. It’s tasty and easy to chew, so if your dog is picky about his meat, start with the turkey.
Turkeys are small birds (and they can’t fly), but there are three types: wild, domesticated, and heritage.
Wild turkeys are smaller than domesticated varieties; most likely, you have access only to domesticated or heritage turkeys.
Heritage breeds include Narragansett, Bourbon Red, and Jersey Buff. These breeds grow slower than commercial varieties, so their meat tends to be more tender.
What types of meat can dogs eat? A 3-pound whole turkey yields about 1 pound of edible meat. And because a whole bird is pretty big for most dogs, I recommend cutting up a few pieces at home before feeding it to your dog. If you don’t want to do that, ask your butcher to do it.
The bones in a turkey carcass are soft enough that even large dogs can eat them without difficulty. But keep an eye on any dog gnawing on bones from a fresh kill—bones from processed meats should always be fed cooked.
Is It Good to Feed Your Dog Uncooked Bones?
Don’t ever feed your dog uncooked bones from any kind of animal. They are a choking hazard, breaking your dog’s teeth and damaging its jaw.
However, cooked bones like chicken wings are safe for dogs to eat as long as they’re large enough that they can’t choke on them.
While you may think it’s OK to give your dog meat off your plate, never feed them any kind of meat that isn’t specifically meant for dog consumption; uncooked meats can contain bacteria and parasites harmful to humans and pets.
If you want to know more about “what types of meat can dogs eat,” check out dog meal charts.
While we’re at it, don’t let your pet get into human food: Most people know not to leave chocolate lying around for their pet or allow him access to a pantry full of sweets. But there are plenty of foods most people don’t realize could harm his health.
For example, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, while onions and garlic cause anemia—something even healthy adult dogs shouldn’t have to worry about!
Consider Supplements to Make Up for Nutrients Your Pet Might Be Lacking
If your dog is a picky eater, you may need to provide more supplements in his diet. For example, if he’s a carnivore (and most dogs are), you’ll need to supplement his diet with minerals such as zinc and iron.
Zinc deficiency can cause skin lesions, loss of appetite, and anemia, while iron deficiency can cause lethargy and weakness.
Talk to your vet about how much supplementation might be needed for your pet’s diet. If you’re wondering, “What types of meat can dogs eat?’
Remember that no matter what type of food you choose, always read through its ingredient list to ensure it doesn’t contain anything toxic or harmful.
