Have you ever heard the phrase “as fit as a butcher’s dog”? It exists for a reason. Back in the day, butchers’ dogs would enjoy a reputation for health and strength thanks to their raw meat diet. Instead of kibble or canned food, they would eat the raw beef excess from their Owners’ labour. As a result, raw beef has earned a mystique in some dog nutrition circles. At the same time, there are those who have expressed concern over the risk of salmonella. So, what’s the deal? Can dogs eat raw beef? Join us as we find out!
Can dogs eat raw beef? They not only can – they should
This first point may not be a surprise, but raw beef is full of protein. While you may well already know that, you’ve likely also heard doctors advise you to eat red meat in moderation. After all, too many juicy steaks can cause heart and stomach problems in humans.
However, thanks to differences in their anatomy, dogs don’t suffer this problem to nearly the same extent as humans. In other words, your furry friend can enjoy the pros of raw beef without the same risks.
Okay, so what are these benefits?
Beyond that hefty dose of protein, raw beef is also a great source of iron. This is crucial, as iron helps ward off anaemia in dogs – a condition which affects the transit of oxygen via red blood cells. A dog with anaemia can suffer weakness, a lowered immune system, and, in extreme cases, death. To combat this, they’ll want to stock up on iron.
Finally, raw beef provides dogs with much-needed healthy fats, which they’re able to process with greater ease than we humans. By eating the fats present in raw beef, dogs will give their immune systems a further boost.
If you combine it with offal and dog-friendly vegetables, your pupper will reap everything they need from their dinner.
But why raw? Can dogs eat raw beef without contracting salmonella?
Good question, and one we’re happy to answer. In a nutshell, a raw diet aligns with a dog’s biological needs. As the scions of wolves, dogs have evolved to eat raw food, rather than cooked or processed alternatives. Salmonella, an oft-cited consequence of raw meat for humans, doesn’t affect dogs in the same way. This is thanks to their digestive enzymes and highly acidic stomachs, which quell the effects of salmonella in their systems.
Once again, your pup’s makeup allows them to sidestep health concerns that may floor you. Another win for canines!
Are you looking for a well-balanced doggy diet that harnesses the goodness of raw, grass-fed beef? Sign up for Mad Paws Dinner Bowl!
