Meat provides great benefits to our dogs. First, meat is a great source of protein that your dog needs to feel full and stay healthy. It also contains taurine, an amino acid that may play a role in preventing dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs. The FDA is currently investigating a link between DCM in dogs and diets. As grain-free diets became more popular, more pups were being diagnosed. One of the current theories is that this may be due to a taurine deficiency.
The Most Popular Meats for Dogs
- Chicken
Chicken is a popular protein for pups for many reasons. Primarily because Chicken is an affordable and readily available source of protein. At Ollie, our Chicken Recipe combines chicken muscle and organ meat with rice, pumpkin, and carrots to create a nutritious and balanced meal for your dog.
While it is certainly one of the most popular proteins it is also common for pups to have chicken allergies. If you notice your pup displaying any symptoms of food allergies you’ll want to chat with your vet and discuss putting your pup on a chicken-free diet.
- Beef
Another high-quality protein source that is widely available for dogs is beef. It’s used in many commercial dog foods including Ollie! We use muscle and organ meat from the cow to give your pup the best nutrition. Our Beef Recipe is an excellent choice for pups who are allergic to chicken or poultry or for pups who prefer the taste of beef.
One thing that is important to know about beef-based dog foods is that companies can use a variety of different cuts. While most of these cuts are similar from a nutrient standpoint, they can vary widely in price.
If you decide to cook beef for your pup, choose a leaner cut or drain off the excess fat before sharing. If your pup is under the weather you can use ground beef and rice for a bland diet. Just be sure to boil or brown the beef and skim off all of the fat. In the case the meat should be a little dry.
- Salmon
Yes! Your pup can enjoy grilled or baked salmon with you. Even if you enjoy your piece medium or medium-rare it is important that you cook your pup’s piece to well done. While salmon doesn’t looks as good on paper as beef or chicken it has one key component that they lack.
Although it is modest in protein and high in fat, salmon is an incredible source of Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids help with everything from your pup’s coat and brain to their joints. Omega-3’s are also important to help keep away inflammation. While Ollie doesn’t make a salmon recipe, you can certainly offer some to your pup with their favorite food.
- Lamb
Lamb is another great meat choice for pups. While not as common as Chicken, Beef, or Turkey, it can often be used for pups with food allergies. Since the water content of lamb is higher than beef or chicken you will need more to reach the same level of protein. If you feed Ollie’s Lamb Recipe that won’t be your concern. We do all the cooking and mixing for you so that you only have to open the package and let your pup chow down. - Turkey
Not just for Thanksgiving, your pup can enjoy turkey all year. Leaner and slightly lower in fat than chicken the taste of turkey delights many pup’s taste buds. Turkey is a great choice of protein for your pup. They can enjoy some of the turkey you make at the holidays as long as you hold the garlic and onions as well as any rich sauces or gravies.
If you love to cook for your pup, you can roast a turkey breast in the oven. You’ll need the internal temperature to reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that any pathogens are killed in the cooking process. If you don’t have time to roast a turkey breast or brown some ground turkey for your pup, you’re in luck. Ollie makes a delicious Turkey Recipe that your pup can enjoy without dirtying any dishes (other than their bowl).