Table of Contents
Protein is very important for your dog’s body to repair muscles and tissues. But where can your dog get the most protein? The answer is meat. But it can be overwhelming to choose the best meat for dogs because there are so many options available in the market. Well, we have some good options to create a balanced meat-based diet for your dog.
Read on to learn more about what sort of protein is good for your dog and what are their required nutrients.
13 Best Meat-Based Food Products for Dogs
The advantages of a high-meat diet are numerous. It strengthens the immune system and promotes a healthy fur coat amongst other benefits. From making a switch to giving your dog meat for the first time or how to improve your dog’s current diet, this selection offers useful information to help you make the right decisions for your pet’s nutrition.
1. Chicken & Rice
Chicken and rice dry dog food is a well-favored type of dog food because chicken is easy to digest and it is approved by many veterinarians. Protein is important for the building up of muscles and the body gets this from chicken. Rice represents a good source of complex carbohydrates that are not very hard on the stomach. The two complement each other and present a healthy meal in terms of nutrients for dogs. It helps avert instances of obesity or lack of sufficient energy.
2. Beef & Vegetable
Beef contains some amount of fat with a good source of protein, iron, and zinc that can help boost immunity. Vegetables also help to enrich the dish with fiber, vitamins, and minerals which are good for your dog’s gut.
Vegetable content can be:
- Carrots: Offer beta-carotene, which is then changed into vitamin A in the body. It helps in better vision, skin, and coat health.
- Peas: Peas contain such vitamins as K and B, essential for the proper bones and energy production work.
- Spinach: Spinach contains vitamins A, C, K, iron, and antioxidants among other nutrients that improve the immune system and fight oxidation.
- Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a storehouse of complex carbohydrates and dietary fibers. They are also an excellent source of beta-carotene and vitamin C, which help to build up the body’s immune system and increase the body’s vitality.
3. Lamb & Barley
Lamb is another popular protein source. If your dog has a weak stomach, this meal can be perfect for them. Add some barley to the meal for some important nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals to their diet.
4. Salmon & Pea
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are healthy for the skin, coat, hips, joints, and brain. Additionally, peas are a good source of protein and fiber that are beneficial to the body.
5. Turkey & Sweet Potato
Turkey provides lean proteins that will support muscle tissue without the unnecessary fat. Sweet potatoes are good sources of beta-carotene and dietary fiber that contribute to the proper functioning of the digestive system.
6. Duck & Potato
Duck is not a very common protein source for dog foods but it is one of the meats that is used in hypoallergenic formulations. Your dog will get carbohydrates and fiber from potatoes. You can give your dog this meal if it’s having a hard time digesting regular proteins.
7. Venison & Brown Rice
Venison is rich in lean proteins so it is light on the stomach. Add rice to the mix and you have a whole grain with all the essential vitamins and digestible carbohydrates.
8. Fish & Oatmeal
Fish contains protein and omega fatty acids that give your dog a shiny coat. Oatmeal has excellent soluble fiber. It helps keep your dog’s digestive health in check.
9. Pork & Lentils
While dogs don’t usually enjoy pork, it forms a good source of protein and Vitamin B. You can add it to a bowl of lentils to make it balanced. Lentils are high in fiber and low in fat so they will support your dog’s energy levels and muscle health.
10. Bison & Quinoa
Bison is a good source of protein for hypoallergenic dogs. Quinoa is a superfood grain that provides all nine essential amino acids. Adding it to your dog’s diet makes it a highly nutritious carbohydrate meal.
11. Herring & Pumpkin
Herring and pumpkin will give your dog a nice, shiny coat of fur. It will also keep your dog’s digestive health in check.
12. Pheasant & Millet
Pheasant provides a unique source of protein, and millet is an easily digestible grain, rich in iron and B vitamins. This meal is suitable for sensitive stomachs.
13. Trout & Wild Rice
Essential fatty acids such as omega 3 obtained from trout are vital in maintaining healthy skin and shiny coat. Wild rice is a dense sturdy grain, high in protein and fiber.
When selecting the perfect meat for the dog’s diet, you have to look at the quality of the meat and its concentration. If meat consists of 5% protein and 95% fat, it is just going to make your dog obese. Pick and choose the right meat combination based on your dog’s age, size, activity levels, and health. Monitor your dog’s reaction to certain meats and decide whether the meat is right for its health or not.
Things to Consider
Meat is a great source of protein for your dog. However, the quality of the meat will decide whether the proteins are good or bad for your dog. Unclean meats can make your dog sick. Make sure that the meat you use is clean and contains all the necessary fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for your dog’s overall health. But don’t forget that they need carbohydrates too. You must prepare a very well-balanced meal with all the necessary nutrients.
But if you want to guarantee that the dog food has been fully balanced, make sure its contents meet the standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Conclusion
You can use any of the above-mentioned combinations to provide a well-balanced diet to your dog. The only thing you need to remember is that every meal should be packed with nutrients. All meats will contain protein. You have to select the one that is best for your dog’s dietary needs. But before you go on changing your dog’s diet, consult with a vet for the right direction.
