It’s common knowledge that dogs require a high level of protein in their meals to keep them healthy. For humans, lamb is known as one of the most available protein-rich meats. But should you give it to your dog?
Lamb is high in amino acids and dietary fats, both of which provide energy for your dog. It also contains a good amount of vitamins and minerals. These help with coat health and muscle development in dogs. You would be correct in assuming that dogs can safely consume lamb as they can with other meats.
However, there are some guidelines to follow before giving your dog lamb. Read more to discover exactly when it is appropriate to give lamb to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Lamb?
Lamb meat is both a tasty treat for your pet and a healthy addition to many dog meals. If your dog has allergies to other types of meat such as fish, chicken, or beef, switching to lamb-based foods can ensure that they evade their allergens while still getting enough protein to be healthy.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Lamb?
Raw lamb is safe for dogs to consume and digest. It can be given to your canine during training, and you may find that they go crazy for this tasty treat.
However, raw meat can be slightly hazardous, and not every dog is built to consume it.
Dogs with impaired immune systems should avoid raw lamb and other raw meat. This includes any dogs with cancer or autoimmune conditions. Raw lamb should also be avoided by dogs with liver or kidney diseases due to its high-fat content.
Raw meat is more difficult to digest than cooked meat. Dogs with stomach issues or digestive disorders should only eat cooked lamb. Raw meat also has the potential to have E. coli contamination or salmonella. This can make your dog very sick even if they’re otherwise healthy.
Parts of a Lamb
Liver
A lamb’s liver is high in vitamin A, vitamins B2, B9, B12, copper, and iron, making it a doggie multivitamin as well as a great source of protein. However, you should only give dogs a small amount of liver to avoid vitamin A poisoning.
Otherwise, lamb liver is fantastic for your dog’s overall health and eyes. Their entire body benefits from the B vitamin cocktail, which keeps their cells active, improves cognitive function and helps them build red blood cells and DNA.
Copper is essential for your dog’s brain function, bone strength, metabolism, connective tissue, and collagen. Iron prevents anemia and works with copper to enhance the production of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen throughout your puppy’s body.
Heart
A lamb’s heart is high in coenzyme Q10 and taurine. Taurine is a necessary amino acid useful for your dog’s body to produce new proteins, and a lack of it might result in heart problems.
Coenzyme Q10, on the other hand, helps your dog’s heart and dog’s brain function. This magical mineral has good antioxidant qualities. It has a potent anti-inflammatory impact, which means it can assist your dog’s cells in battling oxidative damage and suppress the possibility of cancer.
Kidney
Lamb kidney is rich in nutrients and is a delightful meaty treat for your canine companion. Lamb kidney, like the liver, is high in vitamins A, B, and iron.
Lamb Fat
You should remove the skin and fat from a lamb before serving it to your dog. These fatty offcuts can upset a dog’s stomach and cause diarrhea. They can also cause pancreatitis, which is a serious condition that can be fatal.
Lamb Bones
Some varieties of raw lamb bones are safe for dogs to consume. The rib bones of lamb are meaty bones that make a good treat for your dog because they help clean their teeth and exercise their jaws. Raw lamb bones are also nutritious, as they are high in phosphorus and calcium, which your dog needs to maintain a healthy skeleton.
Bones that you feed your dog should be raw and big enough for them to consume entirely. Avoid sawn bones as they are more likely to break and cause damage to your dog’s teeth. Chop bones, knuckle bones, cutlets, and marrow bones are among the lamb bones that your dog cannot eat. Cutlets and chops readily splinter, whereas marrow bones and knuckles are too hefty and might ruin your dog’s teeth.
You should keep a close eye on your dog while it is eating bones. Even if the bones are raw, your dog may choke on portions that break off, especially if they aren’t used to chewing food.
Under no circumstances should your dog ever eat cooked lamb bones. Cooked bones are more prone to splintering and causing internal damage.
When to Choose Lamb for Your Dog
Here’s when lamb is a particularly excellent choice to feed your dog.
If Your Dog Has Food Allergies
Dairy, beef, egg, wheat, lamb, chicken, soy, rabbit, pig, and fish are the most prevalent allergens in puppies with food allergies. If your dog is not allergic to lamb, it is a good substitute protein for dogs who are allergic to chicken or fish.
If your dog has allergies (or you suspect they do), go to your vet to figure out what’s wrong and what foods your dog can eat. When planning your dog’s ideal diet, also keep in mind its age, breed, energy level, and weight. You should also make sure that your dog is getting enough vitamins and minerals to stay healthy.
If Your Dog is a Picky Eater
If you’re having difficulties getting your dog to eat, first rule out the dog’s tooth issues or pain. Then, consider feeding lamb-based food. The rich aromas and flavors appeal to some finicky eaters.
Conclusion
Dogs absolutely can and should eat lamb! Lamb organs are a nutrient-dense supplement to your dog’s meal and can be given in small amounts to keep your dog healthy and happy. Your dog can feed on raw bones as long as they aren’t too small or prone to splintering.