Joanna Wilson
Your dog looks at you with desire in her eyes every time you start cooking your delicious striploin steak for dinner. Perhaps you’re wondering if it’s okay to give your dog a small piece of your raw steak?
Is it safe for your dog to consume raw beef? Sort of is the answer. Beef is a safe and nutritious diet for your dog, but it comes with a few cautions.
Beef is a red meat that comes from a bull or a cow, and it has the highest iron content when compared to white meats like chicken and fish. It’s popular among burger and steak but it’s also found in sausages and corned beef.
Beef is significant in protein, fat (also known as beef tallow), vitamins B12, B6, niacin (B3), zinc, iron, selenium, and phosphorus, as well as a variety of antioxidants and amino acids.
Some of the health benefits of beef can include:
- Excellent source of protein
- Assists with exercising
- Helps to prevent anemia
- Preserves muscle mass
Beef, when consumed in moderation, is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and, most importantly, protein.
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Beef and Canine
Humans can certainly benefit from beef, but what about dogs? The same beneficial elements found in beef can help dogs in similar ways:
- A source of high protein.
- Iron can help prevent anemia in dogs.
- The source of healthy fats can boost a dog’s immune system.
- Fatty acids can help with joint support and muscle tone.
Beef is one of the best sources of protein and has a variety of health benefits, but it does have a negative, as does practically everything.
Dogs’ Disadvantages
While beef has numerous benefits for your dog, it also has a number of disadvantages that must be considered.
Beef that has not been cooked
Dogs are almost as susceptible to harmful bacteria as people who consume raw meat. Contaminated meat can cause illness or infection from bacteria like salmonella or listeria. Salmonella can be transmitted to humans through a dog’s saliva and poop. If you have any young children at home, this is very dangerous. Raw meat should never be given to dogs with major health issues (such as cancer, kidney failure, or liver failure) or puppies.
Salmonella symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- High fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
If you feel your dog has food poisoning or an illness, take them to the veterinarian.
If you let your dog chew on a bone with meat on it, the bone may splinter, causing parts to get caught or puncture the intestinal tract or stomach. While chewing on a bone, your dog’s teeth may crack.
There hasn’t been enough research on feeding raw meat to your dog. Some people feel that feeding raw meat to your dog is safe since it closely resembles the diet of a wild dog. If you’re thinking of adding raw meat to your dog’s diet, check to your vet first.
Read Also: Can Dogs Eat Tomato Soup? All You Need to Know
Meat that has been processed
Because of the high salt level, you should avoid processed meats like bacon, hot dogs, sausages, and bologna. Bloat is a malady that affects large dogs and is caused by the dog consuming too much salt and, as a result, swallowing too much water. Additional ingredients that are hazardous to dogs, such as onions and garlic, may be present.
The most important thing you can do is consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet, and make sure that the raw beef is properly prepared before giving it to your dog.
Preparing Raw Meat
To prevent damage to your dog, make sure all bones are removed from the meat. Clean the meat before cooking it. Many people feel that doing so will remove any extra chemicals or bacteria, but it actually increases the risk of cross-contamination (the sink, your hands, and any splashing will spread it even out even further). Any bacteria on the meat will be killed by cooking. Before and after handling the meat, wash your hands well and completely clean any surface the meat has been sitting on.
Make sure the meat is fresh and add no seasonings, oils, or butter, as these substances may upset your dog’s stomach. Remove any big amounts of fat from the beef and cook it to at least medium, which will kill any salmonella bacteria.
Summary
Raw beef has a lot of benefits and downsides. The most important thing you can do before buying any meat for your dog is to consult with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help you with your dog’s diet, taking into account his or her health, weight, and age.
Beef is a nutritious meat to add to your dog’s diet as long as you take the required precautions, but whether you provide it cooked or raw depends on your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Read Also: Can Dogs Eat Potato Skins? All You Need to Know
