Dogs may be best described as omnivores, but meat is critical for their health and well-being. You probably could concoct a vegetarian diet that’ll satisfy your dog’s protein needs, but this is probably too difficult a trick for the average dog owner to pull off.
Venison is like the VIP section of dog food—your furry pal will feel like they’ve hit the jackpot at an all-you-can-eat buffet. It's lean, packed with protein, and free-range, which basically means your dog is getting the carnivore equivalent of organic kale salad.
But don’t be fooled—this isn’t some fancy, overpriced pet-store trend. Feeding your dog venison is like saying, "Yes, you’re part of the family," while also keeping them from eyeing your dinner plate with those guilt-inducing puppy eyes.
Plus, it's a natural solution to those mysterious food allergies your dog somehow develops, despite only ever eating chicken kibble. If your dog could talk, they'd probably brag to the neighbourhood pups like, "Oh, you’re still on kibble? I’m on venison now." The only downside is they might start expecting you to cook it medium rare with a side of gravy.
So here are the facts about Venison
High in Protein: Venison is a lean, protein-packed meat that helps build and maintain strong muscles, giving your dog the energy for all their favourite activities (like chasing their tail).
Low in Fat: Compared to other meats like beef, venison is lower in fat, which makes it ideal for dogs that need a leaner diet or are watching their waistline (in case they’re planning for swimsuit season).
Rich in Nutrients: Venison is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, iron, and zinc, which support your dog’s immune system and promote healthy red blood cells.
Hypoallergenic: For dogs with food sensitivities or allergies to common meats like chicken or beef, venison is a great alternative protein source that’s less likely to cause reactions.
Novel Protein: Because venison isn’t a typical everyday meat, it’s a “novel” protein, which can be beneficial for dogs on limited ingredient diets or those prone to food intolerances. Plus, your dog gets to feel fancy eating something wild and exotic!
Chicken is like the classic go-to for dogs—it’s their version of comfort food. But when it’s grass-fed, it’s like that chicken just got upgraded to first class. Grass-fed chicken is richer in omega-3 fatty acids, which means your dog can strut around the park with a shinier coat and better brain power than ever. Plus, grass-fed chickens live their best lives, which means your dog gets to munch on happy, free-range chicken instead of a bird that’s lived like a couch potato.
So, next time your dog gives you that "I deserve better" look, toss them some grass-fed chicken and watch them act like they just got served gourmet.
Here are the facts on chicken
High in Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein that helps maintain your dog's muscle mass and supports their energy levels, perfect for daily zoomies.
Rich in Essential Nutrients: Chicken provides important nutrients like B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium, all of which support immune function, metabolism, and overall health.
Easily Digestible: Chicken is gentle on a dog’s digestive system, making it a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or who need a simple, easily digestible protein.
Grass-Fed Benefits: Grass-fed chicken is more nutrient-dense, providing higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which promote a shinier coat, better brain function, and overall health. It also means the chickens lived more naturally, which benefits your dog by reducing exposure to harmful substances.
Risks of Cheap Chicken: Mass-produced chicken often contains antibiotics, hormones, and preservatives used to make the birds grow faster and cheaper. This can lead to health risks for your dog, like hormone imbalances, allergic reactions, and resistance to antibiotics. So, while cheap chicken might save you money, it can come with hidden health risks for your pup—making grass-fed the better, safer option!
Salmon is basically the doggy version of a superfood smoothie—packed with omega-3s that’ll have your pup’s coat looking so shiny, you might mistake them for a walking, wagging bottle of hair serum. It’s also great for brain health, so don’t be surprised if your dog starts giving you that “I understand quantum physics” look after a few meals. Plus, it’s easy on the stomach, so no more unexpected “gifts” on the carpet. Throw some salmon in their bowl and watch your dog transform into a fur-covered gourmet critic, looking at you like, "Excuse me, where’s the lemon garnish with this?"
The facts about salmon
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Salmon is packed with omega-3s, which help reduce inflammation, improve skin and coat health, and support joint function, making your dog look and feel healthier.
Boosts Immune System: The vitamins and antioxidants in salmon, like vitamin D and selenium, help strengthen your dog’s immune system, keeping them protected against illnesses.
Promotes Brain Health: Omega-3s also support cognitive function, which can help improve your dog’s memory, learning abilities, and overall brain health—perfect for training or keeping older dogs sharp.
Great for Dogs with Allergies: Salmon is a novel protein, meaning it’s a good option for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to more common meats like chicken or beef.
Heart Health: The healthy fats in salmon promote cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease, and helping maintain a strong, healthy heart for your dog’s long-term wellness.
The DO's and DON'T's to remember
Don’t feed your dog cooked bones from meat as they can be a choking hazard.
Don’t feed your dog table scraps that include seasoning as certain seasonings such as onion can be toxic for dogs.
Don’t give your dog highly processed meats such as bacon or sausages as they are high in fat and salt.
Do speak to your vet if you’re trying a new food or concerned about any food allergies.
Do feed your dog nutritious dog food with a high-quality protein source.
Don’t only feed your dog meat, as dogs need a complete and balanced diet. Work with a veterinary nutritionist when home-cooking for your dog.
