A dog’s digestive system is quite similar to that of humans, which allows them to eat a wide range of foods.
Goat meat is another potential addition to their diet; however, it should be given in moderation and taken with caution.
Can Dogs Eat Goat Meat?
Despite the similarities between dogs and human digestive systems, there are certain things you need to consider before feeding your pooch any food other than his usual kibble. For instance, can dogs eat goat meat or should they stick to regular dog food only? The answer may vary slightly depending on whether it’s raw or cooked goat meat you’re talking about. So, let’s take a look at what this blog has to say on this topic.
Dogs Can Eat Goat Meat, But…
Yes, your pet can safely eat goat meat, but only in small amounts and only certain types of goat meat. According to one veterinary site for dog owners, you should cook the meat before feeding it to your dog as it kills off any germs. Just make sure not to use any spices or seasonings where salt is concerned as they are bad for dogs’ health.
Also, keep in mind that cooked goat meat differs significantly from ordinary kibble so introducing this new food gradually is necessary. For instance, if you normally feed him dry food three times a day, don’t simply replace his dinner with two servings of goat-meat dinner. Instead, include some cooked meat with his normal food for a few days until he gets used to eating it altogether.
What Type of Goat Meat Can Dogs Eat?
The next question you may want an answer to is what kind of goat meat is safe for your pooch? Even though goats are similar to cows, there are still important differences between these two types of meat.
While cow meat is low in fat and cholesterol, goat meat contains higher amounts of both, which can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Also, raw goat’s milk is not considered healthy; hence giving your four-legged friend this type of milk is also not recommended.
Goat Meat Nutrition Facts
Aside from different quantities of fats and cholesterol, goat meat also contains higher amounts of amino acids, iron, calcium, and phosphorus. The reason for this is that goats are ruminants, which means they store more nutrients in their muscles. On the other hand, most proteins are found in their skin or bones. This requires you to make sure all these parts are cooked before giving them to your dog.
You may find these numbers interesting…
There are approximately 2 milligrams of cholesterol per 100 grams of cooked goat meat and 0 milligrams per 100g of raw goat meat. Keep in mind that the recommended dosage for dogs is just 1mg per 1lb (0.5kg) of body weight daily. However, if your pooch has been diagnosed with pancreatitis, the amount should be much smaller.
In addition to this, one good cut of goat meat contains about:
17g of fat (4-5% daily allowance), 5g of carbohydrates (2% daily allowance), and 34g of protein (14% daily allowance) for 100g.
As you can see, if your dog is an average of 40lbs (18kg), he will get almost half his needed daily protein just from the cooked goat meat. What’s more, amino acids can promote weight loss, while phosphorus and calcium support proper skeletal development. All in all, some healthy bonuses come from feeding your pooch a bit of goat meat.
Can dogs eat cooked goat?
To be safe, it would be best to feed your pet with cooked goat meat. However, if you want to give him some raw variety either from a specific breed of goat or a wild animal, make sure the meat comes from an animal in good health. It should also have been killed humanely and then cleaned thoroughly before being given to your dog.
As long as you pay attention to the treatment process and select a specific type of goat meat, it can be healthy for your pet. And if you’re having some problems deciding how much to give him, many online calculators can help you estimate his daily protein need.
Can I feed my dog mutton?
While goat and lamb might be interchangeable in many dishes, it is important to note that there are significant differences between these two. For instance, goats are naturally leaner than sheep; hence their meat contains less fat. The same goes for minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. As a result, goats’ milk is also much lower in these elements.
However, even though goat meat contains more nutrients in general, it is often difficult to find fresh goat meat in your local market. This makes sheep’s mutton a great alternative for pet owners who are struggling with the idea of giving their dogs raw meat.
Can we give goat fat to my dog?
Goat fat is also safe for dogs, but it is important to note that it contains more unsaturated fatty acids than beef and lamb fat. As a result, this type of fat can easily go rancid, which means the dog food containing goat fat must be stored in a dark and cold place or your freezer.
What are the benefits of eating goat meat?
Goat meat is good for dogs because it’s healthy, tasty, and most importantly very easy to digest. It also contains less fat compared to other meats. This makes it a great alternative for dogs that are at risk of becoming overweight or obese.
While there are no specific benefits of feeding your dog goat meat, this type of meat can easily replace beef or lamb on a diet. It is also much cheaper and easier to find in your local supermarket, making it a great option for picky pooches.