As a nutritious protein source that contains many essential nutrients, yes, lambs can be really good for dogs of all ages and sizes. But, as they say at the bottom of every investment-related page, read the terms and conditions carefully before investing. And when you introduce a new food item to your dog’s diet, you are investing your time, money and risk appetite. Keep reading to know the terms and conditions in this case.
When it comes to gourmet dining, dogs might not have a Michelin star, but they've definitely got an appetite for the good stuff. Enter lamb—juicy, savory, and probably a flavor your pup has only dreamed about. The good thing is that dogs can eat lambs and extract many benefits from it.
Dogs need a lot of protein to maintain good health. It is critical to build, heal and maintain body tissues and to protect and regulate body processes like the immune function. It is especially important for sick or injured dogs, as it can rebuild muscle fibers and shorten recovery times.
Now, dogs don’t store proteins in their bodies. So, it must be present in every meal of theirs to maintain their health. The majority of the protein must come from a meat source. Lamb becomes a highly accessible and good source of protein for dogs here. It is high quality and concentrated. Apart from that, it can also be a great source of fats and acids that dogs need in their diet. (1)
Can Dogs Eat Lamb?
Yes, absolutely. Dogs can safely eat lamb as long as it is not cooked with any type of seasonings or salt. You can find lamb in different forms for your dog. There are traditional dry and grain-free options for dogs with grain sensitivity. Then, there are canned lamb food options for dogs who prefer a soft diet. You get lamb treats to make training sessions interesting for your dog. You can also make a combination with other proteins like beef to add some variety for your dog.
Here are some precautions that you need to take care of while giving lamb to your dog – (1)
Remove the bones. They can be a choking hazard or get lodged in the intestines and create severe problems for your dog’s digestive tract.
Remove the skin. The skin contains high fat content which can again upset your dog’s digestion process and pose an obesity threat.
Lastly, make sure not to add salt, pepper, garlic, onion or any other type of seasonings as they can be toxic for dogs.
Benefits of Lamb Meat for Dogs
Dog food containing lamb meat acts as not just a great source of protein but many other essential nutrients that boost a dog’s health. Here are some of its benefits – (2)
Gut health
If your dog is an active one, lamb meat can be a great source of good quality fat who need all the energy to jump around all day. It also helps maintain an acidic environment in your dog’s gut which can kill harmful bacteria and pathogens in there. And a healthy gut equals a healthy dog.
Fatty acids
The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids present in lamb meat support healthy brain development. They are highly important for young pups. These acids also help reduce inflammation and boost kidney and heart health. They can also help reduce pain for arthritic dogs and other chronic pain conditions.
Coat and skin health
Lamb meat contains Vitamin B12 and B3 which help maintain skin and hair health in dogs by protecting them from pathogens, bacteria and skin infections.
Immunity
Zinc and iron in lamb meat can boost a dog’s immunity. Zinc also aids in metabolism and thyroid function and iron provides the energy dogs need.
Can Lamb Upset a Dog’s Stomach?
There is a chance that lamb meat can be a little problematic for dogs to digest. Some cuts of lamb can contain high amounts of fat, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or pancreatitis, especially in small dogs or dogs with sensitive stomachs. Raw lamb can also be difficult to digest for some dogs if your dog is not used to raw meats. Hence, it is always important to consult with your dog before introducing any new food item to your dog’s diet.
Is Lamb an Inflammatory for Dogs?
Lamb meat is the exact opposite of inflammatory for dogs – anti-inflammatory. This is because of all the omega-3 and omega-6 acids in it. They can help reduce inflammation, ease pain, boost energy and improve the overall functioning of a dog’s body.
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