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Finding the most suitable diet for your furry friend can be a bit of a struggle, especially since you are concerned about its health and happiness. Trial and error might be a lengthy, risky, and unnecessary way to check what your dog loves to eat and what is best for it. Even though there have been many changes in the trends of dog’s diets, the traditional meat-based feeding is a time tested winner.

Red meat has always been a preferable choice for feeding dogs. Since dogs are primarily carnivorous animals, they survive best on red meat-based high protein diets. Diets with a high percentage of red meat proteins in them can complete their nutritional requirements. Many people think that only big dogs need to feed on red meat. However, even the smaller breeds need a high protein-based diet as much as the larger ones. That’s why the best quality dog foods such as Blue Wilderness red meat dog food for small breeds can fulfill the dietary needs of your furry little friend.

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Does It Have to Be Red Meat?

Although all types of meats can be the source of protein in your dog’s food habits, red meats meet other nutritional requirements as well. Here are some of the dietary benefits of feeding red meat to your dog.

Stronger Muscles

Red meats are the richest source of proteins among all other foods. Dogs use protein to build their muscles the same way as humans do. The presence of protein helps in increasing muscle mass for your dog and helps it develop a lean and strong body. It will give your furry friend the power to run around and exercise more. Increased muscle mass means that your dog will not feel tired or fatigued after a long walk.

Better Skin

Red meats have a substantial amount of fat in them, which supplies a dog with essential amino acids, such as Omega 3 and Omega 6. These fatty acids have many health benefits for a dog, including keeping their skin healthy and coats shiny. Lack of these amino acids can cause your dog to have dry and patchy skin. That can lead to many other skin related problems such as itchiness, skin irritation, and growth of pathogens on the coat.

Higher Energy Levels

Unlike humans who use carbohydrates to generate energy, dogs not only use protein for building their muscles, they also use protein to produce energy in their body. Feeding your dog red meat will ensure that its energy levels stay high, which will lead to an active life. With enough protein in its nutrition, your dog will be able to run around the park to its heart’s content. Lack of protein in its diet can cause your dog to feel fatigued and low on energy. Just like you wouldn’t eat a bowl full of carbs after a workout, your dog shouldn’t feed on a meal full of grains.

Helps Stay Leaner

Higher amounts of red meat in your dog’s diet mean that it will have higher energy levels to spend and will run around more. That, in turn, will lead to a leaner body mass. Protein also helps a dog stay full for more time, which means that it will need to feed at longer intervals and gain less weight. Grain-free meals will ensure that your dog has better absorption of nutrients in its body without a bulging belly.

If you are purchasing dog food with red meat as a primary ingredient, it is advisable to go through the list of ingredients properly to see what kinds of meats are getting used to manufacture it. Many companies use more fillers like grains to make the product, which is why you need to choose one that is preferably grain-free. Some manufacturers heat the meat so many times that the protein loses its nutritional value, therefore choose a product that has been cold formed to get the best possible nourishment for your dog.

Precautions While Feeding Red Meat to Your Dog

Too much of anything can be toxic, so you must feed your dog measured amounts of red meat. You should also maintain a balance of vegetables and fruits in your dog’s diet. Even though dogs can get all the necessary nutrition from red meat, feeding it too much animal protein can cause gastrointestinal discomforts. Also, ensure that any red meat that you feed your dog is well cooked. Raw meats can carry pathogens that might be harmful to your dog’s health. If you are unsure about anything regarding your furry friend’s diet, seek advice from your veterinary doctor.