Can Dogs Eat Raw Beef?

16th May 2022

How nutritious is raw beef really? In this article we advise of all the nutrients raw beef contains, and why you should feed it to your dog, if you can. Read on to learn more!

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Can Dogs Eat Raw Beef?

The simple answer to this question is, yes absolutely! We will cover all of the amazing benefits that raw beef can bring to your dog.

The beef we use in our meals is of the highest quality human grade meat. The cows are reared outdoors and are grass fed. One of the most important things for us here at Paleo Ridge is to ensure your dog is consuming the healthiest of meats. The better the quality of the meat, the more nutritious and beneficial it is for your furry best friend.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Value of Raw Beef

Beef is an excellent source of protein, in fact, it is one of the most protein rich meats available. Protein is vital for the development of your dog’s body tissue and muscles. It also helps maintain a healthy heart, eyes, skin, coat, and immune system.

Below is a list of the vitamins and minerals found in raw beef and their benefits:

  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – is essential to a dog's diet as it helps convert carbs into glucose, which produces energy. As one of the B vitamins, it also assists with healthy cell growth and function.
  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – is an essential nutrient for body function. This can help improve brain function, assist the immune system, and lower cholesterol.
  • Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) – is essential for keeping the immune system and the nervous system healthy. It is also vital for healthy brain development.
  • Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) – Commonly known as folic acid, as with the other B vitamins its main function is converting food into energy. Helps promote a healthy immune function.
  • Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) – this nutrient helps to make the genetic make up of the cells in the body. Also helps to keep the body’s blood and nerve cells happy.
  • Calcium - improves overall health whilst paying special attention to strengthening teeth, bones and maintaining a healthy coat.
  • Copper - essential for the formation of bones, connective tissue, collagen, and myelin (the protective covering of nerves). It also helps the body absorb iron which we have already covered above.
  • Iron - this mineral is essential for the formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin throughout the body. Haemoglobin carries oxygen and nutrients through the bloodstream. This is why Iron is so important to a dogs general wellbeing.
  • Magnesium - is essential for energy production in the cells. This nutrient is needed to facilitate the use of energy from the rest of the food.
  • Manganese – this trace mineral is mostly found in offal and bones. It has many benefits which includes helping to prevent blood clots, form healthy bones and tissue, and help maintain healthy hormones.
  • Selenium - essential for the optimisation of your dog's metabolism. It is also important for the reproductive organs, the thyroid and even the synthesis of DNA.
  • Zinc - helps to regulate hormones, proteins, and enzymes and is very important for maintaining normal immune system function and thyroid function too.
  • Omega 3 – helps to build and maintain a healthy body. Not only is this a good energy source, but will also keep the immune system, heart and lungs functioning properly. Also helps maintain a healthy coat.
  • Omega 6 – excellent for protecting the heart and maintaining a healthy heart. Can also help lower cholesterol levels.

Intolerances

Dogs can be intolerant to beef, but most dogs are usually fine, especially if the meat is high quality. Cheaper meats often contain unnecessary chemicals which can spur off those intolerance symptoms. If you suspect your dog may have an intolerance to beef, cut it out of their diet completely for at least one month. If their symptoms have subsided during this time, that’s a key indication that beef was the problem. This is not to say your dog can never have beef again, sometimes they just need a break. You can look to introduce this very slowly after time. Just ensure the meat is of high quality (such as ours!).

What Beef Products Do Paleo Ridge Offer?

Further Reading