Raw duck is one of the most nutrient dense meats available to dogs. It is packed full of B vitamins which are essential for a healthy functioning body. You may have noticed that the fat content of single protein duck products, tend to be higher than other single protein meats. Duck is very high in fat however, it is unsaturated fat which is beneficial to the body. Unsaturated fat can help ease inflammation, maintain a healthy heart function, and even improve blood cholesterol levels.
Due to the nutritional make up of duck, including a high iron content, it’s perfect for active dogs. It is also known to be suitable for dogs who are intolerant to chicken and beef. With duck being a novel (or unusual) protein and easy to digest, it can help alleviate gastrointestinal upsets and even relieve skin irritation. This makes the meat hypoallergenic.
Below is a list of the vitamins and minerals found in raw duck and their benefits to your furry friend:
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – is essential to a dog’s diet as they help to promote cell growth and function and they are also necessary for the absorption of protein and fat.
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – is essential to a dog’s diet as it helps covert carbs into glucose which produces energy. As one of the B vitamins, it also assists in 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 B5 (Pantothenic Acid) – is essential for making blood cells and converting food into energy by metabolising proteins, fats and carbs.
- Vitamin B9 (Folate) – 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 your 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.
- Selenium - essential for the optimisation of your dogs 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.