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10 Benefits of Kangaroo Meat for Dogs

Raw kangaroo meat and kibble


Is Kangaroo meat good for dogs? You bet! In fact, it is an excellent choice as a primary source of protein for your dog!

So what are the benefits of adding kangaroo to your dog’s diet? Here are 10 reasons why you should consider feeding kangaroo for dogs.

 

A kangaroo staring into the camera


1. Healthy Choice

    Kangaroo meat is one of the leanest proteins available and low in cholesterol which helps reduce the chance of your furry friend contracting heart disease and diabetes [1]. 

    Kangaroo meat is certified in Australia as safe for human consumption, so if handled properly, it poses no health risks to your doggo. Since kangaroos live in the wild, they do not have high levels of harmful microbes that flourish in factory feedlots where sheep, hogs and cattle are usually grown. 

     

    2. Palatability

      Kangaroo meat is a real treat for your best friend’s tastebuds. What makes is more mouth-wateringly tasty for canine palates? Kangaroos forage on a wide variety of natural, indigenous plants instead of just one or two like domesticated animals. Their diet gives them very lean and flavourful meat to dogs. It is a protein that your dog will love, so if you have a fussy eater, kangaroo-based dog food is a great option.

       

      3. A Wild Protein

        Unlike domestic animals, kangaroos live in the wild, with no added antibiotics and hormones. You probably don’t want to be feeding your fur baby unnecessary hormones and antibiotics anyway.

        Since kangaroos range free, they do not contract diseases as easily as animals in feed lots. No human is out in the bush giving them shots or pills. This means that the meat is pure, without the chemicals that domestic meats have.

         

        4. High in Protein

          Protein is crucial for dogs as it helps build and repair tissues, muscles, and organs. It plays a key role in maintaining a dog's overall health, supporting muscle development, and providing energy. Dogs need protein in their diet for growth, especially in puppies and pregnant or active dogs.

          Kangaroo meat has more protein per serving then most other protein sources, and contains approximately 32g of protein per 100g compared to other protein sources such as chicken (27g) Beef, (26g) or Fish (22g). 
          This is especially helpful if your vet has recommended placing your dog on a high-protein diet.


          Looking for a High Protein Option to feed your doggo? - Try our Roo's Clues Raw Royalty Patties which contain 59% protein on a dry matter basis!


          5. Amino Acids

            Kangaroo meat is a complete source of all the essential amino acids that your dog requires. Dogs must obtain essential amino acids from their diet, emphasizing the importance of a balanced and protein-rich diet to ensure optimal health and well-being. 

            Amino acids are essential for dogs as they are the fundamental building blocks of proteins, playing a pivotal role in various physiological processes. These include the synthesis and maintenance of tissues, muscles, organs, enzymes, and hormones.

            6. Low in Fat

              Since kangaroo is a very lean protein, dog food made with kangaroo meat is usually very low in fat. In fact, crude analysis shows Kangaroo meat contains less than 3% fat content. [1] Kangaroos are naturally very active animals, moving all over the landscape to find food.

              Kangaroo meat is also very low in saturated fat. [1] So it will help to keep your dogs cholesterol level low. So if you have a dog that needs a low-fat, high-protein diet, or suffers from pancreatitis, diabetes look for kangaroo on the label of ingredients.

               

              7. High in Nutrients

                Kangaroo is abundant in micronutrients. It is high in iron and zinc, full of B vitamins, and a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Many other types of dog food that contain other sources of protein are fortified with vitamins and minerals that their meat lacks–this is not the case with kangaroo. 

                 

                8. Novel Protein

                  Is your dog having an intolerance to their current food? Consider feeding them a novel protein (a protein source that your dog has never or rarely had). The advantage of feeding your furry friend a novel meat is that they are less likely to be allergic or intolerant of an ingredient that they have never eaten. Food allergies arise in most cases when dogs eat the same food day after day. Kangaroo is a great option if your dog has developed allergic reactions to more common meats like chicken, beef and pork.

                  Signs of food intolerance to look out for in your dog: Scratching, licking, redness, ear infections, gas, vomiting and diarrhea!

                   

                  9. Fewer Chemicals

                    Kangaroos in the wild are exposed to fewer heavy metals, radionuclides and pesticides. [2] So, kangaroo meat only contains chemicals that are naturally occurring which is less likely to damage your fur baby’s health. It is a great way to give them the long and happy life that they deserve. So if you’re looking for protein sources with less artificial hormones, antibiotics and chemicals, kangaroo is the way to go.

                     

                    10. Better for the Planet

                      Kangaroo meat is an environmentally friendly protein source. They produce about 95% less methane than cows due to their gut microbiome [2]. This means that your dog’s food is responsible for fewer greenhouse gas emissions and will help our planet as we try to reduce global warming.

                      Being native to Australia and adapted to arid conditions, Kangaroos require minimal resources for survival. As well as producing less methane emissions, being wild-harvested reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional livestock farming. Strict quotas in Australia ensure regulated harvesting, maintaining population stability and preventing overgrazing, making kangaroo meat an eco-friendly food source.

                       

                      Kangaroo Meat: A Must-Do for Your Dog’s Diet

                       

                      A dog cleaning their bowl of their raw kangaroo meat

                       

                      When it is all said and done, Kangaroo is a great choice for your dog’s primary protein as well as the main ingredient in their chews and treats. Kangaroo is a natural meat that is ethically harvested, is higher in protein, lower in fats, full of micronutrients, less likely to produce an allergic reaction and great for the planet. Who could ask for a better protein for their forever friend?

                       


                      References

                      [1] Kangaroo Meat as a Valuable Raw Material for Dietary Products

                      [2] Decreasing methane yield with increasing food intake keeps daily methane emissions constant in two foregut fermenting marsupials, the western grey kangaroo and red kangaroo | Journal of Experimental Biology | The Company of Biologists