10 Benefits of Kangaroo Meat for Dogs
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.
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.
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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
Kangaroo meat is an excellent choice for dogs needing a low-fat, high-protein diet. This naturally lean red meat is perfect for dogs with gastrointestinal issues or those struggling with weight. [1] Crude analysis shows that kangaroo meat contains less than 3% fat, largely due to kangaroos' active lifestyle, constantly moving across the landscape in search of food. [1] Moreover, kangaroo meat is low in saturated fat, helping to maintain low cholesterol levels in dogs.
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.
So, Can Dogs Eat Raw Kangaroo Meat?
Yes, dogs can eat raw kangaroo meat. It's a lean, high-protein option packed with essential nutrients like iron and zinc. However, raw meat, including kangaroo, can harbour parasites and bacteria that could make your dog sick. Since kangaroos are wild animals, the risk of parasites might be higher than in commercially raised meats.
To ensure your furry friend's safety, consult your vet before introducing any raw meat, including kangaroo. They can advise on appropriate serving sizes and preparation methods to minimise risks.
Kangaroo Meat: A Must-Do for Your Dog’s Diet
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
