A vast selection of commercial dog foods are available, including ones with different meats and meat-based ingredients. Dogs are facultative carnivores, which means they need proteins from meat but can also eat some plants. Like all animals, they do best on a diet that is right for their species.
In the wild, dogs would eat small animals, but only the biggest ones would probably eat deer. However, this novel protein can be found in an increasing number of commercial dog food recipes. What are the pros and cons of venison for dogs? Is it a scam that you should avoid giving your dog? Are there better options, or is it a good source of protein for dogs? Let’s find out!
Is Venison a Good Option for Dogs with Liver Disease?
If your dog has been diagnosed with liver disease, you likely have questions about what they should and shouldn’t eat One protein source you may be wondering about is venison Keep reading to learn more about the potential benefits and risks of feeding venison to dogs with liver disease.
The Benefits of Venison for Liver Health
Venison offers several advantages that make it a good option to consider for dogs with compromised liver function:
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Lean protein Venison is low in fat, providing protein without excess calories or fat that could overwork the liver.
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Rich in zinc and iron. Venison contains minerals that support liver health and immune function.
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Anti-inflammatory. Venison provides omega-3s that can help reduce inflammation in the liver.
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Highly digestible. The proteins in venison are easy for dogs to digest and absorb.
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Novel protein, Venison is less likely to trigger food allergies than common proteins like beef or chicken,
All of these factors mean venison can potentially supply vital nutrition for dogs with liver disease, without taxing the liver.
Understanding Liver Disease in Dogs
The liver performs many essential functions like metabolizing nutrients, removing toxins from the blood, and producing proteins. Liver disease prevents the liver from working properly.
Causes of liver disease include:
- Toxins from things like medications, chemicals, pesticides
- Infections from viruses, bacteria, or parasites
- Cancer or benign masses
- Autoimmune disease
- Congenital defects
Symptoms can include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, increased thirst/urination, bleeding disorders, fluid buildup, and more. Getting veterinary care is crucial, as many types of liver disease are treatable if caught early.
Why Protein Matters
Protein provides amino acids that serve as the building blocks for tissues and organs. When the liver is damaged, the body needs high-quality protein to repair and regenerate liver cells.
However, not all proteins are ideal. Excessive protein taxes the liver’s ability to metabolize ammonia, a byproduct of protein digestion. too much can lead to neurological issues.
Experts suggest moderate amounts of highly digestible protein for dogs with liver disease. Venison fits the bill.
Key Benefits of Venison
Here’s a closer look at why venison can be a smart choice:
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Lower fat content – With less fat than beef or lamb, venison puts less strain on the liver.
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Rich in zinc and iron – These minerals support immune health and liver function.
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Anti-inflammatory – Venison provides omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce inflammation.
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Digestible protein – The proteins in venison are easy for dogs to break down and utilize.
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Novel protein – Introducing venison may avoid triggering allergies.
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Versatile – Venison can be served raw, cooked, canned, dehydrated, or freeze-dried.
Potential Concerns
While venison has many benefits, there are also some cautions to keep in mind:
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Still a red meat – Some experts recommend limiting red meat for dogs with liver issues.
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Risk of parasites – Wild venison may contain parasites, so ensure it’s frozen or cooked.
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High in copper – Venison contains more copper than some meats, which could be harmful in large amounts.
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Rich in protein – While digestible, venison is still relatively high in protein.
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Allergies possible – Some dogs can develop allergies to venison over time.
So talk to your vet about whether venison makes sense for your individual dog. They can help you balance the positives and potential risks.
Introducing Venison Safely
If your vet gives the okay, here are some tips for safely adding venison to your dog’s menu:
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Choose high-quality, lean cuts like loin or leg.
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Select wild or grass-fed for more omega-3s.
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Freeze venison for 2 weeks or cook to 160°F to kill parasites.
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Start with small amounts mixed into their regular food.
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Gradually increase venison while monitoring for allergies.
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Avoid excessive copper by rotating venison with other novel proteins.
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Ask your vet about optimal protein and fat percentages.
Venison can be a healthy part of the diet puzzle for dogs with liver disease. Work closely with your veterinarian to determine if it’s an appropriate option. Feed venison as part of a balanced diet tailored to your dog’s needs. With the right nutritional plan, you can nourish your dog’s liver back to health.
It’s Naturally Lean Meat
Venison is a leaner meat than beef and other red meats. In other words, it has fewer calories and less fat than the same amount of beef or pork.
Your dog will stay healthy if they eat lean meat instead of fat meat. Being overweight or obese is not good for them. If your dog is already carrying too much weight, lean meat can help shed the pounds. Even though pork and beef are thought to be healthy, they tend to be high in fat. That’s why venison is a great red meat alternative.
It Contains Multiple Vitamins and Minerals
Venison is loaded with healthy vitamins and minerals, including:
- Iron: Without enough iron, red blood cells can’t work right, which can cause anemia. Anemic dogs are more likely to get hurt or sick, and they don’t want to do much.
- Niacin—Vitamin B3 is known to give you more energy and help your pet’s skin and coat stay healthy.
- B6, B12, and Folate—These vitamins, along with iron, help the body make red blood cells and use energy. Because they dissolve in water, all B vitamins are used right away by the body and are not stored. So, your dog needs to regularly eat them as part of their diet.
Best Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Dogs with Liver Disease
FAQ
What meat is good for dogs with liver disease?
What foods should dogs with liver disease avoid?
Why can’t dogs eat venison?
Is venison better than beef for dogs?
Can dogs eat venison?
A wholefood balanced recipe with moderated fat content to reduce calories, suitable for those dogs with health issues requiring a reduced fat diet such as digestive, liver, and pancreatic issues. Venison is regarded as a novel protein/exotic and perhaps a protein that the immune system may not have previously seen.
What to feed a dog with liver problems?
What to feed a dog with liver problems. The diet for a dog with liver disease needs to include high-quality protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, fiber and vitamins C and E.
Can dogs eat a liver disease diet?
Some animal proteins contain high levels of copper and should be avoided in a liver disease diet for dogs. When the liver isn’t working properly, copper builds up. Zinc can help to reduce copper levels in the body, but it’s also important to limit copper-rich foods.
Can a Veterinary therapeutic diet help a dog with liver disease?
To emphasize the point, dietary modification using a veterinary therapeutic diet will likely not help a dog with mildly elevated liver enzymes (which can very well go back to normal on their own) or even with mid-stage liver disease. The disease has to be quite far along for a special low-protein diet to have a beneficial effect.