Beef

What is beef?

Beef is the meat of various breeds of domestic cattle (Bos taurus) that are bred for meat production. There are many different cuts of beef that are suitable as dog food. These include

• Muscle meat: This is the lean meat from the skeleton of the cow. It contains a lot of protein and little fat and is the ideal basis for barfing (organic, species-appropriate raw food).
• Offal: These are the organs of cattle such as the liver, kidneys, heart or lungs. They contain many vitamins such as A, B and C as well as minerals such as iron and zinc.
• Bones: These are the hard parts of the skeleton such as ribs or vertebrae. They contain a lot of calcium and phosphorus and promote your dog's dental health.

Beef can be fed raw, cooked or dried. Depending on how it is prepared, it has different properties and effects on the dog.

What are the benefits of beef for dogs?

Beef has many benefits for dogs. It provides them with important nutrients that they need for healthy growth and a strong immune system. It also tastes very good to many dogs and makes them full and satisfied.

Some of the benefits of beef for dogs are

• High quality protein: Protein is the most important building material for a dog's body. It builds muscles, skin, hair, nails and antibodies. Beef contains about 22 grams of protein per 100 grams of lean muscle meat. Protein from beef is particularly high quality as it contains all the essential amino acids that dogs cannot produce themselves.
• Vitamins of the B group: These vitamins are important for the dog's metabolism. They help dogs to obtain energy from food and to form nerve, blood and immune cells. Beef mainly contains vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine) and B12 (cobalamin).
• Minerals and trace elements: These substances are important for the development of the dog's bones, teeth, muscles and nerves. They also regulate the water and acid-base balance and the function of enzymes and hormones. Beef mainly contains iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium and iodine.
• Fat: Fat is an important source of energy for dogs. It provides more than twice as much energy as protein or carbohydrates. In addition, fat contains essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, which dogs cannot produce themselves. These fatty acids are important for the health of the skin, coat, heart and brain. Beef contains about 10 grams of fat per 100 grams of lean muscle meat. The fat from beef is mainly saturated, which means that it is solid at room temperature.
• Taste: Beef has a strong taste that many dogs like very much. It stimulates their appetite and makes them happy. Beef can also be refined with various spices or herbs to vary or improve the taste.

What are the disadvantages of beef for dogs?

Beef also has some disadvantages for dogs. It can lead to health problems if it is fed incorrectly or if the dog has an intolerance or allergy. There can also be ethical concerns when you consider how the beef is produced.

Some of the disadvantages of beef for dogs are:

• Bacteria: Raw beef can contain bacteria that can harm the dog. These include salmonella, E. coli or campylobacter. These bacteria can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, fever or serious infections. To minimize the risk, you should only buy raw beef from trustworthy sources, store it in a cool place and consume it quickly. You should also make sure that your dog does not share raw beef with other animals or people.
• Parasites: Raw beef can also contain parasites that can harm the dog. These include tapeworms, roundworms and liver flukes. These parasites can lead to weight loss, anemia or gastrointestinal problems.