Beef tallow

What is beef tallow?

Beef tallow is the fat that is extracted from the fatty tissue of cattle. It is usually obtained by heating or rendering the fat, whereby the liquid and solid components are separated. The solid fat is called beef tallow, the liquid fat is called lard.

Beef tallow has a high melting point and a long shelf life. It is often used as an ingredient in the food industry, for example for baked goods, chocolate or margarine. Beef tallow is also used in cosmetics and soap production.

Why is beef tallow used for dogs?

Beef tallow is used for dogs for various reasons. Firstly, it is a natural source of animal fat, which is essential for a dog's health. Animal fat provides energy, satiates the dog and supplies it with essential fatty acids that it cannot produce itself.

On the other hand, beef tallow can help to increase the fat content of meals when barfing. Barfing means feeding the dog raw meat and other ingredients that correspond to its natural prey. The dog should consume at least 15% fat per day from the animal portion of the total portion. If the meat is too lean, beef tallow can be used as a supplement.

What are the benefits of beef tallow for dogs?

Beef tallow has several benefits for dogs, which are as follows:

• Energy: beef tallow provides more than twice as much energy as carbohydrates or proteins (proteins). This is especially important for active or working dogs that have a high energy requirement.
• Satiety: Beef tallow ensures that the dog feels full faster and for longer. This can help dogs that are too hungry or eat too quickly.
• Essential fatty acids: Beef tallow contains essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid (omega-6) and arachidonic acid (omega-6), which dogs cannot produce themselves. These fatty acids are important for the dog's skin, coat and immune function.
• Taste: Beef tallow has an intense taste that many dogs like. This can help picky dogs or dogs with poor appetites to accept the food better.

What are the disadvantages of suet for dogs?

Beef tallow also has some disadvantages for dogs, which are as follows:

• Obesity: beef tallow has a high calorie content and can lead to obesity if given in excessive doses. Obesity is a risk factor for various diseases such as diabetes, osteoarthritis or cardiovascular problems.
• Digestive problems: Beef tallow can cause digestive problems such as diarrhea, flatulence or abdominal pain in some dogs. This is because the dog first has to get used to larger amounts of fat or because it has an intolerance.
• Inflammation: Beef tallow has a high content of saturated fatty acids and a low content of unsaturated fatty acids. This can lead to an imbalance in the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a trigger for many chronic diseases such as allergies, skin problems or joint pain.

How can beef tallow be fed to dogs?

Beef tallow can be fed to dogs in various ways. The most common are:

• As an ingredient in dog food: Beef tallow is often used as an ingredient in commercial dog food to increase the fat content and flavor. You should pay attention to the quality and origin of the beef tallow, as it can also be contaminated with harmful substances or hormones. You should also follow the manufacturer's feeding recommendations to avoid overdosing.
• As a supplement for barfing: Beef tallow can be used as a supplement when barfing to increase the fat content of meals. Care should be taken to ensure that the dog does not get too much fat, as this can lead to obesity or digestive problems. A rule of thumb is that the dog should consume at least 15% fat from the animal portion of the total portion every day. If the meat already contains enough fat, there is no need to add beef tallow.
• As a treat or reward: Beef tallow can also be used as a treat or reward for the dog, for example in the form of dried pieces of tallow or tallow bones. Care should be taken to ensure that the dog does not get too much of it, as this can lead to obesity or digestive problems. You should also make sure that the dog chews the tallow well and does not swallow it, as this can lead to choking.