Ostrich protein

Why is ostrich protein good for dogs?

Ostrich protein has several benefits for the health and well-being of dogs:

• It is a high-quality protein source that contains all the essential amino acids dogs need to build and maintain muscles, skin, coat, immune system and other bodily functions.
• It is easily digestible and does not burden the dog's gastrointestinal tract. This is particularly important for dogs with sensitive digestion or gastrointestinal disorders.
• It is hypoallergenic, which means that it rarely triggers allergies or intolerances. This is because ostrich protein is very rarely used in dog food and therefore hardly ever leads to sensitization of the immune system. This makes it an ideal source of protein for dogs with food allergies or intolerances to other animal proteins such as beef, pork, poultry or fish.
• It is rich in iron, zinc and vitamin B12, which are important for the formation of red blood cells, oxygen transportation in the blood, wound healing, nerve function and energy production.

Are there any disadvantages of ostrich protein for dogs?

Ostrich protein also has some disadvantages or limitations for dogs' diets:

• It is relatively expensive compared to other animal protein sources. This is due to the low availability of ostrich meat on the market and the high cost of keeping and slaughtering the animals.
• It is not sufficient to cover a dog's entire nutritional requirements. Ostrich protein alone does not contain enough fat, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals that a dog needs for a balanced diet. It must therefore be combined with other ingredients such as potatoes, peas, fruit, vegetables or herbs.
• It is not suitable for all dogs. Although ostrich protein is hypoallergenic, it is not allergen-free. This means that there is still a small possibility that some dogs may be allergic or intolerant to it. In addition, ostrich protein is not recommended for pregnant or nursing bitches, puppies or growing dogs, active dogs with high energy requirements or overweight or underweight dogs.

How can I feed my dog ostrich protein?

If you want to feed your dog ostrich protein, you have various options:

• You can buy him a high-quality ready-made food with ostrich protein. There are various brands of wet or dry food with ostrich as the sole or main source of protein. Make sure the meat is of good quality, the ingredients are clearly declared and the meat content is high.
• You can give him cooked or raw ostrich meat. You can order or buy ostrich meat online or in specialized stores. Make sure that the meat is fresh and of good quality. You can feed it raw or cooked, depending on what your dog prefers. If you cook it, don't use salt or spices. Only ever give your dog small amounts of ostrich meat and supplement it with other ingredients such as potatoes, rice, vegetables or fruit to ensure a balanced diet.
• You can give him an ostrich protein supplement. There are also supplements with ostrich protein that you can give as a snack or as an addition to your normal food. These are usually available in the form of treats, chews or oils. They can provide your dog with additional protein, flavor and variety.