Reindeer rumen

What is reindeer rumen?

Reindeer rumen is the first of four stomachs of the reindeer, a ruminant that lives mainly in the northern regions of the world. In the rumen, the ingested plant food is broken down by bacteria and partially pre-digested. As a result, the rumen contains many valuable nutrients, such as

• Protein: the rumen provides high-quality protein, which is important for muscle building and cell regeneration.
• Fat: Rumen contains healthy fatty acids that nourish your dog's skin and coat and strengthen the immune system.
• Vitamins: Rumen is rich in B-group vitamins, which are essential for metabolism and nerve function. It also contains vitamins A, C, D and E, which promote vision, wound healing and bone formation, among other things.
• Minerals: Rumen provides your dog with important minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and iodine, which are needed for the bones, blood, thyroid gland and many other organs.
• Probiotics: The rumen contains natural lactic acid bacteria that positively influence your dog's intestinal flora and support digestion.

What are the benefits of reindeer rumen for dogs?

Reindeer rumen has several advantages over other types of rumen, such as beef rumen or lamb rumen. These are:

• Allergy-friendly: Reindeer rumen is a rare protein source that is unlikely to cause allergies. If your dog is sensitive to other types of meat, reindeer rumen can be a good alternative.
• Exclusive: Reindeer rumen is not easy to find, as it only comes from wild or semi-wild reindeer. This makes it a special treat for your dog that he doesn't get every day.
• Natural: Reindeer rumen is untreated and contains no artificial additives or preservatives. It is therefore a purely natural product that is good for your dog.

What are the disadvantages of reindeer rumen for dogs?

Reindeer rumen also has some disadvantages that you should be aware of. These are:

• Odor: Reindeer rumen has a very intense odor that can be unpleasant for humans. You should therefore make sure that you only feed the rumen in well-ventilated rooms or outdoors and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
• Availability: Reindeer rumen is not always available as it depends on the hunting season. You should therefore order in good time or buy in stock if you want to offer your dog reindeer rumen regularly.
• Price: Reindeer rumen is more expensive than other types of rumen as it is rarer and harder to obtain. You should therefore keep an eye on your budget and see the rumen as a special treat for your dog.

How do you feed reindeer rumen correctly?

You can feed your dog both raw and dried reindeer rumen. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages.

• Raw: Raw reindeer rumen is particularly juicy and tasty for your dog. It also contains more nutrients and probiotics than dried rumen. However, you must store raw reindeer rumen in the fridge or freezer and allow it to defrost before feeding. You should also make sure that your dog does not swallow any raw bones or cartilage that may be contained in the rumen.
• Dried: Dried reindeer rumen has a longer shelf life and is easier to portion than raw rumen. It is therefore ideal as a snack between meals or as an activity for your dog. Dried rumen also has the advantage that it cleans your dog's teeth and strengthens the chewing muscles. However, dried rumen is less nutritious and probiotic than raw rumen. It can also be very hard and cause your dog problems when chewing.

You should not feed your dog more than 10 percent of his daily energy requirement in the form of reindeer rumen, as he will otherwise consume too much protein and fat. This can lead to digestive problems or obesity. You should also make sure that your dog always has enough fresh water available when eating reindeer rumen.