Tongue

What is the tongue?

The tongue is a muscle covered by a mucous membrane. It consists mainly of water, protein, fat and connective tissue. The tongue has various functions for the animal, such as

• Tasting: The tongue has many taste buds that can perceive sweet, sour, salty and bitter. The taste buds are distributed differently in different animal species. For example, dogs have more taste buds for bitter than humans, but fewer for sweet.
• Swallowing: The tongue helps to grind and moisten food and pushes it down the throat. The tongue also has a gag reflex that prevents foreign bodies from entering the windpipe.
• Panting: The tongue is an important organ for regulating temperature in dogs. As dogs only have a few sweat glands, they have to release excess heat by panting. The tongue hangs out of the mouth and evaporates moisture, which lowers the temperature.
• Licking: The tongue is also used for cleaning, communication and affection. Dogs lick themselves to groom their fur, heal wounds or remove parasites. They also lick other dogs or humans to strengthen their bond, show submissiveness or attract attention.

What are the benefits of tongue for dogs?

Tongue is a tasty and nutritious food for dogs that has many benefits, such as:

• High protein content: tongue is a good source of high quality protein, which is important for muscle building, wound healing and immune defense. Tongue also contains all the essential amino acids that dogs cannot produce themselves.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals: Tongue is rich in vitamins such as B12, B6, B3, B2 and B1, which are important for metabolism, nerve function and blood formation. Tongue also contains minerals such as iron, zinc, copper and selenium, which are important for blood formation, wound healing, thyroid function and antioxidant activity.
• Low fat content: Tongue has a relatively low fat content, especially when the outer layer is removed. Tongue is therefore suitable for dogs that tend to be overweight or need a low-fat diet.
• Good digestibility: Tongue is easy to digest and does not burden the gastrointestinal tract. Tongue is therefore suitable for dogs that are sensitive to other types of meat or have a sensitive digestive system.

What are the disadvantages of tongue for dogs?

Although tongue is a healthy ingredient for dogs, it also has some disadvantages that should be considered, such as

• High cholesterol: Tongue has a high cholesterol content, which can cause health problems in some dogs. Cholesterol is a fat that is important for the formation of hormones, cell membranes and bile acids, but can also contribute to arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disease or pancreatitis. Dogs can suffer from hyperlipidemia, an increase in lipids (fats) in the blood, which can be occasional or chronic. Hyperlipidemia can be caused by various factors, such as genetic predisposition, diet, medication, diabetes, hypothyroidism or kidney disease. Dogs with hyperlipidemia should be fed a low-fat diet and regularly examined by a veterinarian.
• Possible harmful substances: Tongue can also contain harmful substances that have accumulated in the mucous membrane over the course of the animal's life. These can include pesticides, antibiotics, hormones or heavy metals, for example. These harmful substances can affect a dog's health, especially if they are ingested in large quantities or over a long period of time. To minimize the risk, you should only buy tongue from trustworthy sources that guarantee species-appropriate husbandry and controlled feeding of the animals. You should also wash the tongue thoroughly and remove the outer layer before giving it to your dog.
• Possible allergies: Tongue can also cause allergies or intolerances in some dogs that are sensitive to certain meats or ingredients. Symptoms can vary depending on the severity, from itching, rash, diarrhea, vomiting, to respiratory distress, shock or anaphylaxis. If you suspect that your dog has an allergy or intolerance, you should take him to the vet immediately and remove tongue from his diet.

How can you prepare tongue?

Tongue is an ingredient that can be given to dogs raw or cooked. The preparation depends on the dog's personal preference and state of health. Here are some tips on how to prepare tongue:

• Raw: Tongue can be fed raw if you are practicing raw feeding (BARF) or want to give your dog a piece of raw meat from time to time. Tongue is a muscle meat that should make up about 50% of the daily meat ration. Care should be taken to ensure that the tongue is fresh and of good quality to avoid the risk of bacteria or parasites. You should also wash the tongue thoroughly and remove the outer layer before giving it to your dog. You can cut the tongue into small pieces or leave it whole, depending on the dog's size and appetite.
• Cooked: Tongue can also be fed cooked if you practice cooked feeding (cooking for the dog) or if you want to give the dog a piece of cooked meat from time to time. Tongue is a muscle meat that should make up about 50% of the daily meat ration. Care should be taken not to overcook the tongue in order to preserve the nutrients. You should also wash the tongue thoroughly and remove the outer layer before cooking it. You can cut the tongue into small pieces or leave it whole, depending on the dog's size and appetite. You can cook the tongue in water or broth without adding salt or spices. You can also combine the tongue with other ingredients such as vegetables, rice or potatoes to create a balanced meal.