Can I Give My Dog Lamb?

Though beef, fish, and chicken are probably the most commonly consumed meats in the west, many people opt for turkey, duck, or other meats. One of the most sought-after meats is lamb, which is made out of sheep who are younger than one year old at slaughter. While mutton, which comes from adult sheep, can be somewhat tough and chewy, lamb is often praised for its tender quality and lower fat content. This meat may not play a big role in the average American diet, but those who do eat it with any regularity tend to be huge fans. Because this meat is commonly associated with the Mediterranean diet, we often think of it as a wholesome source of calories for us and our families. But what about our pets?

Whether you have a Great Dane or a Chihuahua, you are probably accustomed to your furry friend eating anything you put in their food dish (as well as anything you drop on the floor, leave on the table, or even bury in the trash can!). Your dog certainly isn't discerning, but, as a responsible pet parent, you have learned the importance of managing your dog's diet to keep them safe and healthy. So, can dogs have lamb?

The answer is yes, dogs can eat small quantities of lamb. Like most meats, fresh lamb is not at all poisonous to your pooch—dogs are omnivores who are well-equipped to process fresh, carefully-prepared meat. This food is a suitable treat (or supplement) for healthy, physically active dogs who are at a healthy weight. If, however, your dog has a history of cardiovascular problems or obesity, it may be better to avoid giving them lamb or any meat. That said, lamb is not substantially better than most other meats, so there is no reason to put your dog on a high-lamb diet.

Health Benefits?

LambLamb is just meat; there is no magic to it!

If your dog is physically active, lamb may be a healthy food to give them as a post-workout treat. Fresh lamb is loaded with the protein athletic dogs need to thrive. Whereas carbohydrates are a great form of quick energy, protein is what provides the raw materials necessary for your dog to build and maintain a healthy body. Simply put, carbohydrates are the fuel that will keep your dog running, but proteins are made up of the amino acids that your dog's body are actually made of. The amino acids in lamb can help your dog build and repair muscles, heal wounds, and maintain a strong, healthy body.

Dogs who do not eat enough protein often become lethargic, fat, and perpetually hungry. They may even develop skin and hair problems. If a dog is not getting enough protein in their diet, their hair may grow brittle, coarse, and dull. Some dogs even experience hair loss as a result of inadequate protein intake. Protein also happens to be the most satiating macronutrient, so, without it, your dog may be prone to overeating. Dogs who need to lose weight often do better on diets that contain moderate to high amounts of protein, with lower amounts of carbohydrates and fat.

Things to Consider

Lamb is nutritionally dense, but that also means that it must be consumed in moderation. Much like beef, this food tends to be rather high in both fat and categories, which can cause problems in excess. Feeding Fido too many fatty meats can contribute to obesity and heart disease. Too much fat can also cause a painful disease called pancreatitis, which happens when the pancreas becomes inflamed. Pancreatitis can cause unpleasant symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, depression, rapid heartbeat, labored breathing, poor appetite, and fatigue. If your dog has had pancreatitis before, ask a vet before you include any fatty meats in their diet. Many brands of dog food already contain meat (some even have lamb!), so adding more to their diet may not be a good idea.

Another good reason to limit your dog's lamb intake is its caloric density. Whereas plant foods have fiber to add bulk without calories, meat packs a caloric punch in a small amount of space. Because most dogs only need a few hundred calories a day, fatty foods like meat can add up quickly. If your dog needs to lose weight, it may be a better idea to steer clear of lamb until they have achieved a healthy weight. Fruits and vegetables are more diet-friendly treats!

Final Thoughts

So, next time you have lamb in the house, feel free to cook up a small amount for your dog to enjoy. As long as you go easy on the spices, lamb can be a safe, healthy treat for physically active dogs without a history of cardiovascular problems. Just remember to practice moderation—lamb is a fatty, caloric food that can cause obesity if it is consumed in excess!

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