Can Dogs Eat Tripe? Vet Reviewed Facts and FAQ
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Tripe is the stomach of grazing animals (aka ruminants), including cows, bison, and sheep, and it is relatively popular among humans in some cultures. You might not like (or even have tried) tripe, but your dog will love it, and it’s safe for them to consume.
Knowing your dog will enjoy the tripe and can safely eat it; we’re betting you have more questions about this nutritious meat by-product. How should tripe be incorporated into your dog’s diet for example? To find out, read on! We have the answers and much more waiting for you below!
Different Types of Tripe
If you’ve ever seen or purchased tripe in the grocery store, you’ve noticed that it’s white, which is a very odd color for a meat product. The grocery store tripe is white because it’s been cleaned and bleached for human consumption.
Green tripe refers to the color of raw untreated tripe, which is still stained by grass, this type of tripe is most commonly recommended for dogs on raw feeding websites and blogs. Bleaching and cleaning is thought to remove some of the nutritional benefits of tripe and most dogs are reported to prefer the smell and taste of green tripe.
What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Tripe?
Tripe is a highly digestible source of protein, containing all the amino acids a dog needs. It is also rich in vitamin B12. This vitamin is important for a healthy nervous system as well as for the formation and growth of blood cells. Tripe is a source of selenium, zinc, calcium and iron and is generally low in calories and fat when compared to other types of animal protein.
In addition to its nutritional benefits it is usually affordable and feeding it supports sustainable food practices. Plus picky pups love tripe, mostly thanks to its unusual (aka stinky) smell!
How Can Tripe be Fed toYour Dog?
Raw
Tripe is often fed uncooked as part of a raw diet. As with all raw meat, tripe should be handled very carefully. Bacteria such as Salmonella and E coli are commonly found in raw meats and are potentially dangerous to both dogs and humans. If there are small children, elderly or people who are pregnant or immunocompromised in your household, these bugs can be particularly dangerous and it is not advisable to feed your dog a raw diet.
It’s also worth noting that homemade diets, including raw ones, unless formulated by a veterinary nutritionist, are often unbalanced.
Freeze dried tripe
This is similar to feeding raw tripe. Most of the bacteria found in raw meat can survive freezing and freeze drying.
Canned tripe
Tripe is often incorporated into canned dog foods and kibble.
Dried tripe sticks
These are air dried from raw. They are a tasty treat that many dogs enjoy and are high in protein and low in fat. There is still the risk of bacterial contamination so wash your hands after touching the chews and don’t let your dog lick your face.
How Often Can Dogs Eat Tripe?
Tripe is a muscle meat that’s highly nutritious for your dog. It’s a great topper on your dog’s regular kibble if it’s a picky eater or needs an extra boost of protein and nutrients. In short, tripe is a meat that can be served to your dog regularly and will provide many excellent benefits for their health as part of a well balanced diet.
Can Too Much Tripe Give Your Dog Diarrhea?
Whenever you give your dog a new type of food, the chance they will have a reaction is higher, at least the first time. Tripe is no different and, for that reason, should be given in small amounts at first to ensure your dog’s digestive system can handle it. Some dogs are allergic to beef and might have an allergic reaction to tripe, and a dog that overeats in one sitting might have diarrhea or other signs of gastrointestinal upset.
Final Thoughts
If you were wondering if your dog can eat tripe, you now know that they can and that tripe is considered a healthy protein source. Tripe can have several health benefits for dogs and will usually be enjoyed by even the pickiest of dogs!
Featured Image Credit: ZCW, Shutterstock
