Last Updated on September 20, 2023
You’re probably just as weirded out as I am with the idea of dogs having limited access to such a fine piece of meat.
We are all accustomed to seeing domesticated dogs being handed out chunks of meat in the movies and probably even in real life. The simple answer to the titled question is yes. Dogs can have steak as a part of a special diet.
But what is it that lead to hundreds of dog owners being worried for their furry friends? Surely there must have been some sort of study, right?
In this feature, we will talk about how you can ensure safety for your pooch whenever feeding them with this tasty treat.
Common Mis-steaks
There is this renowned belief that dogs are purely carnivorous, only taking in meat. Notice how your dog sometimes welcomes leafy greens? This is because dogs, especially domesticated ones, are actually omnivores. They tend to prefer a sort of balanced diet just like humans.
Having meat on a regular meal for pooches may be harmful. Just like any other consumable product, it helps to remember that such food, especially steaks, should be taken in moderation.
Check The Label
As a general rule, food safety should one of the main concerns of pooch owners. Thanks to today’s modern approach to labeling, certain pet food products already indicate the ingredients found on common dog food. You’re going to want to aim for foods rich in omega to incorporate to you pooch’s meat diet. Avoid fatty acids to steer away from potential health risks.
Identify Their Needs
Another factor you may want to look into is your dog’s dietary needs. Some of our four-legged friends may not have steaks fit their digestive system.
Generally speaking, a vast majority of dogs can have small pieces of cooked steak as part of a once in a while reward system. Steaks are known for their high-protein content, and your pooch can even actually benefit from this sort of meat.
Proper Steak Preparation
Now, you may be wondering how such a a piece of meat can cause too much fuss.
While there are no sort of rules and regulations whatsoever regarding serving steak to your dog, it helps to consider some of these recommendations when incorporating steak to your pooch’s meat diet.
If you’re the type of owner who regularly serves dog food on a daily basis, you can try topping a shredded piece of steak on their usual meal. Since dogs are very sensitive to sudden changes in their diet, it helps to shift food intake in a slow manner, to check and see if they will have any sort of violent reaction, especially with their digestive systems.
It helps to ensure that the meat your are preparing is cooked well enough, and can be digested by your pooch easily. Some of the aspects that can prove lethal if not taken care of and checked properly, is the amount of additives and preservatives found on usual steaks. Seasonings such as garlic, salt, and pepper are not your dogs go-to condiments, so it’s best to keep an eye out for such elements.
In preparing your dog’s steak, it’s best to cut off the extra fat and avoid seasonings. After you see it cooked, leave it on cool for a few minutes, and cut it into reasonable chunk-sized pieces.
Another thing you may want to consider is steak bones found in the meat that you recently purchased. Although dogs are commonly known for sinking their teeth into bones, some pups have sensitive and brittle teeth, and bone bits can lead to damage and even bleeding.
There have also been certain cases of bones causing dogs to have a splintered or a blocked digestive system and choking hazard. As a general rule of thumb, avoid bones that are already chipped to small pieces .
When preparing steak, it’s best to be sure to leave and strip out bits and pieces of bones, so your dog can enjoy his meaty feast effortlessly and without pain.
The Case For Raw Meat
Uncooked meat never really bore good news.
Raw and under cooked meat tend to include a variety of harmful bacteria and microorganisms that can prove to be a problem for both dog owners and pooches.
This can also be the case for rare meats, as they, too, can carry such harmful elements to your dog.
According to certain studies, the cons of consistently feeding your dog raw meat may not provide the complete and balanced nutrition that your dog needs.
The Verdict
Bottom line is, as long as it’s prepared and cooked meticulously, steaks can even be in fact a healthy source of energy and protein for your dog. And just like any other food, consider serving them in moderation, and always check if there are bones that can cause potential harm to your canine.
After all, your dog does deserve a tasty treat after being such a good boy! Just consider some of the tips mentioned above, and your, your dog, and that wonderful piece of steak should co-exist just fine.
