In the past, hunting was a common activity for rural populations. Today, however, modern hunting is mainly a form of nature conservation. Specifically, it serves as a way to regulate the number of animals living in natural environments in order to maintain ecosystem balance. As a result, the meat obtained is highly valued due to its high nutritional content. For this reason, in this article we summarize the main benefits of game meat in your pet’s diet.
Main benefits of game meat
Meat is an essential ingredient in a dog’s diet, as it provides key nutrients for growth and proper maintenance, such as proteins (with essential amino acids) and fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6). Therefore, ensuring the quality of the meat your pet eats is vital for its health. In this regard, we encourage you to discover the benefits of game meat, such as venison, roe deer, wild boar, or elk, among others. Below we summarize the main nutritional advantages of wild animal meat compared to farmed animal meat:
- Higher content of complete proteins. Complete proteins contain an adequate proportion of the essential amino acids that are necessary in a dog’s diet.
- Lower fat levels with a beneficial fatty acid profile. In general, game meat has a lower fat content, approximately 3% less than livestock meat. However, the lipids in the muscle cells of wild animals include structural lipids (sphingolipids, phospholipids, and glycolipids) with an optimal fatty acid profile for your dog’s diet.
- Excellent source of Omega-3 and Omega-6. Game meat contains higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly Omega-3 and Omega-6. Omega-3 consumption is especially important in a dog’s diet, since their body cannot produce this fatty acid, making dietary intake essential.
- Lower levels of saturated fatty acids. Wild animals have lower levels of saturated fats compared to ruminants: about 41% in the former, versus 44–46% in the latter. Thus, game meat has a lower content of hypercholesterolemic fatty acids.
- Rich in B vitamins (B2, B3, B6, and B12). The meat of wild animals has a higher content of B vitamins compared to farmed animals. B vitamins provide multiple benefits for dogs, supporting the nervous and immune systems, among many other functions.
- High levels of iron, zinc, phosphorus, and copper. In wild animals, iron is one of the minerals most concentrated in their muscle tissue. Iron is vital for proper cell function in dogs. In fact, it plays a key role in oxygen transport, genetic material synthesis, and energy metabolism.
Consult your veterinarian
In general, the list of benefits of game meat may lead us to think that it is suitable for all dogs. However, depending on specific needs, wild meat might not be the best option for your pet. Therefore, it is important to consult a professional before deciding which diet is best for your dog. Keep in mind that a veterinarian will have a complete view of your pet’s health and will be able to consider all factors and specific needs.
