Very often, dog owners have a question about the safety of certain foods. Let’s put the situation that you and your friends have gathered in your backyard for a barbecue, and at the same time, your furry little friend is sitting next to you, looking into your eyes, begging for a piece of meat.
I always recommend that dog owners feed their dogs exclusively nick food from pet stores, but sometimes it’s OK to treat them to delicious food from the table if it’s safe. Let’s find out how safe steaks are, in what form it is better to give meat and if it is possible to give bones at all.
Can Dogs Eat Steak & Is it Safe?
Yes, steak is a safe, delicious, and healthy food for your dog, as long as certain rules are followed. You can give raw or cooked meat, but avoid giving them bones, especially cooked bones can be deadly to your four-legged friend.
If you want to give your dog something really special to eat, a piece of steak is just one delicious option.
There are, however, some things that you’ll need to know about giving your dog this particular food.
Health Benefits of Steak for Dogs
There are numerous nutritional benefits that steak offers for dogs and humans alike. It is packed with numerous vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that contribute to a healthy body. The lean proteins in this meat can supplement your dog’s diet and prevent numerous health problems in the future.
The omega-6 fatty acids in beef can strengthen your dog’s immune system while improving the health and overall quality of its coat.
Is Steak Safe for Dogs to Eat?
Steak is not inherently toxic or dangerous for dogs to eat. In fact, most of these animals love the taste of this food. You will want to give your canine companion more than just meat though.
This food is best served as a special treat rather than an everyday thing.
It is debatable as to whether or not steak should make up part of a dog’s daily diet. It definitely shouldn’t make up more than a quarter of the food your dog eats every day. Most veterinarians recommend that people give their dogs 85% traditional dog food, whether it is wet or dry.
How to Give Your Dog Steak
If you are going to give your dog some steak, there are a few things that you’ll want to keep in mind.
Raw vs. Cooked
It is generally not a good idea to give your dog any raw meat. Uncooked meat can contain all sorts of bacteria that are harmful to them. While it is riskier for humans to eat raw meat, it’s still not ideal for dogs either.
While some people keep their dogs on a raw meat diet, it is somewhat risky. If you decide to give your dog raw meat, look for signs of a negative reaction. This includes vomiting, loose stool, lack of appetite, lethargic behavior, and diarrhea.
You should cook the steak before giving it to your dog. This will ensure that bacteria like salmonella and other won’t be an issue. Just put it on the grill for 10-20 minutes before giving it to them. You can also choose to pan fry the steak, as long as it gets cooked.
Avoid giving your dog any rare steak, as there could still be some bacteria present. The meat should be thoroughly cooked through before you give it to them.
Once you have adequately cooked the steak, you’ll want to let it sit and cool off for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This will ensure that your dog’s mouth doesn’t get burned when it starts eating the meat.
Put it in with their food
You can put a few pieces of shredded steak on your dog’s regular food. They will be sure to gobble it up within a matter of seconds. Cut the steak into pieces that your dog will be able to eat without any issues. This is especially important if you have a smaller dog. The last thing you want is for them to choke. By doing this you will also reduce the chances of any digestive issues, which can be quite unpleasant for your pet.
Avoid Seasonings
It is crucial that you not put any seasonings, sauces or anything else on the steak you give your dog. This includes salt and pepper. These things can be toxic or cause their stomach to become upset. You’ll just want to keep it simple and stick to plain meat with no dressings whatsoever.
Remove Bones
If there are any bones in the steak, you’ll want to take them out before putting it down in front of your dog. These bones could damage your pet’s teeth or even fracture and get lodged in their throat. If part of a bone punctures your dog’s intestines, they could die. This is why it is so important that you not give them any bones with their steak.
Adding Veggies
You might want to consider giving your dog some delicious and nutritious vegetables with the steak. Some of the best veggies for dogs include carrots, green beans, spinach and Brussels sprouts. This will provide your adorable pet with a well-balanced meal for some special occasion, such as their birthday.
Keep in mind that your dog is far more likely to eat the steak than the vegetables. Some dogs like veggies more than others, but you should never try to force yours to eat them.
Should I give my Dog Steak?
It is fine for most dogs to eat steak, but only in moderation. You’ll want to avoid feeding it to them every single day. This is a food that is best given on special occasions only. Make sure that you don’t give them too much steak at once. Excess steak in a dog’s diet can lead to obesity, which causes a variety of healthy problems.
Conclusion
- Steak is loaded with all sorts of vitamins, minerals and amino acids that are good for your dog’s overall health.
- While it’s not necessarily a good idea to give your dog steak every day, it is not toxic to these animals.
- Some people give their dogs raw meat, but this is not recommended. You should cook the steak thoroughly before giving it to your dog.
- You can grill or pan fry the steak you give your dog, as long as it gets cooked thoroughly.
- Make sure that you cut the meat up into pieces that your dog can eat easily.
- Remove any bones from the steak, as they could cause serious injury to your pet.
- Never put any seasonings, sauce or anything else on the steak you give them.
- Consider giving your dog some veggies with their steak to make it an even more nutritious meal.
- Steak is best as an occasional treat for dogs, but it shouldn’t make up more than a quarter of their daily diet.
