What is venison? It used to be a word for the meat of many different kinds of game animals. Now we all know it to mean deer meat and offal. Venison is really worth a look when considering your pets health and quality of life.
Venison is often overlooked when pet owners search for quality meats and treats for dogs. I think this is because people think it tastes like beef and doesn’t have any real differences or benefits that make it worth buying and eating. This is not the case at all! Deer is a wonderful, health boosting addition to your dogs’ diet.
But that’s not the only or even best reason to include Venison in your dogs’ diet.
This alternative is more acceptable and tasty because it tastes and feels like beef. This is especially true for picky or shy eaters.
Imagine eating same thing over again. – Pets need an interesting diet too. Have you heard friends saying that their pet is off their food? Perhaps he’s over his standard fare. Pets with interesting diets really enjoy their mealtimes and look forward to it. Owners too love seeing their pets’ enthusiasm. The way to a dogs heart…….
This is an amazing alternative for dogs that are allergic to chicken or beef because it has 2% or less fat and cholesterol and is full of B-group vitamins, zinc, and iron. Its novel proteins are to thank for that. Also great for dogs that think certain foods made them sick in the past, even if those foods weren’t the cause.
Is Venison Good For Dogs With Liver Disease?
Liver disease is a serious health concern for our canine companions. As a dog owner, you want to do everything you can to support your dog’s health – especially if they are dealing with liver disease. In this situation, diet becomes incredibly important. You need to feed your dog proteins and other nutrients that will be gentle on their liver while still providing complete nutrition.
So is venison a good option? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Liver Disease in Dogs?
The liver performs over 100 vital functions for your dog’s health. Some key roles include:
- Removing toxins from the blood
- Metabolizing nutrients and medications
- Manufacturing proteins
- Storing vitamins, minerals, and energy
When the liver isn’t working properly, these functions can be impaired. There are a variety of different conditions that are categorized as liver disease such as
- Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
- Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
- Liver cancer
- Congenital liver disorders
Liver disease can range from mild to life-threatening. That’s why it’s so important to get veterinary guidance for proper diagnosis and treatment. Dietary changes are often recommended as part of the treatment plan.
Why Protein Matters
Protein is a crucial part of any dog’s diet – and even more so for dogs with liver disease. Healthy proteins provide amino acids that help to:
- Maintain and repair muscle mass
- Support immune system function
- Produce hormones and enzymes
For dogs with liver disease, excessive protein can actually increase strain on the liver as it metabolizes the nutrients. That’s why veterinarians usually recommend switching to a lower protein diet.
The key is choosing proteins that are highly digestible and contain all essential amino acids, without excess fat or nitrogen waste. This balance provides liver support without depriving your dog of vital nutrients.
What About Fat and Copper?
In addition to protein, you also need to look at the fat and copper content of your dog’s diet.
Fat can put extra strain on a compromised liver. Copper builds up in a diseased liver and creates further damage.
That’s why veterinarians advise limiting higher fat proteins like beef, pork, and lamb. It’s also recommended to avoid organ meats high in copper like liver.
Benefits of Venison
Now let’s look at why venison is an excellent choice for dogs with liver disease:
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Lean Protein – Venison is very low in fat, making it gentler on the liver.
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Low Copper – Venison contains only trace amounts of copper, avoiding excess buildup.
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Highly Digestible – The protein and nutrients in venison are easy for dogs to digest and absorb.
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Essential Amino Acids – Venison supplies complete protein with all 10 essential amino acids.
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Low Purines – Purines can form uric acid crystals; venison contains far less than beef.
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Rich in Vitamins – Venison provides B vitamins, zinc, selenium and iron to support health.
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Natural Source – You can find high-quality venison without hormones, antibiotics or other additives.
As you can see, venison offers an excellent nutritional profile for dogs with liver disease. The lean, digestible protein provides amino acids to maintain muscle mass without excess fat or copper.
Choosing Quality Venison
To gain the full benefits for your dog, it’s important to choose high quality venison:
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Look for organic, grass-fed venison when possible for higher omega-3s.
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Choose single-ingredient venison rather than blends which may contain unspecified ingredients.
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Avoid venison containing onions, garlic, or other additives harmful to dogs.
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Look for minimally processed, freeze dried venison to maintain nutritional integrity.
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If using canned venison, select low sodium options packed in water.
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Purchase venison from reputable companies with stringent quality standards.
Transitioning Your Dog
When transitioning your dog to venison or any new protein, some tips to keep in mind:
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Consult your vet on appropriate portion sizes and meal frequency.
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Gradually mix in increasing amounts of venison over 5-7 days.
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Start with a 75/25 blend, then 50/50, before fully switching proteins.
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Monitor stool quality and watch for any digestive upset.
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Ensure your dog stays hydrated and adjust as needed.
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Discuss supplements like probiotics or fiber with your veterinarian.
Venison Precautions
Venison is generally very safe for dogs, but there are a couple precautions to note:
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Supervise chewing to avoid any choking risk on bones or chunks.
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As with any novel protein, look for signs of food allergies or intolerance.
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Avoid wild venison due to higher risk of parasites and disease transmission.
As always, consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet, especially with pre-existing conditions like liver disease. But in most cases, venison can be a healthy, nutritious option.
Other Tips for Liver Disease Diet
In addition to venison, there are some other diet tips for dogs with liver disease:
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Choose digestible, low-glycemic carbohydrates like barley, chickpeas or sweet potatoes.
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Incorporate healthy fats like fish oil and coconut oil to support energy.
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Include antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables like blueberries, broccoli, and carrots.
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Avoid excessive treats or table scraps that could disrupt the balanced diet.
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Feed smaller, portion-controlled meals spaced throughout the day.
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Ensure access to fresh, filtered water at all times.
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Ask about supplements like milk thistle or SAM-e to support liver function.
Support Your Dog’s Health
If your dog is diagnosed with liver disease, work closely with your vet to develop the best dietary and treatment plan. Choosing the right proteins and nutrients can go a long way in supporting your dog’s health.
Venison provides an excellent nutritional profile for dogs with liver disease. This lean, highly digestible protein contains essential amino acids without excess fat, copper or waste. By transitioning slowly and selecting quality venison, you can provide vital nutrition to help your dog thrive.
So is venison good for dogs with liver disease? With its beneficial nutrients and digestibility, venison can be an excellent choice as part of a balanced diet. Together with your veterinarian’s guidance, you can create a diet that gently supports your dog’s liver health on the road to recovery.
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Pancreatitis and Gut Health
Because of this, it is also a great addition for dogs with pancreatitis, a sensitive gut, heart disease, or being overweight. So – like our kangaroo – it is super lean and hypoallergenic. If your pup must be on a restricted diet due to liver or kidney problems. Including a serve of Venison meal topper will jazz up a bland diet. Happy mealtimes!.
Milk Thistle For Dogs Liver – The Perfect Liver Flush (Here’s How)
FAQ
What meat is good for dogs with liver disease?
Why can’t dogs eat venison?
Is venison better than beef for dogs?
What fruit is good for dogs with liver disease?
Is venison good for dogs?
While venison, or deer meat, has less protein than beef, it also contains less fat and cholesterol, making it an increasingly popular meat source in commercial dog foods. Venison is a good source of B vitamins and minerals such as zinc, phosphorous, and iron. It helps dogs maintain healthy energy levels and many dogs enjoy the taste.
What nutrient profiles do dogs with liver disease need?
The nutrient profiles for a dog with liver disease will change depending on the individual’s health condition. These are the most important factors for liver disease. Protein quantity needs to be measured to supply enough (for liver cell regeneration) but to avoid excess amounts (which can overload the ailing liver).
Should I change my dog’s diet if he has liver disease?
The other reason to change the diet of a dog with liver disease is if the disease is caused by an excess copper build-up.
Why is dietary consideration important for dogs with liver disease?
As the liver is the first stop for nutrients from the digestive system via the blood vessels so dietary consideration is important. The nutrient profiles for a dog with liver disease will change depending on the individual’s health condition. These are the most important factors for liver disease.