Steak is enjoyed by many people and there is little doubt that dogs love steak whenever they are lucky enough to share it. But, with their digestive system, is it wise to give them this treat and can dogs eat steak?
It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to learn that steak is a great, tasty and nutritious treat for a dog. As a natural carnivore you’ll find that your dog would love to share your sirloin, rump or even T bone and he’ll slobber everywhere until he gets some.
Steak is healthy for dogs to eat
It might come as a surprise to learn that steak is a healthy meal option for your dog.
Many people have had concerns about red meat and heart health in the past but, if fed in moderation, steak can provide your dog with most of his nutritional needs.
Beef is a source of a variety of nutrients that a healthy dog needs including protein, omega 6 and fatty acids.
The fat and protein content of steak varies according to the cut of steak and how it is prepared. The nutritional information below is for 85g of grilled beef tenderloin.
- Calories: 179
- Fat: 7.6g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fibre: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 26g
Can dogs eat raw steak?
Dogs can eat raw steak but that doesn’t mean that they should.
Steak meat doesn’t contain the same bacteria as other meats like raw chicken, and issues with things such as Salmonella are not a concern when eating raw beef.
The main advantage that dogs have when dealing with raw food is that they are able to process any bacteria to good effect, unlike humans who can become unwell.
One key disadvantage to feeding raw foods, such as steak to your dog is that raw meat is not as easily digestible as cooked meats, with the end result that they don’t provide your dog with the same levels of energy.
Steak that has been cooked is easier for your dog to process and turn into energy as well as use for muscle building and immune system development and maintenance.
How to cook steak for your dog
When it comes to cooking and preparing steak for your dog to eat the best option is to keep things as simple as possible.
Your dog is not bothered at all about added spices or other flavourings and, in fact, you should never add anything as it could make your dog unwell.
The easiest option is to either grill, fry or barbecue steak for your dog, let it cool and then cut it up into bite sized chunks for your dog to eat.
Your dog will not be fussy over rare, medium rare or well done options but you should make sure that the steak is cooked through to make digestion easier.
Nutritional benefits of steak
Carbohydrates
Steak is free of carbohydrates including sugar and fibre.
Fats
Beef contains good levels of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids which are used by your dog’s body for the production of energy and building blocks for cell development.
Grass fed beef is better for your dog than grain fed steak as it is lower in fat content and higher in good fatty acids.
Protein
Steak is a great source of high quality protein and it provides all of the essential amino acids that your dog needs.
Vitamins and minerals
Steak is a good source of vitamin B12, niacin, selenium, iron and zinc. Grass fed beef is a better, more natural, source of nutrition for your dog.
Favourite steaks for dogs (and humans)
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Final Words
Steak is a great option for your dog to eat.
When served cooked and perhaps mixed in with some of his regular food, you will be giving your dog a great, tasty and healthy treat that he will love.
The only tricky decision that you will face will be whether he likes rare, medium or well done.
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