As pet owners, we’re always looking for the best and most nutritious options for our beloved canine companions. While chicken and beef are common, have you considered goat as a protein source for your dog? Goat meat, and even goat milk, can offer a range of health benefits for dogs, but it’s important to understand how to safely incorporate it into their diet.
Understanding Goat as a Food Source for Dogs
Goat is a type of domesticated livestock, and its products are becoming more accessible to pet owners. You can find goat meat for purchase online, at specialized farms, or at local farmers’ markets. Additionally, small amounts of goat milk can be given to your dog. However, it’s generally not recommended to give your dog goat cheese due to its high fat content. Many commercial dog foods and treats also feature goat as a protein source.
The Nutritional Benefits of Goat for Canine Health
Goat meat, including its stomach lining known as tripe, is a beneficial addition to a dog’s diet. It is rich in protein and essential B vitamins, which play a crucial role in numerous cellular reactions and the formation of red blood cells.1 Goat tripe is also a good source of minerals such as selenium, zinc, calcium, and iron.1 Furthermore, tripe can contain probiotics that support healthy digestion and nutrient absorption; opt for “green” or raw tripe for the highest probiotic content, as bleached varieties are often stripped of these beneficial microorganisms. Selenium, a vital component of enzymes and proteins, helps protect cells from damage and bolsters the immune system.3 An added advantage is that fresh or frozen goat meat is naturally low in histamine.8
Goat milk also offers significant health advantages. It contains conjugated linoleic acids, which are important for immune system stimulation and disease prevention.4 It is also rich in vitamin A, crucial for maintaining good vision and a strong immune system.5 Compared to cow’s milk, goat milk is a superior choice for dogs due to its favorable profile of protein, fat, phosphate, calcium, potassium, and vitamin C.6 Goat milk also provides prebiotics and probiotics, essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system.6 Research in humans has indicated that goat milk consumption may be linked to a reduced risk of colon cancer, lower blood pressure, and improved bone health.7
When to Exercise Caution with Goat Consumption
While generally safe, there are a few instances where you should avoid feeding goat to your dog. There are no known drug interactions associated with goat meat or milk. However, if your dog has a diagnosed or suspected allergy to goat, it should be avoided. It’s important to note that while fresh or frozen goat meat is low in histamine, ground, marinated, smoked, or canned goat products can be higher in histamines and should be avoided if your dog requires a histamine-limited diet.8
Preparing Goat Meat for Your Dog
The safest way for dogs to consume goat meat is when it is fully cooked. While dogs can eat raw meat, this increases the risk of bacterial and parasitic infections, which is an unnecessary health risk for any dog, especially those with existing health conditions. A recommended serving size for goat meat is one-quarter pound per 20 pounds of the dog’s body weight. For goat milk, a serving size of 2 ounces per 20 pounds of body weight per day is appropriate.
Sourcing Goat Products for Your Pet
When obtaining goat meat and milk for your dog, always choose products from reputable farms. Fresh goat meat should be consumed within two days or properly frozen. Goat milk is available in both pasteurized and raw forms. Pasteurized milk is generally the safer option, as the pasteurization process eliminates potential pathogens. However, it’s worth noting that this process may also reduce the levels of beneficial probiotics.
