Is it OK to feed dogs cooked ground beef? Find Out Here

Can I Feed My Dog Cooked Ground Beef?

Yes, you can feed your dog cooked ground beef as long as it is done right. The general rule of the amount to feed your dog depends on their weight. You would want to feed them 2 to 3 percent of their body weight per day. To be sure, consult with your veterinarian so you know exactly what is good for your pet.

Is it OK to feed dogs cooked ground beef?

Giving dogs a lean protein to eat such as hamburger meat can help with your pet’s immune system with the amino acids, minerals, and vitamins that are contained in ground beef.

Keep in mind that while we love our burgers cooked with a lower lean-to-fat ratio such as 80/20, you would want to go with something leaner for your pup such as 90/10. According to rawbistro.com a high-fat diet can lead to behavioral problems with your dog. So be sure they are getting enough protein in their diet.

Feeding Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed Beef for Your Dog

Often, dog owners want to know if grass-fed beef is better than beef from cattle fed a diet of grains. The short answer is that grass-fed meat has many advantages over grain-fed beef. Studies have shown that cattle fed an exclusively grass-fed diet are associated with a healthier fatty acid profile and higher antioxidants because of the lush greens they consume. Grass-fed beef is also typically lower in overall fat content while having twice the omega-3 fatty acids as conventional grain-fed beef. Grass-fed beef is also higher in Vitamin A and E precursors, such as beta-carotene. While dogs can mainly use Vitamin A in the form of retinol, they can use beta-carotene as an antioxidant and free radical fighter, which is beneficial for immune system health.

Fatty Acids in Ground Beef for Dogs

Ground beef contains polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including linoleic acid (LA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and a few long-chain fatty acids, including arachidonic acid. If you want to make sure your dog is getting the proper amount of fatty acids in their diet, consider Native Pets Omega Oil, which is packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help promote healthy skin and fur.

The fat content of ground beef varies by product and is sold as 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% fat. The fat percentage of the ground beef also means the content of fatty acids will vary based on the specific percentage you choose to feed your dog. Ground beef is known in the human food world as high in saturated fat content, but that depends on the fat percentage you are consuming. The higher the fat percentage of the ground beef, the more saturated fat. However, the way saturated fat affects humans is not the same as dogs. Healthy dogs do not get heart disease from saturated fat as humans do.

Choosing the correct fat percentage of ground beef to feed your puppy depends on a few factors and the individual dog. Below are a few scenarios:

  • What is the goal of feeding the ground beef?

    1. For example, for a healthy young athletic dog, if feeding ground beef as an additional energy source on top of the dog’s diet of kibble or freeze-dried dog food, then a higher fat ground beef might be the best choice as long as the dog can tolerate more fat.
  • Does your dog have an intolerance to fat pancreatitis, or is your dog overweight or in the obese range?

    1. If your dog has any of these conditions, you’ll want to stick to ground beef that is 5% fat, 10% at the most.
  • Is your dog having an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting? Do you want to use ground beef as part of a temporary bland diet?

    1. For stomach issues and using ground beef, it’s best to choose 5-10% fat ground beef and always cook it. The lower the fat for digestive problems, the better.

    Can I feed my dog ground beef everyday?

    When you are cooking up some nice hamburger for yourself and your family, do not be surprised to see your pet at your feet waiting for his or her share. Cooked hamburger smells good, and the aroma goes through the house or your yard very quickly.

    Hamburger is very rich in protein and fat. This is not only good for humans, but also for dogs. It is recommended to feed dogs hamburger as part of their diet. The protein found in beef can make your dog’s coat shinier and softer. It may also help reduce the build-up of toxins in your dog’s body.

    Feeding hamburger to your dog may seem like a great idea, but you should always keep an eye on your dog while they are eating it. Too much can lead to digestive issues. Make sure that your dog drinks plenty of water after eating hamburgers.

    Should dogs eat ground beef? Check out our post “Can I Feed My Dog Ground Beef?” to learn more.