Sensitive and hypoallergenic meat varieties are often suitable for dogs with allergies and intolerances. Learn which varieties these are and what makes them so digestible for dogs!

Reasons for Sensitive Meat Varieties for Dogs

Rare meat varieties in pet food? Why should you feed your dog exotic meats such as ostrich, kangaroo, or water buffalo? Well, the numerous benefits of these relatively unknown meat varieties speak for themselves:

The main argument is that these meats are especially suitable for many allergic and sensitive dogs with digestive issues. Lean exotic varieties are also favored for overweight dogs. Of course, they can be fed to all dogs without health problems.

And in terms of taste? Here, too, sensitive meat varieties can impress! Whether as a raw diet or in dry and wet food – horse meat, kangaroo, water buffalo & Co. can be easily integrated into the menu and are enjoyed by many dogs.

Ostrich, Kangaroo, Water Buffalo – Why Feed Exotic Meat?

When the dog’s belly practically grumbles 24/7, and the itching just won’t let up, many signs point to a food allergy or intolerance in dogs.

To help the dog, the common remedy is often a diet change coupled with an elimination diet. During this period, an as unfamiliar and exotic meat variety as possible is fed. Why? The likelihood that your pet will be allergic to a type of meat it has never been fed before is unlikely.

By the way, “sensitive” simply means “delicate” – so these are meat varieties for sensitive dogs prone to intolerances.

What Does “Hypoallergenic” Mean in Dog Food?

Then comes into play that some of the sensitive meat varieties we will introduce are also hypoallergenic. Oh, what does that mean now? In essence, it means that dogs and cats react less to the protein components in these meat varieties compared to varieties like beef or chicken.

“Hypoallergenic” describes a meat variety whose allergy-triggering properties are “below the normal range” of other meat varieties. With hypoallergenic meat, the likelihood is lower that your pet’s body will react excessively after feeding. In addition, there are, of course, hypoallergenic vegetables and fruits, but in this article, we will focus only on the meat varieties.

Popular Sensitive Meat Varieties for Dogs Overview

Whether as a raw menu or processed in wet or dry food – there are several sensitive meat varieties. This is good because just because a meat variety is “hypoallergenic” or “sensitive” doesn’t mean your dog will tolerate horse as well as lamb. So, during the elimination diet, you can gradually explore until you find a meat variety that your dog tolerates well.

The following exotic meat varieties are considered sensitive:

Horse:

Horse meat is not very common in conventional pet food. The likelihood that your four-legged friend has developed an allergy or intolerance to this hypoallergenic meat type is not very high. It is well-suited for allergies or intolerances. Horse meat also shines with a very low fat content, is low in cholesterol, and rich in proteins.

Lamb:

Lamb meat is also particularly suitable for allergy sufferers. Lamb tripe is a good alternative for allergic dogs to beef tripe; it also contains high-quality protein, many vitamins, and minerals. However, when it comes to smell, it is no less appealing than beef tripe.

Deer:

Deer meat, like kangaroo meat and horse meat, is hypoallergenic and therefore a good choice for sensitive and allergic animals. The aromatic wild meat is popular with many cats and dogs. Deer liver is a good alternative to beef liver and contains many vitamins and minerals.

Water Buffalo:

The meat is darker than what you’re used to with beef and has a short fiber. Buffalo meat is suitable for allergy sufferers and intolerances, it’s tasty and healthy. The meat not only gains popularity for its good taste but also has health benefits.

It has much lower cholesterol and fat values than beef, is low in calories, and contains much more iron and proteins. Both buffalo milk and meat contain high doses of vitamin A, D, minerals, calcium, and are overall cholesterol-lowering.

Kangaroo:

Kangaroo meat is particularly juicy, low in cholesterol, and a rare protein source in dog food, making it very suitable for dogs with allergies. The hypoallergenic meat has a fat content of only 2% and is rich in conjugated linoleic acids. It is also ideal for our four-legged friends with a bit of extra weight who could tolerate a low-fat diet.

Not sure which food is right?

If you are unsure which food is right for your dog, seek advice! Veterinarians as well as dog nutritionists are happy to help. Our experts are also available to assist you for free, or you can try our free food advisor.