Neither chicken nor lamb is universally "better"; the best choice depends on your dog's needs, with chicken being lean and affordable for everyday use, while lamb is often ideal for sensitive dogs due to its novelty and rich nutrients like healthy fats, zinc, and iron, though it can be higher in fat. Lamb is great for allergies or pickier eaters, while chicken is a lean, budget-friendly staple, but always ensure it's cooked without unhealthy fats (like skin/frying).
Lamb is traditionally a popular alternative to chicken for dogs who suffer from allergy or intolerance to poultry meat. Fresh grass reared lamb is a very good natural source of zinc, iron, the B vitamins and the amino acid carnitine.
Among the three (chicken, turkey, and beef), the most balanced meat is chicken — as it is high in protein but also low in fat which makes it the healthiest type of meat to serve canines.
Processed meats, including deli meats and hot dogs, offer numerous reasons why you should avoid feeding them to your dog from the additives, salt content, choking hazard, and the fat contents. Hot dogs are packed full with additives ranging from seasonings, sweeteners, and preservatives that are not healthy for dogs.
Chicken is richer in vitamin B3, vitamin B5, and vitamin B6. In comparison, lamb is richer in vitamin B2 and vitamin B12. Lamb is richer in vitamin B1 and vitamin K; in turn, chicken is richer in vitamin A. However, their amounts are not very significant.
Lamb in Dog Food: Why It's So Popular
A great source of iron and B vitamins. Easy to digest for many dogs. Less likely to trigger immune responses than chicken or beef.
Least healthy meats
Processed Meats: Notably, there are over 200 types of cold cuts and processed meats. These include hot dogs, bologna, and Vienna sausages. Processed meat is often made of less healthy organs like the stomach, lips, and heart.
Heartworm disease is among the top silent killers of dogs and cats, and it's a slow and insidious disease which gradually incapacitates them. By the time pet owners notice the giveaway signs of this disease, serious damage may already have been caused.
The "worst" dog foods often contain low-quality fillers (corn, soy), unspecified "meat meals," artificial colors/flavors, and excessive sugar, leading to poor nutrition, allergies, or weight gain; brands frequently cited include Beneful, Kibbles 'n Bits, Gravy Train, and some Purina varieties, though specific product quality varies. Key red flags are generic ingredients like "animal fat," "meat by-product meal," and a first ingredient being corn or fillers instead of real meat, with ingredients like BHA/BHT also concerning.
The leading cause of death in dogs, especially older dogs, is cancer (neoplasia), affecting about 1 in 4 dogs, similar to humans, with specific breeds at higher risk. Other significant causes include old age, heart disease, digestive disorders (like bloat), infectious diseases (like Parvo), and trauma, with sterilization influencing risks for cancer and infections.
Dogs can eat lamb, and they don't mind doing it, either. Lamb is good for dogs as an everyday source of protein. Lamb meat can be too rich for dogs not used to its fat content. To prevent stomach upset, add lamb into your dog's diet gradually over several days.
Rice can be a beneficial and safe addition to your dog's diet when used appropriately. Whether dealing with digestive issues or simply diversifying your dog's diet, rice offers a good source of carbohydrates and can help keep your canine healthy.
Dogs can eat cheese in moderation, but too much may cause digestive issues due to lactose intolerance. Avoid cheeses that are toxic to dogs, like blue cheese. Low-fat, low-lactose options like mozzarella are safer choices. Cheese should be an occasional treat, making up no more than 10% of your dog's daily diet.
Dogs can eat lamb every day as part of a balanced diet. It's a great alternative protein source for dogs with specific meat allergies. The amount of lamb your dog should eat depends on their weight, energy levels, and recommended calorie intake. Dogs should eat 2% to 3% of their body weight daily.
What Should Top 3 Ingredients Be in Dog Food?
Lamb is a nutritious, highly digestible protein for dogs
It's not uncommon for dogs to develop sensitivities to common proteins like chicken and beef after prolonged exposure. Lamb offers an excellent alternative that rarely triggers allergic reactions.
Three toxic types of meat for dogs include fatty, processed meats (like bacon, sausage, ham) due to salt/fat causing pancreatitis and sodium issues; seasoned meats with onions/garlic (allium) that damage red blood cells; and cooked bones, which splinter and cause internal damage or blockages, potentially requiring surgery. Raw meats can also carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli.
The 90/10 rule for dogs means 90% of their daily calories should come from a complete and balanced dog food, while only 10% should come from treats, chews, and table scraps to prevent obesity and nutritional imbalances, ensuring they get essential nutrients without overfeeding. This guideline helps manage treats as occasional rewards rather than significant food sources, maintaining overall health.
There's no single "number 1" healthiest dog food, as the best choice depends on your dog's age, breed, and health; however, look for foods meeting AAFCO standards (Association of American Feed Control Officials), with real meat as the first ingredient, and vet-recommended brands like Hill's Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, and Royal Canin are often cited for balanced nutrition. Freshly prepared or raw diets can also be healthy but carry risks, so always consult your vet.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for new owners, especially for rescues, showing a dog's typical adjustment phases: 3 Days (overwhelmed, decompression), 3 Weeks (settling in, learning routine, showing personality), and 3 Months (feeling at home, building trust, fully integrated). It's a framework to set expectations, reminding owners to be patient and provide structure, as every dog's timeline varies.
Toxic food for dogs
Rather than sit, a watch, steady, focus or chill command might be used. Similarly, instead of down a relax, settle, or SOFT command might be considered, while follow or heel should be used for a calm, loose leash walk, and go to your mat should mean go settle down in your bed.
Lentil is called “poor man's meat” due to its low price compared to meat, and can complement cereal-rich foods in providing a nourishing meal by balancing the amino acid and micronutrient requirements of the diet (Table 11.1).
The healthiest red meat is kangaroo. It's the most nutrient-dense, low in fat and saturated fat, and high in iron. Venison, bison and buffalo are other healthier picks. If you're eating beef or lamb, opt for the leanest cuts possible and trim the fat before cooking.
Cardiologists generally advise avoiding processed meats, sugary drinks and sweets, and foods high in trans fats and sodium, like most fried foods and salty snacks, because they raise bad cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation, significantly increasing heart disease risk. Focusing on whole foods and limiting these culprits is key for heart health.