It's okay to eat beef but not dog primarily due to cultural norms, the long history of dogs as human companions, and the practical roles cows played in agriculture (milk, labor) versus dogs (work/companionship), making cows efficient food sources while dogs became valued for loyalty and utility beyond food, creating a strong emotional taboo against eating them in many societies. While some cultures historically ate dog meat, Western societies view them as pets, not livestock, a distinction reinforced by religious beliefs and historical domestication patterns.
Eating cow is more ethical than eating dog. Cows are herbivores; Dogs are carnivores. To eat a dog is to also eat everything that dog ate. Assuming both are factory farmed, far more resources (and lives) are required to make 1 pound of dog meat than 1 pound of cow meat.
Animals tend to have stronger stomach acid and digestive enzymes, meaning their stomachs kill off many of the bacteria and parasites that may be on raw meat and make Humans ill.
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.
Humans don't have to cook their meat. A human's stomach enzymes can easily break down amino acid bonds in the protein. We cook our meat to avoid most of the pathogen-associated (salmonella, etc.) infections associated with undercooked meat (which are common among other animals).
Our jaws are also able to move more freely than a carnivore's, as we are able to move them both up and down and side to side, giving us greater use of our incisors while allowing us to crush and grind our food. As with the rest of our gastrointestinal tract, our teeth are not predisposed to meat consumption.
While real meat is an important part of a healthy diet, relying solely on it can lead to significant nutritional deficiencies. A complete and nourishing diet includes more than just animal protein. Dogs require a precise balance of nutrients to support long-term health, vitality, and well-being.
Are Bananas Good for Dogs? Yes, bananas are a safe snack for dogs – as long as you don't give them too much. Bananas shouldn't make up the main part of your dog's diet because they have a lot of sugar. But they can be a healthy snack or treat.
For many, gentle options include venison, fish, duck, turkey, and lamb – easy on the digestion, and a hit with the taste buds. Cooked over raw. Our four-legged pals have a carnivorous core, but raw meat might be a smidge too rich dog food for a sensitive stomach. So, choose cooked meat for easier digestion.
Pounding and heating food “predigests” it, so our guts spend less energy breaking it down, absorb more than if the food were raw, and thus extract more fuel for our brains. “Cooking produces soft, energy-rich foods,” says Wrangham. Today we can't survive on raw, unprocessed food alone, he says.
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.
Carnivores have highly acidic stomachs. Animals that eat raw meat are able to do so because their bodies are adapted for that purpose. A big part of this relates to their stomach acid. Their stomachs are more acidic, which breaks down the animal proteins in meat using pepsinogen and hydrochloric acid.
The most unhealthy meats are processed meats (bacon, hot dogs, salami, deli meats) due to high salt, fat, and preservatives (nitrates/nitrites) linked to cancer, heart disease, and diabetes; followed by fatty red meats (beef, lamb, pork) and charred/burnt meats cooked at high temperatures, which form carcinogens; while even poultry becomes unhealthy with skin, heavy breading, and high sodium.
Is it OK to give milk to dogs? Milk in small amounts can be OK for dogs who aren't lactose intolerant but should be avoided in larger amounts as it's high in fat and sugar, which can cause obesity and pancreatitis.
The segments of repeats of the dog and pig involucrin genes are not only located at the same site as in the two prosimian genes known, but the repeats of all four species are homologous.
Dogs should not eat grapes, raisins, currants (can cause kidney failure), avocados (persin toxin), cherries, plums, peaches, apricots (pits/seeds contain cyanide & are choking hazards), or citrus fruits like lemons/limes (cause stomach upset). Also avoid the green parts of tomatoes and wild berries, and be cautious with seeds/pits from many fruits due to cyanide and obstruction risks.
Yes, dogs can eat plain, cooked scrambled eggs as a healthy, protein-rich treat, but they should be prepared without salt, butter, oil, or seasonings like onions and garlic, and given in moderation as an occasional addition to their balanced diet. Cooking the eggs (scrambled, boiled, or poached) is crucial to eliminate salmonella risks and prevent biotin deficiency associated with raw eggs, according to PetMD, Purina and the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Carrots are safe and healthy for most dogs. They provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that support eye health, digestion, skin, and coat. Moderation is key. Too many carrots can lead to dietary imbalances, and large pieces may pose a choking or blockage risk.
The 90/10 rule for dogs means that 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, preventing weight gain and ensuring proper nutrition. This guideline helps owners manage treat portions, preventing unbalanced diets and health issues like obesity, joint problems, and diabetes, as treats can be surprisingly high in calories, even healthy ones.
The healthiest dog food depends on your dog's specific needs, but top veterinarian-recommended brands known for science-backed nutrition and meeting AAFCO standards include Hill's Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina Pro Plan, offering options for life stages and health conditions. For sensitive dogs or allergies, limited ingredient diets (LID) from brands like Prime100 (single protein, human-grade) or raw/air-dried diets from Eureka (high meat, organs) are excellent choices, focusing on whole, digestible ingredients for better gut and skin health, but always consult your vet first.
Some studies suggest that dogs can maintain health by eating a plant-based diet; others point out nutritional deficiencies, including insufficient protein, insufficient essential nutrients (e.g., calcium, phosphorus, sodium, vitamin A, vitamin B12, taurine), trace element deficiencies, and an unbalanced calcium to ...
Early humans mainly ate uncultivated fruits, roots or tubers, vegetables, and sometimes honey, fish, and meats. They consumed varying amounts of fats and protein and, most likely, a diet high in plant fiber. Archaeological findings based on isotopic analysis show no universal dietary regimen in prehistoric times.
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Why Do Sheepshead Fish Have 'Human' Teeth? The sheepshead fish is a curiosity to anglers and marine biologists alike. This unique species, found along the Atlantic coast of North America, has long received attention for its strange dental structure, resembling that of humans.