The owner's hand holds a bowl of meat in front of the dog's muzzle. Feeding a pet. Taking care of an animal. Natural food for the dog.
(Picture Credit: BetterPhoto/Getty Images)

Can Dogs Eat Beef? Is Beef Safe For Dogs?

Can dogs eat beef? You may be asking this because your dog won’t stop looking at you while you cook up your tacos or hamburgers. Humans can eat beef, so is it also safe for dogs to eat?

The short answer is yes, beef is safe for dogs to eat. Plain beef, in any form, is a great source of protein for your pup.

However, as with all human foods, you must contact your veterinarian before feeding your dog any new dietary additions. Here’s what you should know about feeding beef to your dog.

How Is Beef Good For Dogs?

Ground beef is high in protein and essential fatty acids that your dog needs to live an active lifestyle. Many dog foods and treats have beef as an ingredient.

As humans, we need to balance the amount of red meat we eat in our diets. However, the same doesn’t apply to dogs. Dogs can eat red meat every day as a source of protein and fatty acids to give them the energy they need.

In addition to these properties, dogs love the taste of beef and shouldn’t need any convincing to try it. It’s also versatile and can be added to plain rice or veggies as a healthy, gourmet meal for your pup.

How Can I Safely Give Beef To My Dog?

Preparing Bolognese. Step one: Mince beef being boiled in a pan.
(Picture Credit: Carmen Martínez Torrón/Getty Images)

When feeding dogs human food, the rule is this: the simpler, the better. You can feed your dog plain ground beef and plain steak.

Avoid feeding your dog brisket, as this is high in fats and spices. While dogs can technically have raw beef, it’s often best to avoid raw meats, as they can house harmful bacteria.

Beef can be boiled or sautéed for your pup. If you want to use an oil to cook your pup’s beef, use a dog-safe oil, like coconut or sunflower oil. Avoid using butter and spices.

You can add beef to your dog’s meal as a topper or give them a fancy meal of beef and rice on a special occasion.

As with all foods, giving your dog beef in moderation is the way to go. If your pup is allergic or otherwise averse to red meat, turkey is a good substitute.

Has your dog ever eaten beef? Do they prefer ground beef or steak? Let us know in the comments below!

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