Do you ever find yourself with some spoiled meat in your fridge, wondering if it's safe to feed to your furry friend? If so, you're not alone. But before you toss that meat out or serve it up to Fido, let's take a look at whether dogs can eat spoiled meat and what the consequences might be.
What is spoiled meat?
First off, let's define what we mean by "spoiled" meat. This refers to any type of animal flesh (beef, chicken, etc.) that has gone bad and is no longer fit for human consumption. Signs of spoilage include:
- Foul odor
- Discoloration
- Stickiness or sliminess
- Visible signs of mold or bacteria growth
If you come across any of these indications while handling raw meat , it's best to discard it safely along with its packaging.
Do dogs have different digestive systems than humans?
Surprisingly enough - yes! While many people believe our pets share similar digestion mechanisms and nutritional needs as us humans; it turns out that owners should feed their pups foods specifically created for domestic animals (pet food) rather than solely sharing our own meals from time-to-time due don't forget - dogs are predominantly carnivores!
How do dogs react differently to eating rotten meats compared to humans?
When considering the idea behind feeding Rover some 'rotten' protein; just remember this: Unlike us, canine friends may have been exposed during their ancestral evolution over centuries/during which they developed heightened senses including smell; which subsequently allowed them better judgement when pursuing prey from baits/showing restraint if something seems...off. With instinctive knowledge playing a role when making feeding decisions also comes another inclination towards increased resistance against certain harmful elements. Although gross negligence such as letting Spot eat maggots-ridden chicken would be a decision unwarranted; which in certain instances, may lead to severe health implications all the way from possible food poisoning type symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting.
Is it safe for dogs to eat spoiled meat?
This question has led pet owners to provide their canine friends with different meal options over time ranging from re-purposed leftovers whilst others chose solely commercial pet food. In short, it is not recommended by veterinarians that bad-for-consumption meat meant for humans be served up as part of a dog's diet. Spoiled meats can expose its consumers (your pup) to potential harmful microbes such as salmonella and listeria (1).
Dogs also do not have the same digestive systems as humans and therefore are less capable of processing toxins than we might be - especially when what they're being fed constitutes an unhealthy choice altogether . Bad bacteria left unchecked within our pets' systems could likewise lead to grim consequences even reaching systemic damage and death.
Despite this; some people consider giving their dogs raw diets because of advocates who believe in this methodology suggesting that cooked kibble causes more harm than good by robbing domestic animals valuable nutrients lost through heat application during preparation. It is important however that anyone contemplating whether or not feeding your pooch aged ribeye steak go about making informed decisions by consulting a veterinary professional prior! There remains many benefits along side risks associated with any such changes made.
Even though dogs evolved alongside man surviving on scavenged foods consumed fresh until resources ran out; We now know better thanks to advancements seen throughout modern nutrition science attesting towards optimal dietary needs fulfilled via specially formulated nutritious feeds tailored specifically toward either breed requirements/age range/taste preference allowing us control over what each animal gets every single day without risking unnecessary wear-and-tear occurring internally harming their own health otherwise!
What should you feed your dog instead?
The good news? Commercially prepared dog-specific brands (2) exist that possess nutrient profiles tailored towards our pets' individual propensities/needs. That means: even if your furry friend is a slow eater or possesses choosy tendencies; You'll find all types of consistency ranging from dry complete/protein sources/taste options allowing for catering to each and every demand!
In conclusion,
While it may be tempting to offer up that leftover steak sitting in the back of your refrigerator when it's finally 'past due'; don't subject pup-friendly-stomachs to freshness testing. Spoiled meats are no-go's across the board as far as feeding domesticated animals goes - A much more sensible decision would be making use of quality pet food options with ideally zero preservatives/artificial flavors/colorings/binders while sticking strictly within prescribed expiration dates.
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-spoiled-meat
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/best-dog-foods/