Is tripe good for dogs?

Quick takeaways about dogs and tripe

• Tripe is a complete protein source, loaded with essential vitamins and minerals.
• For maximum nutrition, most dog owners choose raw, green tripe.
• Serving up tripe is convenient with Nature’s Menu pre-portioned nuggets and blocks.

 

Tripe is already a well-loved ingredient in cuisines around the world – from Italy to Mexico.

Now it’s also finding its place as a staple in dog bowls, too. But what makes it particularly good for your pooch?

Here’s your guide to the many benefits of this nutrient-rich food.

 

What exactly is tripe?

Tripe is the stomach lining of cows, sheep, goats or other grazing animals.

These animals have impressive digestive systems, with multiple stomach compartments to break down tough plant matter.

There are two types of tripe: green tripe and bleached tripe.

• Bleached tripe – this is washed and processed, which makes it safer for humans to eat, but strips away some of the nutrients.
• Green tripe – this is raw and unprocessed. Its green hue is left over from the plants eaten by grazing animals. Still packed with nutrients and enzymes, green tripe makes a great choice for dogs.

 

What makes tripe good for dogs?

Tripe is a ‘complete’ protein for dogs, which means it’s got all 10 of the essential amino acids they need. Tripe is also brimming with nutrients, including:

• Essential fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat.
• Vitamins like B12 that are important for metabolism.
• Taurine to support heart health.
• Digestive enzymes and probiotics that aid digestion and promote gut health.
• Minerals including choline, selenium, zinc and phosphorus support many bodily functions.

When it’s eaten in raw, green form – just like your dog’s wild ancestors would have – these nutrients are all intact.

 

What’s the difference between tripe and offal?

Both tripe and offal are nutrient-rich options for dogs, but there’s a difference.

Offal, sometimes called organ meats or variety meats, includes organs like liver, kidneys, heart and lungs.

Tripe is specifically the stomach lining. It’s considered a type of offal and is often an ingredient in offal mixes.

 

Does tripe have a high-fat content?

Tripe is pretty midrange when it comes to fat content. It’s actually a good option for dogs trying to lose weight – because it’s so tasty for dogs, you could combine it with other lower-calorie meats like white fish or chicken.

 

What’s the best way to feed tripe to dogs?

If you want to introduce your dog to tripe, you’ve got plenty of options. Dogs can have tripe raw, cooked or as treats.

Lots of owners prefer raw, green tripe because its minimal processing means all of its nutrients are still intact.

Nature’s Menu offers high-quality, raw, green tripe, conveniently pre-portioned in Freeflow mince or mince blocks.

You can opt for a ready-to-mix pure tripe, or choose a mixture with other proteins like chicken, beef or salmon – check out our 60/40 nuggets. It’s also a hit as a healthy treat.

 

The bottom line

Incorporating raw, green tripe into your dog's meals can provide a nutritious boost, just like their wild ancestors would have enjoyed.

You can also take it further and incorporate tripe as part of an overall raw diet.

At Nature’s Menu, our meals are crafted with a mix of meat, bones, organs – including tripe – fruits, veggies, and sometimes grains to ensure your dog gets a balanced diet.

 
Try our personalised meal plans with high-quality raw ingredients to help keep your dog healthy and happy.