Dogs tend to get bored with things relatively fast. This could mean their toys, their dog food, and yes, even their favourite treats. If you have been thinking about changing the proteins in your dog’s diet, why not try kangaroo? Now might be the time to switch it up!

Are kangaroo treats good for your dog? Yes, it actually may surprise you to know that kangaroo treats are full of benefits. Being an Australian, this may not come as a huge surprise to you, but kangaroo has been widely used in pet foods and pet treats for the last three decades. This is largely to do with the fact that kangaroo meat has amazing health benefits and is widely available across Australia. That’s also why we use it in our Dental treats (Kangaroo, Mint & Turmeric Dental Sticks).

So without further ado, let’s jump right into why kangaroo treats are a great source of nutrition to start supplementing into your dog’s diet. 

Is Kangaroo Healthy For Dogs?

Yes, kangaroo is very healthy for dogs. Kangaroo has a lower fat content and a higher concentration of protein compared to other sources of meat. Kangaroo meat is a naturally lean red meat and is the perfect solution for dogs that require being on a low-fat diet. This is great for dogs who may have gastrointestinal issues or may suffer from being overweight. 

Kangaroo is very rich in iron, zinc and B vitamins such as B12, B6, riboflavin, niacin, and thiamin. It is also a great natural source of Conjugated Linoleic Acid, which is a natural fatty acid rich in antioxidants that is beneficial for your dog's overall health. Conjugated Linoleic Acid is great for helping your dog improve their immune system and reduce its cholesterol.

Studies have shown that kangaroo meat has a very low-fat content and is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Comparatively, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is very good when compared to other standard diets.

Kangaroo is also a hypoallergenic meat, making it great for dogs with digestive problems or who suffer from food allergies. Signs to look out for which may indicate your dog is suffering from a food allergy are itchiness, facial swelling, ear infections, or loss of fur.

What Are Some of the Benefits of Kangaroo For Dogs?

Kangaroos are not farmed, they are completely free-range animals that feed on grasses, bushes and trees. Consequently, kangaroo meat production is considered much more environmentally friendly than alternative farming methods such as cattle and sheep.

The Australian government approved the commercialisation of kangaroo meat production to reduce consumer reliance on the demand for cattle and sheep. Although kangaroos do not produce as much prime meat per volume as cattle or sheep, over 80% of the animal is utilised, helping to add to its sustainability. 

What Are The Best Kangaroo Treats For Dogs?

There are several varieties of kangaroo treats on the market. The most common treats are kangaroo jerky and freeze-dried kangaroo treats commonly good for gut health. Not only is it great for your dog's gut health, but we’ve created our Bell & Bone’s Kangaroo Mint & Turmeric Dental Sticks, perfect for your dog's dental hygiene as well! 

Bell & Bone’s Kangaroo Dental Sticks help fight plaque and tartar. And because they are made with lean kangaroo meat, they are also great for your dog’s digestion. They are Melbourne-made and grain and filler free, so you know your pup is getting the best dog treats in Australia.

What to Look For When Searching For Kangaroo Dog Treats? 

When choosing treats for your dog it is important to do your research to find the highest quality products. Read the label and make sure the ingredients in your pet’s treats are made from the best ingredients. We only use high-value ingredients in our treats. 

Things to look for on the label:

• Look at the first ingredient; at Bell & Bone, our first ingredient is meat on all of our products.

• Avoid treats that contain salt, added sugars, artificial colours and syrups.

• Be aware if they contain lower-quality meat by-products.

• Avoid treats with wheat, soy, and corn. These are unnecessary and have no benefits to your dog's health.

Although it is important to make sure that your kangaroo dog treats consist of healthy ingredients, it is equally important to research the brands and the manufacturer.

You want to make sure you are buying from reputable brands. Make sure to research the manufacturer and read through customer reviews to gain clarity on what your dog will be consuming. 

At Bell & Bone, all our products are made from all-natural top-quality ingredients you can trust, with no added grains or fillers.

Kangaroo can be a great source of lean protein for your dog! It is becoming increasingly accessible and is a great sustainable alternative to overfarmed alternatives that are taking their toll on the environment. 

If you have already tried giving it to your dog, then there is a good chance they are already in love with it. If your pup has never tried it, maybe now is the time to branch out and discover why kangaroo treats are a great alternative for your dog. 

Being a dedicated dog owner often involves asking the right questions, seeking the right advice and, most importantly, checking in with your pup to make sure that it's healthy and happy. When in doubt, or in the event of health concerns, always consult a professional. Head to our FAQs page for more answers to dog treat-related questions. If you have any other questions, please feel free to get in touch with me and I'll make it a priority to keep you informed and empowered.

 

sources:

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/5995657/kangaroo-farming-a-win-win-for-our-health-and-the-environment

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jsfa.2740330814

https://www.daleynutrition.com/beef-vs-kangaroo-meat/