Is Horsemeat Healthy for Dogs?

Key Takeaways:

• Health benefits: Horsemeat is a good source of protein and low in fat, making it ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs.
• Allergy potential: Horsemeat is hypoallergenic and particularly suitable for dogs that are allergic to other types of meat.
• Where to buy: Horsemeat is rarely available at regular butcher shops, but it can be found online or in specialist pet stores.
• Storage: Horsemeat freezes well and should be used within six months to maintain freshness and nutritional value.
• Preparation: It can be fed raw, cooked, or lightly warmed to maximise nutritional value and give your dog a treat.

Why Horsemeat?

Unfortunately, there are still some reservations about horsemeat today. Not only do humans rarely eat it, but feeding it to dogs is also viewed with scepticism.

Yet eating horsemeat has been completely normal for centuries. It was originally prepared exclusively for human consumption. This only changed when a papal ban was issued in the 8th century. Horsemeat was also relied upon during times of hardship. Today, there are some specialist horse butchers, but they are rare. Getting horse sausage or meat often means going out of your way. In modern times, it's unfortunately increasingly common for dogs to have allergic reactions to ingredients in their food. The most well-known allergy a dog can have is a grain allergy.

Many cheaper dog food brands contain a large amount of grain. Grain is used as a filler and bulking agent but is unnecessary for dogs. Better-quality brands don't contain grain. But there are also cases where dogs are allergic to chicken or pork. This can be related to how these animals are fed. In large commercial farms, animals are given many substances that remain in the meat even after processing. To still provide your dog with a healthy amount of meat, horsemeat is an excellent option.

Horsemeat is not typically one of the meat types that triggers allergies.

Signs of an Allergy

Signs of an allergy can present themselves differently in different dogs. In some dogs, changes in the coat and skin become clearly visible after a while. Other dogs develop severe digestive problems.

As a rule, the following signs are reliable indicators that your dog has an allergy:

• Intense itching (the dog constantly bites and licks at itself)

• Hair loss

• Frequent ear infections

• Bloating

• Frequent diarrhoea

• Severe vomiting after feeding If you notice any of these signs, you should visit a vet. Whether these signs actually indicate an allergic reaction, however, can only be determined through extensive testing.

In the case of an allergic reaction, the signs only become apparent after a certain period of time. But there is a way to find out whether your dog is affected by an allergy. There's a simple method to determine whether your dog is allergic to a type of meat. It's called an elimination diet. The elimination diet works as follows: You simply start by changing the dog food. If it's a meat allergy, you leave out the previously known meat types and observe your dog over an extended period.

If the allergy improves or disappears, you've found the culprit. However, a reaction will only become apparent after some time.

Horsemeat as an Alternative

If the elimination diet was successful, you'll need to find an alternative to the meat you've been using.

So: Horsemeat would be an excellent option

Ideally, you'd get fresh horsemeat from a trusted butcher.

Unfortunately, there aren't many butcher shops that offer horsemeat. Finding one can be quite difficult. However, there are still some specialist butchers in certain cities that can be found with a bit of searching. At these butchers, you can get it either minced or in whole cuts. How your dog should eat the meat is something you'll need to try out. You can cook it or simply give it raw.

In some cities, there are also a few shops that offer frozen or vacuum-packed horsemeat.

Tip: Freezing Horsemeat for Dogs

Once you've found a source for horsemeat, you don't have to feed it all at once.

You can easily freeze it in small portions. However, the frozen meat should be used within six months. To thaw, simply place the desired amount on a plate and let it defrost. Don't soak it in water or use the microwave. The meat needs to thaw at its own pace.

Before serving, you're welcome to warm the meat, cook it, or prepare it in another way.

Conclusion

Horsemeat is a good source of protein and an excellent choice for dogs with allergies. However, it's important that the meat comes from healthy horses and is processed under hygienic conditions. It's essential to use carefully selected horsemeat from trustworthy sources.