Do you know what meat is best for dogs? In this blog, we’ll take a look at the benefits of adding certain meats to your pup’s diet, and if meat is good for dogs.
What Is The Best Meat For Dogs?
Published by
Oct 04, 2024
Updated Nov 21, 2025
7 min read·Updated: Nov 21, 2025
What Meat Is Best For Dogs? Can They Have Chicken, Turkey and Beef?
- Chicken is one of the best meats for dogs because it is lean, packed with protein and contains less fat than beef or lamb. If giving your dog chicken, ensure it is properly cooked, as raw chicken poses the risk of salmonella. Never give your dog chicken skin or bones.
- Beef is a high-quality source of protein, rich in vitamins A, B, and D, iron, folic acid, zinc, copper, and essential fatty acids. It is one of the best meats for dogs – just be careful not to feed any high-fatty cuts of beef to your dog.
- Pork is affordable, tasty and one of the best meats for dogs, but it can be more fatty than chicken and beef, so be careful what cuts of pork you give your dog.
- Turkey is one of the best meats for dogs. It contains high levels of protein, vitamin B, B3, B12, and iron which can all help support your dog’s overall health and wellbeing.
- Salmon is a good meat for dogs. It contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, which help to maintain good skin & coat conditions, promote a healthy immune system and heart health
- Rabbit is a lean meat that is high in protein, minerals and amino acids, making it a good meat for dogs.
- Lamb, is a leaner meat than pork or beef, and contains more protein! It’s also lower in calories, making it a very attractive meat choice for your dog.
When it comes to our four-legged companions, many of us debate what diet is best for our dogs. Are they naturally carnivores, living off raw meat diets like their ancestors? Or are they like us, requiring a more omnivorous diet?
Well, turns out our pups benefit from an omnivorous diet, with both meat and greens as important as each other.
You see, balance is key when it comes to your dog’s nutrition and health, and meat is a crucial part of your dog’s dietary need – as it can provide them with a myriad of health benefits; protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Take a look below to discover what meat is best for dogs.
What Meat Is Good For Dogs?
Chicken Is One of the Best Meats for Dogs
Chicken is one of the most popular meats – for both humans and animals alike… But is chicken good for dogs?
Like a lot of other meats, chicken provides a lot of nutritional benefits without breaking the bank. This white meat is packed with protein, but, unlike beef and pork, contains less fat – which is better for your pup.
However, amongst the positives chicken has to offer, it does pose its threats too…
Salmonella bacteria is very common in chicken when not cooked or prepared correctly. ALWAYS make sure you cook chicken thoroughly, until white, with no pink bits inside.
Beef Is Highly Nutritious for Dogs
Beef is a high-quality source of protein, rich in vitamins A, B, and D, iron, folic acid, zinc, copper, and essential fatty acids, which is why it’s such a popular meat choice amongst pet owners.
Now although it is more expensive than chicken, it is still a great choice of meat for dogs – and they just so happen to love it!
Beef comes in a variety of cuts, which means different costs, and some contain more fat than others. If you do want to add beef to your pet’s diet, try to find the right cut and cost that suits you and your dog best.
Another way you can add this high nutritional value meat to your pup’s diet is with Beef Jerky dog treats. PetLabCo.‘s meaty treats for dogs are the perfect tasty reward for your pup! Made with 100% real grass-fed beef as the #1 key ingredient and no artificial flavors or colors, you can rest assured these protein-rich treats are the perfect addition to your dog’s daily routine.
Pork Is a Tasty, Higher-Fat Meat
Cost-wise, pork sits somewhere in the middle between chicken and beef. It’s affordable, delicious, and another favorite for our furry friends!
Containing around the same levels of protein as beef, pork has a lot of fat, which can put some pet parents off. However, if you’re trying to help your dog gain weight, pork could be a good option.
Turkey is a Lean, Low-Fat Meat That is Good for Dogs
Similar to chicken, turkey is a lean, low-fat, white meat. It contains high levels of protein, vitamin B, B3, B12, and iron which can all help support your dog’s overall health and wellbeing.
If you do decide to add turkey to your dog’s diet, always make sure your turkey is cooked through to avoid Salmonella (just like with chicken).
Rabbit is Packed With Protein, Vitamins and Minerals
Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, rabbit is a lean, game meat with high biological value due to the levels of amino acids, making it a great meat to give to your pooch. It actually contains as much protein as chicken, but due to its rich fat, it’ll leave your dog drooling for more!
Unlike the meats mentioned above, you may have to purchase rabbit meat for dogs at a butcher’s or farmers’ market as it isn’t always available at your local grocery store. And, due to its slightly tougher texture, you may find that your dog prefers other meats.
Salmon Is Rich in Omega 3 & 6, Making It One of the Best Meats for Dogs
Now, when it comes to salmon, we know it’s rich in omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, but did you know it is a good source of protein, too?
With the blend of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, salmon is a great choice of meat to give to your pooch, helping to maintain good skin & coat conditions, promote a healthy immune system and heart health, along with maintaining a normal inflammatory response.
PetLab Co.’s Wild Caught Salmon Bites are made with 100% wild-caught salmon. Each delicious and nutrient-dense bite is rich in beneficial fatty acids, omega 3 and 6, vitamins, and minerals.
The taste is irresistible to even the fussiest of pups, making it a breeze to support your dog’s skin and coat, immune response, and overall health.
Lamb is Leaner than Pork or Beef and Packed with Protein
Found in a lot of commercial dog foods, lamb isn’t one of the most common meats pet parents add to their dog’s daily routines…
Unlike in the UK and Australia, lamb isn’t as available in the US. This rarity can mean that lamb is a bit more costly than the other meats mentioned above, and may put some dog owners off spending too much on a meat that doesn’t go as far due to its high water content.
The plus side, when it comes to lamb, is that it is a leaner meat than pork or beef, and contains more protein! It’s also lower in calories, making it a very attractive meat choice for your dog.
Conclusion: The Best Meat for Dogs
The best meat for dogs is low-fat, high-protein and packed with nutrients. There are lots of different meats that are suitable for dogs, from chicken to beef, rabbit and lamb. The key is to select low-fat cuts and ensure they are well cooked, without seasonings, skin or bones.
Sources
Gruenberg W, “Overview of salmonellosis”, Merck Veterinary Manual, Jun 3, 2019, https://www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/salmonellosis/overview-of-salmonellosis
BWritten by
Becca Trigg
Becca Trigg is a content creator and pet-industry writer, with over 5 years of experience at PetLab Co. She is an all round animal lover, with a keen interest in canine joint health, dental hygiene and nutrition. When she’s not typing away in the office, she can be found sitting in a country pub, growing chillies or cuddling up with her family dog Maggie, a chocolate Labrador.Stay up to date
Get notified when I publish something new, and unsubscribe at any time.
