Venison for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Today, venison has become a highly effective novel protein — a protein source that is less likely to trigger adverse immune responses than the more common proteins such as chicken and beef.
Can dogs eat venison?
Yes, dogs can eat venison, says our in-house dog nutritionist.
A lean red meat, venison is packed with essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. It is lower in fat and cholesterol than traditional red meats like beef, making it an excellent option for dogs in need of weight management.
Because it’s a novel protein (a meat most dogs have not eaten before), dog nutritionists frequently recommend it for dogs suffering from food intolerances and sensitivities.
Health benefits of venison for dogs
Venison provides substantial health benefits for dogs, primarily serving as a lean, nutrient-dense and less problematic option to traditional meats like beef or chicken. Derived from antlered game such as deer, it is highly digestible and packed with essential micronutrients that support your dog’s overall health.
Key benefits of venison for dogs include:
- Great for food sensitivities: because venison is a novel protein (one few dogs have been exposed to), venison is an excellent option for dogs suffering from food intolerances. Switching to venison can help alleviate common symptoms like itchy skin, rashes and gastrointestinal upset.
- Weight management: venison is naturally a lean meat with low fat and cholesterol levels. This makes it an ideal protein source for overweight or obese dogs needing to shed pounds without sacrificing their protein intake.
- Rich in essential B vitamins: venison is packed with B vitamins — including vitamin B3 (niacin), B6 and B12. These vitamins are crucial for helping your dog convert food into energy, supporting metabolic function and maintaining brain health.
- High iron content for energy: venison is exceptionally rich in iron which is essential for the proper development and functioning of red blood cells. Proper iron levels prevent anaemia, keeping your dog energetic rather than lethargic.
- Immune system support: venison delivers ideal amounts of zinc and selenium. Zinc works actively to support a robust immune system and organ function while also contributing to healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- Natural omega-3 fatty acids: unlike many grain-fed commercial meats, wild game like venison contains higher concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats reduce inflammation, ease joint stiffness in senior dogs and support cognitive development.
How much venison can dogs eat?
Animal proteins such as venison should make up between 50% and 70% of your dog’s overall, homemade diet.
Importantly, bear in mind that venison cannot be your dog’s only source of protein. Ideally, any dog should have between 3 and 4 different proteins on a regular basis.
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How to feed a dog venison
Feeding your dog venison is no different to feeding any other protein source. Finely dice it and either feed it raw or lightly cook it.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is venison good for dogs?
A. Yes, venison is an exceptionally nutritious, high-quality protein source for dogs.
It is naturally lower in fat, calories and cholesterol than domestic red meats like beef. It is packed with essential nutrients, including:
- Iron and zinc to support immune health and energy levels.
- B vitamins which are crucial for nervous system function and metabolism.
- Omega-3 fatty acids. Venison has up to three times more polyunsaturated fatty acids than beef, helping reduce inflammation and support joint, skin and coat health.
Q. Is venison considered a “novel protein” or hypoallergenic?
A. Venison is not actually hypoallergenic, but it widely considered a novel protein is simply — a meat source many dogs have never eaten before. Because venison is less common in mainstream commercial dog food, it is frequently used by dog nutritionists in elimination diets to identify food intolerances
Note: No meat is actually “hypoallergenic”. If your dog has never eaten deer, it will likely tolerate it well, but if they have previously consumed venison treats or chews, they can still develop an intolerance to it.
Q. Can dogs eat raw venison?
A. Yes they can. Dogs have a digestive system designed to tolerate and benefit from raw meat. Remember, they have been eating raw meat for in excess of 30,000 years!
Q. Can dogs eat venison bones?
A. They can, but only if they are raw. Never feed cooked venison bones. Cooking makes bones brittle, causing them to splinter and potentially puncture your dog’s stomach or intestines.
Q. Is venison good for dogs with pancreatitis or weight issues?
A. Because it is naturally lean, venison is an excellent option for weight management. However, if your dog has a medical condition like pancreatitis that requires a strict, ultra-low-fat diet, you cannot rely on the meat alone. The fat content of the entire commercial formula or recipe is what matters. Always check the overall fat percentage with a dog nutritionist.
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