Tripe for Your Dog

Tripe is the lining of a cow’s stomach. And, if you will forgive a personal opinion, it is somewhat disgusting. That being said, there are some dog people who seek out tripe as an ideal treat for their dog. The tripe contains gastric enzymes and amino acids that help the dog in digesting and using the nutrients in food. Some dog owners feed raw tripe to their dogs. The raw, untreated tripe is green. It reflects all that the cow has consumed.

Other people prefer to give their dog cooked or frozen tripe. The reasoning behind this use of tripe is that dogs and wolves in the wild will use the intestines first. That is where they seek their main nutrients. Some people believe that the texture of the tripe itself aids in digestion for the dog and, furthermore, it helps to clean the dog’s teeth. It is like huge dental floss for dogs.

My gag reflex at the smell of tripe notwithstanding, the best judge of whether this is good for dogs is the dogs themselves. From seeing dogs who are given tripe regularly, they are healthy and with excellent coats. They seem to thrive on that. There are some veterinarians who will suggest adding a bit of tripe to the food, if the dog is a picky eater. Some hunters will use the tripe just before hunting season. They use the tripe as part of a conditioning program for their hunting dogs. Out in the field, the hunters expect the dogs to put in a long day, sometimes under adverse weather conditions. Their dogs are expected to perform.

Of course, some dogs are fine without ever having a tripe experience. However, it is a good way to start a conversation with your local butcher. Perhaps your local butcher has a sample to try with your dog. And of course, it will confirm to your dog that you are the best hunter in the world.

Catherine Forsythe

[tags]tripe, dog, food, veterinarians, hunters[/tags]