GAME ON! Seasonal game meat and its benefits for dogs

Article ref. Nutriment Raw 9th September

Discover Rabbit, Venison, Duck and Rabbit and Turkey

It is widely considered that eating seasonally (meaning eating foods that are naturally available according to the seasons), is the most healthy, nutritious and sustainable way to consume food. Seasonal food is less likely to contain preservatives to keep it fresh, it is less likely to have had to travel far, and it is likely to taste better as a result.

Autumn is the best time of year to enjoy the great taste and nutrition that traditional game meat has to offer. Whilst some varieties of game are enjoyed all year round, such as rabbit and pigeon, game meats that are ‘shot’ when shooting season starts in early autumn, such as pheasant and partridge, are best sourced and enjoyed ‘in season’.

What is game meat?

A meat is considered ‘game’ if it is hunted in the wild rather than domestically farmed and slaughtered. Whilst game meat today can be farm-raised, it is still non-domesticated and free-ranging.

Game meats can be split into three groups: winged game (e.g. pheasant, partridge, duck), ground game (e.g. rabbit, hare, squirrel), and big game (e.g. venison, buffalo, wild boar).

High in protein and low in fat

Game meats are traditionally leaner than farmed meat. This is because they are completely free range and eat a natural diet, meaning they are physically lean and healthy as animals themselves, which is translated into their muscles, organs, and therefore their ‘meat’. Game meats are a great choice for pets needing to manage their weight and pets with pancreatic illnesses.

Nutrient dense

Game meats such as venison, rabbit and duck, are all exceptionally rich in nutrients such as high-quality protein, omega-3 & 6 fatty acids, iron, vitamins E, beta carotene, zinc, vitamin B6 and selenium. Alongside their low fat and low cholesterol content, they make a very nutritious protein choice for healthy raw meals.

Alternative taste and texture experience

Game meats have a different taste and texture to farmed meats due to their more natural and free-range lifestyle and diet. The intense meaty flavour of game meats is highly palatable for pets and is a great way to increase food excitement and enjoyment.

Allergy friendly

Game meats tend to be more suitable for pets that have allergies to more common farmed meats such as beef and chicken. It is less likely that pets will have allergies to meats such as venison, duck and rabbit, as typically they have had less exposure to these types of protein.

Sustainable

Game meats have a lower carbon footprint and environmental impact that traditional farmed meats that can put a strain on natural resources. Intensive farming can have detrimental effects on water consumption, air quality, soil quality and eco-system balance.