The Benefits of Feeding Raw Green Tripe
Tripe is the stomach lining of a ruminating animal such as a cow, sheep or goat. Although its appearance and smell may not appeal to us, many dogs find it extremely tasty.
“Green” does not refer to its colour. It means that the tripe has not been bleached and extensively processed for human consumption. It may be sold fresh, frozen, minced or included in a prepared raw dog food.
Why Feed Raw Green Tripe?
Raw green tripe is highly palatable and can be particularly useful for fussy dogs or those that need encouragement to eat. It can be fed as one part of a balanced raw diet or used occasionally as a tasty addition to a dog’s normal meal.
Unlike white tripe prepared for human consumption, green tripe has not been bleached or subjected to the same level of processing. Raw feeders value it as a natural animal-based food containing protein, fat, amino acids and a range of vitamins and minerals.
Nutrients Found in Green Tripe
Raw green tripe can provide:
- Protein and amino acids to support muscles, tissue repair and general health
- Calcium and phosphorus, both of which are important for bones, teeth and normal bodily functions
- Fatty acids that contribute to the diet and help support healthy skin and coat
- Moisture, which contributes to the dog’s daily fluid intake
The exact nutritional content varies according to the animal, the source of the tripe and the way it has been prepared.
Digestive Support
Raw green tripe is often valued for the naturally occurring microorganisms and digestive material associated with the stomach lining. Many experienced raw feeders believe that these can help support digestion and a healthy intestinal environment.
Owners commonly report that their dogs digest green tripe well and produce firm, manageable stools. However, every dog is different, and any new food should be introduced gradually.
If a dog develops vomiting, persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain or loss of appetite, stop feeding the new food and seek veterinary advice.
Benefits Reported by Raw Feeders
Raw feeders commonly report the following benefits after including green tripe in their dogs’ diets:
- Improved appetite, particularly in fussy dogs
- Good digestion and firm stools
- Improved skin and coat condition
- Greater enjoyment and enthusiasm at mealtimes
- A useful source of variety within a raw diet
- Support for dogs recovering their appetite after illness
These are observations made by owners rather than a guarantee that every dog will experience the same results. Green tripe should not be described as a treatment for allergies, digestive disease or another medical condition.
Feeding Green Tripe
Green tripe can be fed regularly as one component of a properly balanced raw diet. It can also be offered occasionally as a topper or addition to another suitable diet.
It is not intended to provide every nutrient a dog requires when fed by itself. A complete diet must supply the correct overall balance of protein, fat, energy, vitamins and minerals.
Extra care should be taken when planning diets for puppies, pregnant or nursing bitches and dogs with medical conditions. These dogs have particular nutritional requirements, so professional advice may be beneficial.
The Small Disadvantage
There is one obvious disadvantage to green tripe: the smell. Depending upon the source, it can have a very strong odour. However, this is often one of the reasons dogs find it so appealing.
Good-quality fresh or properly frozen tripe may be less pungent than some alternatives, but it should always be stored securely and according to the supplier’s instructions.
Raw Meat and Sensible Food Hygiene
Preparing raw green tripe is no different from preparing raw meat for your own food. Store it correctly, prevent cross-contamination, wash your hands and utensils, and clean food-preparation surfaces afterwards.
Raw meat can contain bacteria, which is why normal food-hygiene precautions are important. This does not mean that raw food is automatically contaminated or unsafe.
The risk of contamination is not exclusive to raw feeding. Kibble is a heavily processed food, but it is not sterile. Kibble, treats, tinned foods and other commercial pet foods can still become contaminated and have sometimes been recalled because of harmful bacteria or other safety concerns.
Many experienced raw feeders find that healthy dogs accustomed to a raw diet cope well with the bacteria naturally present in raw meat. Nevertheless, no dog should be regarded as completely immune to food-borne illness.
Owners should use the same common-sense hygiene standards with dog food that they use when handling meat for the family.
Handling Raw Green Tripe
- Keep it frozen or refrigerated as instructed by the supplier.
- Defrost it in a sealed container in the refrigerator rather than leaving it at room temperature.
- Keep it separate from food intended for people.
- Use separate utensils and containers where possible.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
- Wash bowls, utensils and preparation surfaces after every meal.
- Dispose of uneaten food promptly rather than leaving it standing.
- Clean up faeces promptly and wash your hands afterwards.
A Balanced View
Some veterinary organisations advise against raw feeding because of concerns about bacteria and nutritional balance. Many experienced owners and breeders do not agree with a blanket approach and have successfully raw-fed generations of healthy dogs.
All feeding methods have advantages and disadvantages. A raw diet can be poorly balanced, but so can a home-cooked diet or an inappropriate combination of commercial foods. Processed food can also be contaminated despite having been cooked and manufactured.
The important considerations are the quality and source of the food, whether the overall diet is nutritionally balanced, how the food is stored and handled, and how well the individual dog does on it.
When to Seek Advice
Ask your veterinary surgeon or a suitably qualified canine nutrition professional for advice if your dog:
- Has repeated vomiting or diarrhoea
- Is losing weight or struggling to maintain weight
- Has pancreatitis or another digestive condition
- Has kidney, liver or immune-system disease
- Requires a restricted or therapeutic diet
- Is a young puppy with important growth requirements
This information is not intended to replace individual veterinary or nutritional advice. What suits one dog may not be appropriate for another.