Feeding my dogs the most nutritious and biologically appropriate canine diet that I can is very important to me, and to them! The phrase “you are what you eat” applies not only humans, but to our pets as well.
I’m passionately interested in learning everything I can about canine nutrition, giving my dogs (and hopefully your dogs), the best chance possible at living long, healthy lives. I’ve said it before – to think that a commercial dog food company has figured out in 70 years what took nature thousands, if not millions of years, is arrogant and just plain delusional! Real dogs don’t eat kibble!
So, last week I picked up some frozen, ground, green tripe (Buffalo) for Sweety & Zeus, let it thaw and then started portioning it out for the next days meal. The stench just about knocked me over, no kidding! To say this stuff is stinky would be an gross understatement (pun intended), to say the least. As nasty as unprocessed tripe smells to humans, your dogs will find the malodorous fragrance absolutely irresistible, in fact while you’re puking from the stench, they’ll be salivating like Pavlov’s Dogs at feeding time! Ah, but it’s so good for them! 
What is Green Tripe?
Green tripe is raw, unprocessed stomach tissue from ruminants such as cows, buffalo or sheep. The white tripe that you buy from the grocery store has been washed and bleached for human consumption, and is left with little nutritional value.
While the word green in green tripe suggests that the meat is green, it’s actually more brown in colour but can take on a slight green hue from partially digest plant matter on the stomach lining. Green usually refers to the unprocessed nature of tripe.
What Makes Green Tripe So Healthy For a Dog?
Dogs get nutrients from grasses and grains that have been partially digested in the cow’s stomach, because this plant matter is already pre-digested, it is easier for dogs to digest, meaning their digestive systems don’t have to work as hard to process the tripe.
Tripe is loaded with naturally occurring gastric juices, amino acids and live enzymes that some believe are damaged during the processing and/or cooking of foods. These gastric juices aid in digestion and are excellent teeth cleansers. Amino acids (the building blocks of protein) are necessary for proper muscular development. Tripe is also an excellent source of protein, fiber, fat and delivers a calcium-phosphorus ratio is 1:1, which is considered to be ideal for dogs.
A sample of green tripe was analyzed by Woodson-Tenent Laboratories, Inc. in Gainesville, Georgia. The results for sample #G97-16346 are as follows:
Moisture 71.37%
Crude Fat 11.70%
Protein 15.82%
Ash 1.23%
Phosphorous 0.14%
Calcium 0.12%
Calories 756.35 cal/lb.
pH 6.12
Lactic Acid Bacteria 12,000 CFU/G
Linoleic Acid (EFA) 2.72%
Linolenic Acid (EFA) 0.37%
The Woodson-Tenant Lab sample analysis discovered that the calcium:phosphorous ratio is 1:1, the overall pH is on the acidic side which is better for digestion, protein is 15.1, fat 11.7 and it contained the essential fatty acids, Linoleic and Linolenic, in their recommended proportions. Also discovered, was the presence of Lactic Acid Bacteria. Lactic Acid Bacteria, also known as Lactobacillus Acidophilus, the good or friendly intestinal bacteria, the same bacteria found in yogurt.
Benefits of Green Tripe
- improved energy and vitality
- improved coat
- less stool
- better muscle tone
- healthier skin
- better teeth
- brighter, more alert eyes
- even most finicky dogs love tripe
The list of potential benefits from feeding your dog fresh raw tripe on a regular basis goes on and on.
Concerned About Salmonella? Don’t be!
“Salmonella has even been found in samples of commercial pet foods & treats. Bacteria is not a problem for a pet with a strong immune system, & a strong immune system is encouraged by eating species-appropriate raw food.” — Kymythy Schultze, CCN, AHI The Ultimate Diet : Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats
What Vets Have to Say
“Despite our domestication of the canine and feline and the fact that a Chihuahua may not look much like a wolf, the truth is that we haven’t changed their gastrointestinal systems. Cats and dogs are carnivores, designed to eat meat, bones and the intestinal contents of their prey.” — Dr Susan Krakauer DVM
From the British Journal of Small Animal Practice: “A growing number of vets state that processed pet food is the main cause of illness and premature death in the modern dog and cat. In December 1995, the British Journal of Small Animal Practice published a paper contending that processed pet food suppresses the immune system and leads to liver, kidney, heart and other diseases. This research, initially conducted by Dr Tom Lonsdale, was researched further by the Australian Veterinary Association and proven to be correct.” — Canine Health Concern
Before switching your pet to a raw diet, do your own research and seek the advice of a veterinarian educated in raw feeding.
For further raw reading check out True Carnivores & Junk Pet Food and the Damage Done.
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