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As a dog owner, you want to ensure your dog gets the best nutrition. In recent years, bison has become increasingly popular as an alternative to beef, making bison a possible option for dogs with a beef intolerance. But what are the differences between the two proteins? And how do they compare when it comes to health benefits? Let’s take a look at the nutritional value of each and see which one is healthier for your dog.
Bison vs. Beef
In America, it seems that we use Bison and Buffalo interchangeably; Buffalo is native to Africa and Asia, while Bison are native to North America, South America, and Europe. Therefore, going forward, I'll only be using “Bison.”
Fats
The main difference between bison and beef is that bison is a leaner protein. The lower fat content of bison makes this protein a potentially better choice for dogs who may have trouble digesting high levels of fat.
Nutrients
Bison also contains higher amounts of iron and zinc than beef, which can help support healthy muscle development in dogs. Additionally, bison contains more omega-3 fatty acids than beef, which can help reduce inflammation and support healthy skin and coat.
Calories
When it comes to calories, bison is slightly lower in calories than beef. However, both are still fairly high-calorie proteins, so this isn’t necessarily a deciding factor when comparing the two types of protein. Finally, both proteins provide essential amino acids for supporting healthy muscles and bones, making beef and bison a great addition to a dog's raw diet.
Humanely-Raised
Bison is raised differently than cattle; it's easier to find bison that is truly free-range and grass-fed. Bison aren't subjected to artificial hormones and antibiotics. When looking for grass-fed beef, I always double check to make sure the cows are pasture-raised and the brand isn't using “grass-fed” as a marketing gimmick.
Price
Because bison are humanely raised and slaughtered – it's often sold at a higher price than beef. I've found the cost of bison to be equal to grass-fed beef in my town.
How to Identify a Beef Intolerance
Intolerance to certain foods is a common issue for dogs. When dogs have a protein intolerance, their digestive and immune systems react excessively to substances they normally tolerate. In the case of food sensitivities, the immune system produces antibodies against a specific component of the food, such as a protein. These allergies typically develop after prolonged exposure to a particular brand, type, or form of food, as the body's production of antibodies increases over time. Which is why it's important to feed a variety of proteins.
Initial symptoms of a protein intolerance include:
- itchy paws and skin
- ear infections
- yeast development
- digestive issues (loose stool, diarrhea)
- weight loss
These symptoms can develop immediately or after weeks or months. A leaky gut may go hand and hand with a protein sensitivity. As holes develop in the gut lining, food and toxins enter the bloodstream, leading to additional health issues.
How to Add Bison to a Dog's Diet
If you don't have an affordable source of bison, you may still be able to add this lean, nutritious protein to your dog's diet through freeze-dried dog food, dog treats, and bone broth. Green JuJu Kitchen offers all three.
Green JuJu Kitchen – Bison
- Freeze-dried bison recipe
- Bison bone broth
- Bison freeze-dried whole-food bites (treats)
- Bison liver trainers (treats)
Real Dog Box
You can also add air-dried bison organ blends from Real Dog Box. Sign up for their treats only or treats and chews box. The organ blend is a great add-on (and meal topper); you can stock up on the blend in their Secret Shop.
Other Sources
- A local raw food co-op – I order bison bones for bone broth
- Northwest Naturals freeze-dried bison liver treats
- Tucker's Raw freeze dried Pork/Bison/Pumpkin dog food
- Petkind Green Bison Tripe dog treats
Final Thoughts on Feeding Bison to Dogs
Based on my research bison appears to be a superior protein to beef, but the price point makes it challenging to source for some raw feeders. Because this is a growing segment in the market, alternatives to buying bison for homemade dog food include commercial dog food, treats, and chews.
Both bison and beef can be excellent sources of protein for raw fed dogs—it depends on what kind of food you’re looking for! If you’re looking for something with less fat but still plenty of protein-rich nutrients, bison might be a better option for your dog. On the other hand, if you don’t mind slightly higher levels of fat, then traditional beef could be a great choice, too! Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference, your budget, and what your dog can eat.
