About Buffalo Meat for Dogs

Compared with commercial beef, buffalo or bison meat is leaner, lower in cholesterol and higher in protein content. Buffalo has a higher concentration of iron and essential fatty acids. Buffalo meat is also full of flavor, which is sure to make your dog's tail wag as she wolfs it down.

Raw Food Diets

Buffalo meat is a popular component of raw food diets, which, as the name implies, emphasizes feeding your dog raw meat, along with raw bones, fruits and vegetables. Raw food diets are controversial, as they put dogs at risk of contracting illness from bacteria, choking on bones or suffering internal injuries from bone splinters. Proponents believe the benefits of healthier skin, higher energy levels and cleaner teeth outweigh the risks.

Home-Cooked Diets

Buffalo meat can be part of a home-cooked diet for dogs, which proponents say is healthier than processed foods, containing all of the benefits of a raw food diet without the risks of illness or injury. Home-cooked diets have been credited for clearing up gastrointestinal problems in dogs. As with the raw diet, veterinarians have expressed concern that dogs on this type of diet don't receive a proper balance of nutrition.

Commercial Pet Food

Some dog owners want to give their dogs the health benefits of buffalo meat while avoiding both the potentially unhealthy aspects of processed food and the risks associated with a raw food diet, but they simply don't have time to be their dog's personal chef. Fortunately, many organic dog food manufacturers are using buffalo meat in both kibble and canned foods.

Nutritional Balance

Whether you choose to put your dog on raw food, home-cooked food or store-bought dog food, buffalo meat shouldn't make up the sole source of protein in your dog's diet. In spite of all of the benefits of buffalo meat, it would be best to rotate it with other types of meat, along with various fruits and vegetables, in order to ensure that your dog receives a wide range of nutrients. It's also a good idea to consult your veterinarian before making drastic changes to your dog's diet and get regular checkups if you feed your dog an unconventional diet to ensure she's receiving proper nutrition.