For many pet owners in Singapore, dealing with food allergies is a constant struggle. Finding a protein that doesn’t trigger itchy skin, upset stomachs, or gastrointestinal issues can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But what if there was a natural, hypoallergenic protein that could help ease these concerns? Enter kangaroo meat for pets—a lean, nutritious option that not only supports pets with allergies but also offers an adventurous and sustainable protein alternative.

The Benefits of Kangaroo Meat for Pets

Kangaroo meat offers several unique advantages over traditional protein sources, making it a stand-out choice in the world of natural dog food.

Low in Fat, High in Quality Protein

Kangaroo meat is naturally low in fat and calories, yet it packs a punch when it comes to high-quality protein. This makes it particularly beneficial for dogs and cats with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues, as high-fat meats can often exacerbate these problems. In the case of pets with pancreatitis, kangaroo meat would be the best protein for your dog’s food.

The lean nature of kangaroo meat also makes it ideal for dogs that are overweight or prone to weight gain, as it helps build and maintain lean muscle without contributing to fat accumulation. This balance of low calories and rich protein content ensures that dogs get the nutrients they need without unnecessary fat, which can also help with weight management and muscle development due to their rich source of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA’s) leucine, isoleucine, and valine. BCAA’s are involved in the synthesis of muscle proteins, important in healthy growth and muscle repair through life. [1]

Furthermore, with this alternative protein for cats being low in cholesterol yet high in protein, it can reduce chances of them developing heart related diseases or diabetes down the line. [2]

Rich in Essential Nutrients

What sets kangaroo meat apart is its impressive nutrient profile. It’s loaded with essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to your pet’s overall vitality:

• Iron: Iron is crucial for the production of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. According to an article released by the VCA Animal Hospital, iron deficiency can lead to anemia, lethargy, and weakened immune systems. [3] Kangaroo meat contains higher iron levels compared to traditional meats. When compared to beef, kangaroo protein for pets contains double the iron levels and triple when compared to chicken and pork, which in turn promotes healthy energy levels and immune function. [4]
  
• Zinc: According to research done on zinc and the correlation to dogs’ health in 2021, this mineral is important for skin health, wound healing, and immune support. [5] For dogs prone to skin irritations or infections, zinc can play a significant role in promoting a healthy coat and skin barrier. Freshly cooked or raw Kangaroo dog food, being rich in zinc, can help ensure that your pet’s skin and coat remain in optimal condition.
• Vitamin B12: Essential for energy metabolism and the formation of red blood cells, Vitamin B12- or also known as cobalamin, supports cognitive health and overall energy in pets. Pets that consume a cobalamin rich diet tend to have better mental clarity and stamina, as cobalamin is the key factor for a healthy nervous system and brain function, making this vitamin especially important for aging pets. While dogs cannot synthesize this vitamin on their own, they can only get it through the food they eat which makes kangaroo protein a recommended fresh dog food to consider.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, omega-3s contribute to heart health, joint function, and even skin health. These fatty acids are crucial for older pets or those with joint issues, as they help reduce inflammation and support mobility. [6] Omega-3s also promote a shiny, healthy coat, making them a must-have in any pet’s diet be it freshly cooked dog food, or BARF.

Compared to more common protein sources like chicken, kangaroo meat for cats offers superior nutritional value, particularly in terms of iron and lower fat content, making it a healthier choice for pets with specific dietary needs.

Free from Antibiotics and Hormones

A significant benefit of kangaroo meat is that it’s wild-caught, meaning no antibiotics or hormones are used. This is in contrast to traditional livestock such as beef, chicken, or pork, which are often treated with hormones to accelerate growth and antibiotics to prevent diseases. [7]

As antibiotics are used to prevent diseases in livestock, they are meant to kill bacteria, even the good strains in your pet, eventually leading to health issues or a greater risk of developing antibiotic resistance which can be a troublesome affair in the long run. Some unethical farmers also use hormones to promote growth in their livestock and increase yield. However, consuming such meats may cause hormone imbalances in pets. (But rest assured, no matter the protein, we only source the proteins for all our fresh gently cooked and raw meals from antibiotic and hormone-free sources!)

With kangaroo meat, pet owners can rest assured that their dogs are consuming a clean, natural protein without the chemical additives that can harm long-term health as they are not reared by farmers, but free ranging in the wild.

Kangaroo Meat: A Perfect Protein for Pets with Allergies

Many pets suffer from allergies triggered by common protein sources like chicken, beef, or lamb. These allergies can result in symptoms like itching, digestive issues, and even chronic skin infections, making it crucial for pet owners to find hypoallergenic alternatives. This is where kangaroo meat shines as a novel protein source.

Because kangaroo is not a typical component of most commercial pet diets, it’s considered a novel protein, meaning most pets have not been exposed to it before. Allergies develop through a constant exposure to a certain ingredient or environment. Hence, with a lack of prior exposure to kangaroo, reduces the likelihood of allergic reactions, making kangaroo meat an excellent and recommended fresh dog food option for those with food sensitivities. By switching to a novel protein like kangaroo, pet owners can help alleviate allergy symptoms, giving their pets a more comfortable and enjoyable mealtime experience.

Is Kangaroo Meat Ethical?

The idea of consuming kangaroo meat can feel uncomfortable to some, especially since the animal is often seen as a national symbol or mascot in Australia. It’s understandable that there may be hesitation, as kangaroos hold a special place in the hearts of many. But while they are cherished, their overpopulation in certain areas leads to ecological challenges. Choosing kangaroo as a protein source is not only ethical but also beneficial for the environment, helping maintain balance in fragile ecosystems.

Ethically Harvested

Australia faces a problem with kangaroo overpopulation, hence are commercially hunted under strict Australian regulations. The overpopulation of kangaroos often leads to overgrazing of delicate ecosystems and destruction of farmlands. Of course, rules and regulations are put in place to ensure that kangaroo populations remain stable without any harm to the environment. Harvesting is also done humanely, adhering to ethical standards, so pet owners can feel confident that they’re choosing a sustainable and responsible protein source for their pets.

Environmentally Sustainable

Kangaroos are strict herbivores with a lower environmental footprint compared to traditional livestock. According to the Journal of Experimental Biology on methane yield in kangaroos, one of the key differences is their gut microbiome, which produces 95% less methane than cows—a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions [8]. Opting for kangaroo meat over beef helps significantly reduce the need for cows and in turn, lowering the overall environmental impact from their methane production.

Kangaroo Protein: A Must-Try for Your Pet

Kangaroo meat stands out as a nutritious, low-fat, and sustainable protein source, making the best dog food for dogs with allergies or owners who want to make a positive impact on the planet. With its rich nutrient profile, lack of added chemicals, and hypoallergenic properties, it’s a must-try for any pet owner looking for the best natural or freshly cooked pet food option.

The Grateful Pet’s Wild Kangaroo fresh meal offers an exceptional way to introduce your dog to this alternative protein. For cats, we created a blend of proteins with raw kangaroo and chicken, a novel protein with a familiar twist.

All our recipes also feature superfoods like New Zealand green lipped mussels and reishi mushrooms, adding an extra layer of health benefits to every meal. Discover The Grateful Pet’s range of recommended fresh dog food and cat food in Singapore and give your pet a delicious, nutritious meal that promotes both their health and happiness.

Reference:

[1] Importance of Branched-Chain Amino Acids– Veterinary Practice, July 2014 https://www.veterinary-practice.com/article/importance-of-branched-chain-amino-acids 

[2] Kangaroo Meat as a Valuable Raw Material for Dietary Products– Biosciences Biotechnology Research Asia, April 2015 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282378918

[3] Anemia in Dogs– VCA Animal Hospital https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/anemia-in-dogs 

[4] Let’s Talk Kangaroo– Sustainable Table, March 2023 https://www.sustainabletable.org.au/journal/kangaroo 

[5] Zinc in Dog Nutrition, Health and Disease: A Review– Animals, April 2021 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8066201/ 

[6] The Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Dogs with Arthritis– Simon Vet Surgical, April 2024 https://www.simonvetsurgical.com/news/benefits-omega-3-fatty-acids-dogs-with-osteoarthritis 

[7] Risk Assessment of Growth Hormones and Antimicrobial Residues in Meat– PubMed, December 2010  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3834504/ 

[8] Decreasing methane yield with increasing food intake keeps daily methane emissions constant in two foregut fermenting marsupials, the western grey kangaroo and red kangaroo– Journal of Experimental Biology, November 2015 https://journals.biologists.com/jeb/article/218/21/3425/14436/Decreasing-methane-yield-with-increasing-food