Untreated, dried and cut into small cubes, beef lung is a delicious alternative to the traditional treats for your dog.
But what is beef lung
Beef Lung Consistency
The main part of the lung consists of crude protein, as around 70-86% of the organ is pure protein. Additionally, approximately 3-9% is crude fat, and 2-5% is crude ash. These exact percentages can fluctuate depending on the manufacturer.
At first glance, this composition of beef lung looks very healthy! It is very high in protein and low in fat – win-win!
However, about 100g of dried beef skin comes with around 410 calories. This is due to the drying process, where the organ is deprived of almost all of its water to make it more durable.
With this in mind, it is best to give your dog the lung treats in moderation or as a special treat during training and not include them in their daily meal to avoid the risk of your pet becoming overweight.
If you want to implement beef lung into your dog’s diet, be aware of possible intolerances that may cause vomiting or diarrhoea.
Why and Where Should you Feed Beef Lung?
In addition to its low-fat composition, the feeding of the lung has many advantages.
Dried beef lung is not as hard and brittle as other chews and therefore particularly suitable for older dogs, puppies and smaller breeds.
Their porous consistency also means that a piece, compared to its size, has little weight and thus low calories and is suitable for chewing.
Therefore, it is suitable for its nutritional properties and the dog’s dental care.
The relatively soft lung does not break down immediately when chewed. Instead, it clings to the teeth and gums, resulting in coarse impurities being removed during chewing.
Beef lung is not a substitute for a visit to the vet to tackle tartar and other dental problems. But, it can help to prevent or loosen minor soiling in the mouth.
Also, since chewing treats are usually held by the dog using its paws, the consumption becomes a skill exercise. Puppies and energetic dogs can significantly benefit from this factor.
As with all chewing articles, you must not leave your dog alone when beef lungs. The final piece left after chewing is often taken by dogs entirely in the mouth, and this usually has a tough consistency and may be swallowed in one piece causing a choking hazard. Therefore, keep an eye on your dog and, if necessary, take the last piece away from them to avoid danger.
Unfortunately for the owner, dried lung smells very strong and unpleasant. Therefore, it is best not to feed your four-legged friend beef lung in the house. Since dogs can salivate heavily while chewing, feeding in the garden is highly recommended to protect your floors and soft furnishings!
Be sure to provide enough water to your dog when the beef lung is given. The dry snack can make your dog very thirsty!
What to look for when Buying Beef Lung
Beef lung is a natural product, which varies in size, shape, colour and general appearance. Also, the composition is not fixed and can differ from manufacturers depending on the drying process used.
Generally, it is best not to buy chews that are open to the elements as they have had time to draw moisture. Airtight, durable packaged versions are recommended and follow any guidelines on storage once opened.
The ideal scenario would be to purchase fresh lungs from your butcher and dry them in the oven at 50-70 ℃.
If you have suitable storage options for the beef lung, you can buy larger quantities at one time. The purchase price is often lower, and it does have a long shelf life.
