Go For Green

  

    Whether you wish to admit it or not, dogs, both domesticated and wild, are members of the carnivore family.  Anatomically, they are built for it. 

    Long before the creation of dry kibble, dogs survived in the wild by catching their food and devouring nearly all of it.  The flesh (good source of protein), fat (for energy), bone (calcium), muscle and organ meat, as well as the stomach with its contents (enzymes, minerals, pre-digested plant material consisting of herbs and grasses) each played an important role in the dog's vitality.

      Green does not necessarily refer to this organ's color.  It refers to the fact that it has not been cleaned, bleached and scalded.  It's actual color is brown and sometimes it has a green tint due to the grass or hay eaten by the animal.  Unfortunately, most grocery stores sell "white tripe".  It has a honeycomb look, has been bleached, scalded, and sterilized before packaging, a process that removes the beneficial enzymes and nutrients from the organ.  Sure, it doesn't have the pungent smell of green tripe, but why bother feeding it when you are wanting your pet to experience green tripe's full range of benefits. 

    Tripe is the stomach organ found in ruminant (grazing) animals including cows, sheep, deer  and bison.  This organ contains many important digestive enzymes, gastric juices, and amino acids.  Tripe has a calcium-phosphorus ratio of 1:1 which is very beneficial for dogs.  It has a relatively low fat content with a good amount of essential fatty acids,  potassium, B vitamins and magnesium that strongly support the health of our dogs and cats.  Digestive enzymes purify and cleanse the blood, remove toxins including parasites and fungus, as well as improve metabolism, promote proper hormonal function and boost the immune system. Thanks to yogurt company marketing we know that pro-biotics aide digestion. Tripe contains the naturally occurring   pro-biotic,  lactobacillus acidophilus to keep our companions' tummies in a well balanced state.  Because it is a strong digestive aide, green tripe is a good food choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs and/or skin allergies.

    Green tripe is an incredibly gentle food.  It is often the first thing that raw feeding breeders introduce puppies to, as young as 4 weeks old.  Tripe is also indicated for dogs suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.  It often eases the discomfort of dogs who are not digesting their food well without giving them large quantities of chemically created traditional medicines. 

    Due to its low phosphorus levels and palatability, green tripe is also a good food choice for dogs with chronic renal failure.  Many dogs with CRF are put on low or no protein, hard to digest, manufactured prescription diets and as a result, lose interest in their food.  Dogs rarely refuse tripe and its optimal phosphorus/calcium ratio, mid-level protein level and slightly acidic Ph make it a safe and effective food for them. 

    The pros certainly outweigh the cons when it comes to feeding raw green tripe - improved skin and coat, whiter teeth, healthier digestive system, improved eating habits for sick or picky dogs, and more energy.  The cons? Well, there's really only one and that's for us humans.  It's the smell.  Trust me, your dog won't mind that at all!