9+ Best Venison Dog Food & Benefits [2024]
If your dog has been experiencing upset stomachs, skin irritations, or allergies, it might be time to consider a change in their diet. In certain dogs, common proteins like chicken or beef may trigger these issues, which is why venison dog food has gained popularity as an alternative.
As a novel protein, venison is less likely to cause allergic reactions in dogs. However, with so many dog food options on the market, you may be worried about picking one that’s low quality or bad tasting.
In this article, we’ll get into the benefits of venison dog food, why it’s a great option for dogs with food sensitivities, and the best venison dog food options available today.
What is Venison Dog Food?
Venison dog food is made using venison, which is the meat from deer. It’s considered a novel protein, meaning it's not commonly found in typical dog food options like chicken or beef. Venison contains low fat and high protein content, making it a naturally lean choice for dogs.
Venison dog food is often part of limited-ingredient diets designed for dogs dealing with food issues. This makes it a great alternative for dogs that need a simple, high-quality protein without junky fillers.
Benefits of Venison Dog Food
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Venison dog food offers several benefits that go beyond just being a different protein option. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of venison dog food:
Packed with Nutrients
Venison is naturally rich in nutrients like vitamin B, iron, and zinc. These nutrients support everything from energy and alertness levels to better joint health. This is especially important for active dogs or those getting up there in age.
High in Protein
As a lean meat, venison provides a high-quality source of protein that supports muscle development and maintenance. This is great for growing puppies, active dogs that need to maintain strong muscles, or senior dogs who may experience muscle loss as they age.
Supports Immune System
Venison’s nutrient-rich profile helps support a healthy immune system. This supports your dog’s ability to fight off infections and stay healthier overall.
Promotes Healthy Skin and Coat
The omega-3 fatty acids found in venison promote hydrated skin and shiny coats. If your dog struggles with dry skin, hot spots, or a dull coat, switching to a venison-based diet could be a suitable option to maintain their skin and coat health.
Good Source of Energy
The high protein content in venison provides a great source of energy to keep your dog active and playful throughout the day. For senior dogs that might be slowing down or dogs recovering from illness or injury, venison might be a good option to give that much-needed energy boost.
Best Venison Dog Food
We’ve narrowed down the top choices that offer quality ingredients, high protein content, and real benefits for dogs. Let’s look at the best venison dog food options available today:
1. KOHA Venison Dog Food
Dogs and their parents love KOHA Limited Ingredient Venison Dog Food, especially the ones battling food sensitivities, allergies, or digestive issues. It features venison as the single animal novel protein, which reduces the risk of triggering allergic reactions.
This formula also includes New Zealand Green Mussels to support joint health and pumpkin to support digestion. Plus, the moisture-rich texture is perfect for dogs that need extra hydration. Unlike many other brands, KOHA avoids junky fillers like grains, potatoes, and soy, to deliver a balanced, nutrient-dense meal that dogs love.
Benefits:
- Highly palatable for picky eaters
- Supports muscle maintenance and energy
- Single protein formula is ideal for food sensitivities
- Supports sensitive stomachs with pumpkin
- Moisture-rich formula adds hydration
- High-protein from Animal Source
- Free from grains, potatoes, or artificial preservatives
Give your dog a delicious, easily digestible meal with KOHA Limited Ingredient Venison Dog Food!
2. The Real Meat Company
The Real Meat Company offers an air-dried venison dog food that contains over 90% free-range, grass-fed venison and organ meats. The air-drying process retains the nutritional integrity of the raw ingredients. This formula also includes green-lipped mussels for joint health, and organic coconut oil to support overall wellness.
Benefits:
- High in protein
- Supports joint health
3. BJ’s Raw Pet Food
BJ’s Raw Pet Food offers a Ground Venison blend that is sourced locally from Lancaster, PA. The blend uses an 80/10/10 ratio of muscle meat, organs, and bones. The venison is grass-fed and contains no fillers or additives.
Benefits:
- Supports immune health and energy
- Suitable for all life stages
4. Bandland's Ranch
Badlands Ranch’s Superfood Complete Lamb & Venison dog food offers an air-dried formula with grass-fed lamb and venison as the main protein sources. The formula includes salmon, organ meats, vegetables, and fruits like pumpkin, chia seeds, and blueberries. The ingredients are cooked using a “low and slow” process to preserve their nutritional value.
Benefits:
- Supports muscle and overall well-being
- Preserves nutrients with air-dry process
5. Zignature
Zignature's Venison Formula dog food is low in fat and comes with iron and B vitamins. It includes chickpeas and peas while avoiding unnecessary fillers. This limited-ingredient, grain-free formula is made with food sensitivities in mind.
Benefits:
- Ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitivities
- Contains chickpeas and peas instead of grains
6. Natural Balance
Natural Balance offers their Limited Ingredient Sweet Potato & Venison Recipe for adult dogs. This grain-free formula features venison as the single animal protein source. It adds sweet potatoes to provide fiber for digestive health.
Benefits:
- Supports digestive health
- Promotes healthy skin and coat
7. JustFoodForDogs
JustFoodForDogs' Venison and Squash dog food is made with lean ground venison from New Zealand. The recipe includes butternut squash, sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, and cranberries. It’s grain-free, preservative-free, and suitable for dogs transitioning from a raw diet.
Benefits:
- Features human-grade ingredients
- No fillers or preservatives
8. Open Farm
Open Farm’s New Zealand Venison Dry Dog Food features pasture-raised venison as the primary protein source. The formula includes pumpkin and apples for digestive health. It’s also free of antibiotics, hormones, and steroids.
Benefits:
- Features humanely raised venison
- Supports Digestion
9. ZIWI
ZIWI offers their Peak Air-Dried Venison dog food with grass-fed venison sourced from New Zealand. The formula contains a 96% ratio of meat, organs, seafood, and bone. This grain-free recipe includes superfoods such as green mussels, organic kelp, and cold-washed green tripe to support digestion, joint health, and overall well-being.
Benefits:
- High meat content
- Suitable for dogs with sensitivities
Learn More About Venison Dog Food
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Still curious about venison dog food? Let’s tackle some answers to the most frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision for your dog:
Is venison good for dog food?
Absolutely! Venison is an excellent option for dog food, especially for those with food sensitivities or allergies to other common proteins. It's a lean source of protein that's rich in nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.
It's less likely to trigger allergic reactions due its novel protein status.
Is venison hard for dogs to digest?
Venison is generally easy for dogs to digest, especially since it’s typically included in limited-ingredient formulas. Its lean nature means it doesn’t contain excessive fat, which can sometimes cause digestive issues in dogs.
Venison dog foods like KOHA limited ingredient diet also avoid unnecessary fillers and use ingredients that are gentle on the stomach, which makes them a great option for dogs with sensitive digestive systems.
Which is better for dogs, lamb or venison?
Both lamb and venison are high-quality protein sources, but venison tends to be leaner and lower in fat. Venison is also a novel protein, so it's less likely to trigger issues in dogs allergic to common proteins.
Lamb dog food can be a great option for dogs that need more fat in their diet or those who enjoy a different flavor. Ultimately, consulting with your vet can help you determine which protein suits your dog best.
Are dogs sensitive to venison?
Generally, dogs are not sensitive to venison. Since venison is a novel protein, it's less likely that your dog has been exposed to it before, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions. However, as with any new food, it’s important to monitor your dog when introducing new proteins into their diet and consult your veterinarian if you notice any negative side effects.
Try the Best Venison Dog Food for Your Pet
Now that you know all about the benefits of venison dog food, you're ready to make the best choice for your dog's next steps! By now it’s clear that venison can be an excellent alternative for dogs with sensitive stomachs, allergies, or those who simply need a high-quality, lean protein source.
For those considering a premium venison dog food option, consider KOHA's Limited Ingredient Venison Dog Food. Unlike other brands that include junky fillers or multiple proteins, KOHA focuses on delivering a single-animal protein recipe with carefully selected ingredients like pumpkin and turmeric to support digestion. It’s moisture-rich, easy to digest, and provides your dog with the balanced nutrition they deserve.
Give your dog a delicious, easily digestible meal with KOHA Limited Ingredient Venison Dog Food!
