Mexican food is known for its piquant seasoning and tempting aroma. Menudo is no exception to these characteristics and is a significant part of Mexican culture. But that doesn’t mean the flavorful soup is forbidden for non-Mexican people.
While you may not be able to cook it as well as they do, you might still want to eat some Menudo to find out what the hype is. Of course, being a pet parent, you can’t think of trying something new without the thought of your fido intervening. So, can you share menudo with your dog? Can dogs eat Menudo without any health concerns?
Menudo is not necessarily harmful to dogs, but it is not very beneficial either. Tripe is the main ingredient in menudo. When tripe is cooked, it loses all the nutritional value it has to offer for dogs. A better alternative is to feed your dog green tripe (raw tripe).
Your dog needs a diet that fulfills its nutrient-based needs. Menudo, although very tasty, will be more of a filler food for your dog. You can find better substitutes that are more nutritional while also enjoyable for your pooch to munch on. Such an example is the primary ingredient of the soup itself. Raw tripe can be a superior and healthier food choice for your dog than tripe soup.
There can be different variations of menudo. However, menudo usually contains the following ingredients:
- Tripe
- Red chili
- Lime
- Oregano
- Hominy
- Onions
Among the listed ingredients, tripe and that too in a raw state is the only ingredient that stands out when it comes to being a worthy contributor to a dog’s health and well-being. Onions are extremely toxic for dogs, while the rest of the ingredients are edible for the canine.
What is green tripe?
Raw tripe comes from the lining of the fourth stomach called the abomasum of grass-fed animals like cows, lambs, goats, pigs, etc. While it can be green in color, green in its name mainly refers to the active enzymes and bacteria good for a dog’s health. Green tripe is unbleached and unprocessed, meaning it retains all of its nutrients.
Why is green tripe better than Menudo for dogs?
Tripe is the crucial ingredient in menudo. When preparing Menudo, the tripe is cooked at high temperatures.
Intense heat during the cooking process deprives tripe of beneficial digestive enzymes and good bacteria. This makes menudo not a great food choice for dogs. On the other hand, Green tripe still possesses all the essential nutrients.
Moreover, despite being horrid for humans, its smell is delicious for dogs. Your furry buddy will love devouring some raw tripe.
What are the benefits of green tripe for dogs?
With menudo out of the picture, you will not regret adding green tripe to your dog’s diet. Some of the many health benefits of green tripe include:
Improved enzyme function
Tripe in raw form contains juices full of digestive enzymes and good bacteria. Their combined effect can treat digestion problems, diarrhea, bacterial infections, and other gastrointestinal issues in dogs.
Increased immunity
Many health issues are caused by a bacteria imbalance in the dog’s stomach. Green tripe contains a bacteria called Lactobacillus Acidophilus. It helps eliminate the bad bacteria present in the dog’s stomach and maintain a healthy microflora balance in the gut. This will increase immune function and protect your dog from harmful diseases.
Great supply of nutrients
Green tripe is rich in nutrients. Ranging from a perfect 1:1 ratio of calcium and phosphorus to a high amount of healthy fats, raw tripe has a lot of beneficial nutrients. Some of them include
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
- Calcium and phosphorous in a 1:1 ratio
- Amino acids
- Iron
- Vitamin A, B, C, D, and E
- Zinc
- Manganese
- Selenium
Many more nutrients in green tripe improve your dog’s health and lifestyle.
Maintains healthy teeth
Raw tripe is very rubbery and dense. Chewing on it will cleanse your dog’s gums and teeth thoroughly while also exercising its jaw. Ironically, tripe can treat bad breath in dogs despite its foul smell. This makes green tripe an excellent food for your dog’s dental health.
How much green tripe to feed your dog?
When feeding your dog green tripe, make sure it does not exceed 10percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Giving your dog a chewy treat 2 times a week is the safest route.
Related FAQs to Menudo and dogs!
Can dogs eat cooked tripe?
Feeding your dog cooked tripe is not beneficial and can lead to enzyme deficiency. Cooking makes the tripe lose its nutritional value. Serving raw tripe to your dog is always preferred.
Can dogs eat white tripe?
Yes, definitely! Dogs can eat white tripe. White tripe is a bleached and processed form of tripe. While it still tastes good, white tripe offers less nutritional value than green tripe.
Menudo is not bad for dogs. It contains cooked tripe, which is severely deprived of enzymes and bacteria that are great for a dog’s health. Raw tripe is a better alternative to menudo for dogs.
Where to buy raw green tripe for dogs?
The chances of finding raw tripe in stores near you are extremely low. You will have to find a local butcher to get some raw and fresh tripe.
Can dogs get worms from tripe?
No, your dog will not get worms if it consumes tripe. Green tripe does not contain worms that can make your dog sick.
Menudo is not a treat worth giving to your dog. Dogs need a carefully maintained diet plan, including foods that offer nutritional value to them. Green tripe and dogs are a match made in heaven.
Instead of menudo, consider adding just green tripe to your dog’s diet. However, keep in mind that green tripe stinks, and handling it can even make you gag. But that’s a sacrifice we suppose you are willing to make for your furry companion.
