How to Feed Raw Tripe to Dogs

For humans, raw tripe is an acquired taste to say the least. For dogs, though, raw unwashed tripe -- the stomach of hoofed animals such as cows or sheep -- is a delectable treat that gets tails wagging. We are not talking about the bleached white, processed tripe readily available in butcher shops and grocery stores. This is raw, untouched "green" tripe that is smelly, brownish in color, full of natural enzymes and sometimes hard to find. So avert your eyes and hold your breath while you serve up this raw food to your beloved pooch. Feeding your canine raw tripe regularly can help slim down a dog suffering from obesity, shine up his coat and please the pickiest eater who may turn up her nose at other raw foods.

Things You'll Need

  • Raw, unwashed green tripe
  • Heavy-duty apron
  • Latex gloves
  • Dust mask
  • Two buckets
  • Garden hose
  • Large knife
  • Kibble (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1
      Dogs love 'live food' such as raw tripe since they are born predators.

      Call some area butchers to track down farmers or a slaughterhouse. A little homework will help you get your hands on the raw stuff. Frozen raw tripe is more expensive than the alternative, priced about $3.50 per pound. The advantage being that you don't have to handle the squishy, raw tripe yourself. Raw tripe is unwashed, unprocessed and slightly brownish in color because it still contains grass particles eaten by the cow, sheep, deer or goat. Remember, the white beef tripe packaged and sold in grocery stores has been processed and, in the making, drained of natural enzymes. Some co-ops sell raw "green" tripe from local suppliers.

    • 2
      Handling the squishy, raw tripe is a job meant for the kitchen or backyard, but the frozen tripe is less messy.

      Suit up as if you are going into surgery. Slap on a heavy-duty apron, slip on a pair of latex gloves and consider wearing a dust mask to better weather the smell.

    • 3
      Dogs will love the smell of raw tripe, but humans may want to wear a dust mask while preparing it.

      Grab two buckets and find an outdoor spot close to a garden hose. Over one bucket, drain and rinse the excess hay and grass out of the raw tripe. Toss the rinsed raw tripe into the second bucket.

    • 4
      Raw tripe is good for dogs' coats, teeth and digestive systems.

      Take a large knife and cut the raw tripe into sizes of your choosing. Medium to large dogs will love working their jaw muscles on larger pieces, while smaller dogs will prefer little chunks.

    • 5
      Dogs can eat raw tripe along with other raw foods or kibble.

      Serve up several pieces of the raw tripe to your dog, along with other raw foods or some kibble. Measure it according to your dog's size, the way you would any food. The raw food diet experts recommend feeding healthy, active dogs 2 percent of their body weight per day. A 5-pound dog may get enough from 1 pound of food per day, while a 100-pound dog may eat 2 pounds of raw food each day. Every dog is different depending on age, weight, health and appetite.