tripe

Green Tripe

Wild canine and domestic dogs benefit from eating tripe, as it contains a very diverse profile of nutrients including enzymes, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, probiotics, and phytonutrients. It has long been "one of mother nature's finest foods."

Tripe is the stomach of ruminating animals. These animals (i.e. cattle, buffalo, sheep, deer, goats, antelope, etc.) are classified as being four-footed, hooved, cud chewing mamals with a stomach that consists of four chambers. The four chambers of such a stomach are known as the rumen, reticulum, omasum and the abomasum. The food the animal eats (i.e. grass, hay) is swallowed unchewed and passes into the rumen and reticulum where it is then regurgitated, chewed and mixed with saliva. It is again swallowed and then passed through the reticulum and omasum into the abomasum, where it is then further broken down by the gastric juices, amino acids and other digestive enzymes. These same gastric juices and enzymes not only aid the animal in digestion, but also aid the dog in digesting and efficiently utilizing his food. The amino acids are necessary for muscular development and, the other gastric juices, and are the best cleaner for their teeth!

There are 3 types of tripe: Bleached, Cleaned and Green. Green tripe is also referred to as “unbleached” tripe since it has not been altered. Bleached tripe is white in color and has been thoroughly cleansed and is mainly for human consumption. Washed tripe is grey in color, had the contents removed, and has only been lightly rinsed and has not been cleaned to the same degree as bleached tripe. Tripe is washed and bleached for the same reasons humans wash and peel potatoes- for appearance and bacterial safety reasons. Green tripe means that the tripe has not been cleaned, bleached or scalded. The actual colour can be green or almost black in colour. Sometimes there will be a greenish tint due to the grass or hay the animal ate just before slaughtering. It is the most natural form of tripe because it is not altered at all once removed from the carcass.

In an analysis of a sample of green tripe by a Woodson-Tenant Lab in Atlanta, Georgia, it was discovered that the calcium:phosphorous ratio is 1:1, the overall pH is on the acidic side which is better for digestion, protein is 15.1, fat 11.7 and it contained the essential fatty acids, Linoleic and Linolenic, in their recommended proportions. Also discovered, was the presence of Lactic Acid Bacteria. Lactic Acid Bacteria, also known as Lactobacillus Acidophilus, is the good intestinal bacteria. It is the main ingredient in probiotics.

Because it has a protein content of just 20 percent and the calcium/phosphorus ratio is almost balanced, tripe is, reportably the best meat to feed on a daily basis. Unlike red meat with its higher protein content and mineral imbalance, tripe can be safely given in virtually unlimited quantities.

Tripe can also be safely fed to very young puppies, when it should be minced or very finely chopped, and scalded - the resultant broth making a naturally delicious and nutritious meal when added to wholemeal kibble. The stools the dogs pass after tripe meals are invariably firm and well-formed - a good indication of a healthy digestive system. Their growth rate is steady and musculature well-formed and pronounced from a very early age. Given plenty of tripe to satisfy their appetites they do not get excessively fat or too heavy for fast-developing bones.

Because of it’s rubbery texture, serving it in large chunks also aids the canine in strengthening it’s jaw muscles and has an added benefit as a form of canine dental floss.

The main reason dog owners refuse to feed green tripe is the mess and smell and the difficulty of coping with large tripe, but tripe can also be bought in most pet shops or dog food suppliers ready minced in blocks or bags, either fresh or frozen. Surely the health, well-being and pleasure our canine companions derive from a good feed of meat - the food nature intended them to thrive on - is worth a slight smell and small effort required to empty the mince from its bag.

Benefits of Green Tripe

Green tripe retains an attractive odour dogs love.

Noticeably better coats, more luster and shine no more flaky skin, richer color, etc.

Good white teeth which need little or no dental attention.

Firmer and well formed stools

Increased vitality and energy levels.

It can also be used as an appetite stimulator. In cases where dogs refuse to eat their meal it can aid in stimulating the appetite.

Green Tripe for Dogs
CJ Puotinen

No Guts, No Glory