What is tripe?
Tripe is the lining of the stomach of ruminants (herbivores that have 4 chambered stomachs, like cows and sheep). Across our ranges we use both beef and lamb tripe. Tripe is a nutrient rich food, making it a great addition to your pet’s diet.
Did you know humans can eat tripe too?
Tripe sold for human consumption is typically white in colour because it has been washed, bleached (using food safe bleaches), and sometimes cooked. This process destroys a lot of its nutritional value in comparison to green tripe which hasn’t gone through this process.
We use ‘green’ tripe in our raw dog and cat food. Well, we say green, but it can also be brown in colour. This unprocessed tripe is the most nutritious option and contains more nutrients than muscle meat.
What’s that smell?
Ok – we admit it, tripe isn’t the most attractive food and it can smell pretty strong. Don’t worry – this is completely normal.
The look and smell of tripe can vary depending on factors like the time of year and the age of the animal it’s come from. At times, it will smell much more strongly than others.
Why does tripe smell?
Tripe is the lining of the stomach and that’s where digestion and fermentation happens. Tripe contains digestive enzymes and juices, partially digested food and friendly bacteria. These all contribute to a smell that can range from barely there to very … well, stinky.
The first time you smell tripe you may think that it’s ‘off’. It’s not, the smell is normal. All our food is tested before being sent to you to ensure that it’s safe for your pets to eat, and for you to handle. Tripe is simply a naturally smelly food.
The good news about this stinky food is that dogs love food with a strong smell, and they love tripe. Learn more about our Tremendous Beef Tripe meal for dogs.
Benefits of including tripe in raw food
Smell aside, there are some great reasons to include tripe in your pets diet, including:
- Digestive Enzymes: Because it comes from the stomach, tripe contains digestive enzymes which help to break down food and support your pets digestion.
- Probiotics: Tripe contains the friendly bacteria Lactobacillus Acidophilus which lives in the gut. Including it in your pets diet can help to support their own gut microbiome, ultimately helping to support a healthy gut.
- Omega Fatty Acids: Tripe has a good balance of both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. These are an essential part of your pets diet and in the right balance, help to control inflammation.
Other benefits of tripe include:
- It’s low in phosphorus, so it’s a suitable food for pets with kidney issues
- It’s a great food for dogs and cats who struggle to gain or maintain weight
- It’s good for pets with constipation
- As it’s easy to digest, it’s a good food for pets with IBS
Overall, tripe is an amazing, healthy addition to our pet’s diet. It may not be the most pleasant food for us to give them but the benefits to them make it worth it.