Can dogs eat horse meat safely? Is it a common practice for pets?

Hello again! I’m now a vet on a meatworks plant, so I’m the perfect person to answer this. Cats and dogs are never used in pet food, but horses can be used. So can deer, ostriches, goats, and bison among other mammals. I hope this helps!

Hello. Yes, your pet can pick up parasites from eating manure, but for the most part, parasites are host specific. Your veterinarian may see some eggs on Costa's next fecal exam, but your heartworm preventative will eliminate the parasites, so this is not anything to be concerned about. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! No, it is not recommended to feed dogs any raw meat at all as this can contain high bacterial loads which can result in gastroenteritis and infections. Good luck! He is adorable!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is to some extent a matter of opinion. However, it is well known the possible risks of eating raw meat just like it is possible health risk to a human for the same exact reasons like the development of an infection from ingesting raw protein. Also, it does not offer any benefit over cooked food. I personally do not recommend raw diets. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! As long as it is cooked, you can feed him that type of meat. How much depends on his needed caloric intake per day and what else you are feeding him with that. You could substitute whatever other protein he was getting such as chicken for the ostrich meat. Good luck and have a great day!

Horse feces does not cause cancer, so there are no worried there. Willow should be fine, at most you might see some GI upset in the form of vomiting or diarrhea. Dogs eat feces all the time, including their own, and it's a normal but gross behavior. You don't have to worry Sharn!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would avoid human foods if you can. Once you go down that road of adding human food it is almost impossible to go back. If you need to add human food I would still with boiled chicken or hamburger as it is more bland then corned beef. Consider changing dog food brands or adding water or canned dog food to his dry food. Healthy dogs do not choose starvation and if you hold steady and firm that dog food is all he gets then he will learn. Dogs are smart and will hold out when they know something better will come along. A lot of times the dogs train the owner not the other way around. Be careful with what human foods you feed as they can cause an upset stomach or pancreatitis if too high in fat. I wish you the best!