Why Game Meats Are the Secret Superfood for Dogs

Written By Anna Li

Let’s be real - our pups deserve better than the mystery meat biscuits and filler packed chews lining supermarket shelves. You know the ones: long ingredient lists, hard to pronounce preservatives, and “meat flavouring” that’s more lab concoctions than real food.

The good news? More and more dog parents are discovering a healthier (and tastier) alternative: dehydrated proteins. Although game meat treats are a rare range of dog treats that’s hard to come by, these dehydrated novel proteins are one ingredient, no nasties, and loaded with nutrition. Think of them as nature’s ultimate dog superfood snack. 

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A Healthier Swap from Everyday Proteins

Chicken, beef, and lamb are the “usual suspects” in most dog treats. But here’s the catch: they’re also among the top culprits for food allergies in dogs. Research shows:

  • Beef triggers ~34% of food reactions

  • Dairy ~17%

  • Chicken ~15%

  • Wheat ~13%

(Source: Mueller, Olivry & Prélaud, 2016)

That’s why novel proteins like duck, wallaby, possum, or crocodile are game-changers. They’re naturally hypoallergenic, giving sensitive pups a safe (and delicious) way to enjoy treats without the itch, upset tummy, or endless paw-licking.

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Gentle on Sensitive Tummies

Because game meats aren’t commonly used in kibble or mass-market treats, they’re considered “novel.” That means less chance of triggering allergies or intolerances. And when they’re dehydrated into single-ingredient snacks, you skip all the fillers, flavourings, and protein blends that often complicate sensitive diets.

For dogs with allergies or picky stomachs, these simple snacks can feel like a miracle.

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Nutrient-Packed by Nature

Dehydration is like magic: it removes only the water while keeping all the good stuff. The result? A super-concentrated, nutrient-dense bite of pure meat (with a crunch!).

  • Wallaby → lean, iron-rich red meat that fuels energy and strong muscles

  • Crocodile → low-fat, high-amino acid white meat that’s gentle on digestion

  • Duck → loaded with omega fatty acids for glossy coats and brain health

  • Possum → sustainable, wild-harvested, easy to digest, and absolutely irresistible to dogs

No heavy cooking. No quality loss. Just nature, locked in.

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Why Dogs Go Nuts for Them

Dogs’ noses are up to 100,000 times more powerful than ours, making them natural connoisseurs of real meat aromas. So when they catch the rich, natural aroma of real meat - not artificial ‘smoke-screen’ flavouring - they can’t resist.

Hence why even the fussiest eaters get hooked. Plus, the texture satisfies their natural urge to gnaw, which helps with dental health and keeps them busy (aka: less time plotting to steal your dinner).

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A Simple, Safe & Sustainable Choice

  • One ingredient - what you see (or read) is what you get

  • No preservatives - safe naturally through dehydration

  • Eco-friendly - many game meats are wild-harvested, making them more sustainable than factory-farmed proteins

It’s a win for your pup and the planet. 

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The Takeaway

Dehydrated game meats aren’t just “another dog treat.” They’re:

  • A hypoallergenic snack for sensitive pups

  • A protein-rich, nutrient-dense superfood

  • A naturally tasty chew that dogs adore

  • A sustainable choice for conscious owners

If you want to spoil your dog with something healthier, safer, and closer to nature, game meats are the way to go. Once they’ve had a taste, there’s no going back to the ‘fake’ supermarket stuff.

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Additional Info

Standard proteins - most common allergens:

·   ScienceDirect - Adverse food reactions: Pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis and alternatives to elimination diets

·   AVMA Journals - Food allergy in dogs and cats; current perspectives on etiology, diagnosis, and management

·   Veterinary Practice - Diagnosing cutaneous adverse food reactions

Dog’s can sense the quality of their treats:

·   ScienceDirect - Sensory attributes, dog preference ranking, and oxidation rate evaluation of sorghum-based baked treats supplemented with soluble animal proteins

·   Frontiers - The science of snacks: a review of dog treats

Anna Li