
Raw muscle meat is a primary component of raw diets for dogs and cats. It is typically defined as the muscle tissue of an animal, consisting of water, protein, fat, and ash. The muscle meat category includes boneless muscle meat and raw animal fat. Examples of muscle meat include beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and duck. Muscle meats contribute to the protein and fat content within a pet's diet and can be rich in vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and minerals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Muscle meat is primarily the muscle tissue of an animal. |
| Composition | Raw meat typically consists of water, protein, fat, and ash. |
| Proportions | Proportions vary, but muscle meat is said to consist of approximately 75% water, 20% protein, and 5% fat. |
| Nutrients | Muscle meat is rich in vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and minerals. |
| Examples | Chicken or turkey breast, thigh, skin, and leg meat; duck; animal tongues; heart; chicken gizzard; and more. |
| Benefits | Muscle meat provides a broad nutritional profile, adds variety to a diet, and helps prevent boredom in pets. |
| Considerations | Lean muscle meats may require additional fat sources to meet energy requirements. |
| Preservation | Temperature control, particularly low-temperature preservation, is critical to retard microbial growth and maintain meat quality. |
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What You'll Learn

Raw muscle meat is primarily muscle tissue
The principal components of raw meat are water, protein, fat, and ash. Raw muscle meat typically consists of approximately 75% water, 20% protein, and 5% fat. Raw meat will also include highly variable amounts of fat from intermuscular fat deposits and subcutaneous fat deposits on animal or poultry carcasses. In the case of processed meat products, formulations may also include hearts, livers, skin, and other non-muscle raw materials that contribute to the proximate composition of the finished products.
Muscle meats have biological functions within the body and do not secrete fluids needed for biological functions like secreting organs. In raw diets, the muscle meat category encompasses many ingredients based on their functions. The primary ingredient is boneless muscle meat. Raw meaty bones (RMB) naturally provide raw fat depending on the protein option. Some muscle meats are very lean, with little to no fat, and other meats include higher amounts of fat.
Raw diets made with lean proteins require an additional fat source added to meals to ensure sufficient levels of fat for energy. Sourcing raw animal fat from fatty proteins is an ideal way to increase fat in lean meals or for highly active pets. Dogs and cats require fat for sufficient levels of energy for physical activity and metabolic processes. Raw muscle meat is also a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids and minerals.
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It includes animal tongues, gizzards, and hearts
Raw muscle meat is the primary component of a raw diet and is essential for a complete and balanced diet. The term "muscle meat" includes ingredients other than boneless muscle meat. Animal tongues, gizzards, and hearts are considered muscle meat.
Animal tongues are a source of boneless muscle meat and raw animal fat. Tongue is available from various animals, including pork, lamb, beef, and chicken. Tongue is considered a delicacy in Russia, Japan, and among Goan Christians. It is also used in Mexican tacos and is a common ingredient in Japanese cuisine.
Gizzards are the mechanical stomachs of poultry and fowl animals. Chicken and turkey gizzards are a good source of protein and iron, as well as vitamins B2, B3, and B12. Chicken gizzards are often sold as giblets and are a chewy meat ideal for jaw exercise and dental health. Gizzards are also considered a delicacy in Nepal and are commonly used in Mexican cuisine.
Hearts are muscular organs fed as muscle meat in raw diets. They are recommended to comprise 10-15% of the meat category in a raw diet. Hearts are a good source of protein and contain high levels of B vitamins and minerals. Hearts are consumed in various countries, including Brazil, where chicken hearts are roasted on a big skewer, and in Goan cuisine, where chicken hearts are often included in dishes.
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It's a key component of a raw diet for pets
Raw muscle meat is a key component of a raw diet for pets, especially dogs and cats. Muscle meat is primarily the muscle tissue of an animal, consisting of approximately 75% water, 20% protein, and 5% fat. It is distinct from secreting organs, which secrete fluids needed for biological functions.
The term "muscle meat" includes ingredients other than boneless muscle meat. Raw animal fat is included in the muscle meat category. Some muscle meats are very lean, with little to no fat, while other meats include higher amounts of fat. Raw diets made with lean proteins require an additional fat source to ensure sufficient levels of fat for energy. Dogs and cats require fat for sufficient energy for physical activity and metabolic processes.
A raw diet should consist of at least 50% red muscle meat to provide higher levels of minerals and water-soluble vitamins for a balanced diet. Red meat provides more protein, fats, minerals, and water-soluble vitamins in comparison to white meat. It is recommended to use at least three different types of muscle meats to add variety to a pet's diet and ensure a well-rounded range of nutrients.
Some examples of muscle meats include beef, chicken, lamb, and turkey. Organ meats, while not muscle meat, are considered valuable occasional additions, providing a variety of flavors and textures. Examples of organ meats include animal tongues, hearts, lungs, and gizzards.
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It's made up of water, protein, fat, and ash
Raw muscle meat is an essential component of a raw diet, providing a complete and balanced nutritional profile. It is primarily composed of water, protein, fat, and ash (minerals).
Water is a naturally occurring component in muscle meat, comprising approximately 75% of its content. The percentage of water can vary depending on factors such as the type of muscle, the kind of meat, the season, and the pH level. During refrigeration, meat releases moisture from its muscle cells, and freezing causes the water within to form sharp-edged ice crystals that rupture the cells, affecting the texture of the meat.
Protein is another key constituent of raw muscle meat, with the muscle meat itself being the main source of protein in raw diets. It accounts for about 20% of the muscle meat composition. Raw muscle meat provides essential amino acids, which are crucial for optimal health, particularly for puppies, dogs, and cats.
Fat is also present in raw muscle meat, though the amount varies depending on the type of meat. Some muscle meats are lean with minimal fat, while others have higher fat content. Raw animal fat is included in the muscle meat category and is an important source of energy for physical activity and metabolic processes in animals.
Lastly, raw muscle meat contains ash in the form of minerals. These minerals contribute to the overall nutritional value of the meat and are essential for a balanced diet.
The composition of raw muscle meat, with its water, protein, fat, and ash content, makes it a biologically functional food that supports various health needs and promotes overall well-being.
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It's categorised as red or white meat
Raw muscle meat is the primary component of a raw diet and is essential for a complete and balanced diet. It includes ingredients other than boneless muscle meat, such as raw animal fat. Animal tongues, heart, lungs, and gizzards are also sources of boneless muscle meat.
Raw muscle meat is further segmented into white and red meat. Red meat is meat obtained from mammals, which contains more myoglobin, giving it a red colour. Nutritional studies and social studies define "red meat" as any meat that comes from a mammal, such as beef, veal, pork, lamb, goat, and rabbit. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) considers all livestock animals to be "red meat" because their muscles contain enough myoglobin to give the meat a deep red colour before cooking.
White meat, on the other hand, comes from birds and other animals that are not mammals. It is typically lighter in colour than red meat and has less myoglobin. Examples of white meat include poultry, such as chicken and turkey breast, as well as pork, which is sometimes marketed as "the other white meat". The USDA does not include poultry or seafood as red meats because they contain less myoglobin.
The distinction between red and white meat is important due to their different nutritional profiles and health effects. Red meat is a good source of high-quality protein, iron, vitamins, and minerals. However, excessive consumption of red meat has been linked to potential health risks, such as increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all-cause mortality. On the other hand, white meat is considered to be a healthier option, especially in low-fat and low-cholesterol diets. However, a 2022 review found that high white meat intake may be associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
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Frequently asked questions
Raw muscle meat is primarily the muscle tissue of an animal. It is the main component of a raw diet and is essential for a complete and balanced diet.
Examples of raw muscle meat include chicken or turkey breast, thigh, skin, and leg meat, duck, tongue, heart, and chicken gizzard.
Raw muscle meat is a great source of protein and fat, which are essential for the health and well-being of pets. It also provides other nutrients such as vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and minerals.
It is recommended that a pet's diet should consist of at least 50% red meat and at least three different types of muscle meat to add variety and ensure a well-rounded range of nutrients.
It is important to ensure that the raw muscle meat is sourced from a trusted supplier to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. It is also crucial to handle and store the raw meat properly to prevent microbial growth and maintain meat quality.

















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