Proteins are not necessarily interchangeable in recipes long-term. While I strongly encourage protein rotation, it’s important for you to understand some basic variances when you are creating a homemade recipe or trying to modify one.
Different cuts of meat can contain different percentages of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals and amino acids.
For instance, leaner muscle meats such as chicken breast, turkey breast and beef tenderloin tend to have higher protein percentages compared to fatter cuts like chicken thighs or beef ribs. * For example, chicken breast has up to 29% protein compared to 18% protein in chicken thighs. Higher protein percentage cuts might be suitable for pets who have higher levels of activity or animals suffering from certain health conditions that require a high-protein diet.
It’s important to note that different cuts of meat also contain different amounts of vitamins and minerals. Organ meats s such as liver, heart and kidney are rich in vitamins A, B, and D as well as minerals such as iron and zinc. Bone-in cuts like beef shank, lamb neck and chicken wings are rich in minerals like calcium and phosphorus which are important for bone health and development. While a lack of suitable vitamins and minerals may cause different health problems in pets.
Ultimately, it’s essential to read the label or consult a nutritionist on which cuts of meat are best suited to your pet’s nutritional needs, respective of their individual needs, activity levels, and health conditions. Knowing which cuts of meat have higher protein and vitamin/mineral content can help you make informed choices when selecting the right pet food for your furry friend.