Lamb

Lamb Glossary: Lamb is a red meat used as a protein source in many dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, haem iron, zinc and B-group vitamins. Its fat content tends to run higher than that of lean poultry such as chicken, which raises a food's energy density: a point worth watching for sedentary or overweight animals. For years lamb was marketed as a novel protein, meaning one an animal had rarely encountered, and therefore useful in an [elimination diet](/glossary/elimination-diet). That status has eroded. Lamb is now so widespread in commercial recipes that it can no longer be assumed novel for many pets, and a dog already exposed may be sensitised to it (veterinary literature). The label distinction matters: fresh lamb is weighed with its water, whereas [meat meal](/glossary/dehydrated-chicken) such as lamb meal is a concentrated, water-free ingredient, so a fresh lamb listed first can weigh less than it appears. The word lamb alone does not state the share of muscle versus offal, so manufacturer transparency on origin helps judge real value (FEDIAF; NRC, 2006). One useful marker: lamb remains a sound, palatable protein, but its rare-protein reputation has faded with its popularity, which matters most when choosing a diet for a suspected food reaction. Compare its profile with [beef](/glossary/beef) and [turkey](/glossary/turkey) before assuming novelty.

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