Short answer: yes, dried beef tripe is a good treat for almost every dog. It is easy to digest, rich in protein and minerals, soft enough for puppies and older dogs, and dogs find it irresistible. What tripe is not: a probiotic miracle snack. The bacteria and enzymes that green tripe is praised for do not survive drying. Below you will read what it does contain, why it smells the way it does, how much to give and how to store it. See our dried beef tripe.
What exactly is tripe?
Tripe is the stomach lining of ruminants, usually cattle. A cow has four stomachs, and the rumen is the largest: the first stomach in which grass and hay are pre-digested by bacteria. In the butcher's shop we mainly know the washed and bleached white tripe that people eat. For dogs, green tripe is used: unwashed or only rinsed, grey-green in colour and with the pre-digested plant residues still in it. Those residues make the smell strong, but they are also the reason tripe contains more vitamins and minerals than bleached tripe. Dried beef tripe is green tripe that has been dried into a light, porous snack.
What is in it?
| Nutrient | In dried beef tripe | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | High, usually 55 to 65 percent of dry weight | Muscles, skin and coat; animal protein that dogs use well |
| Fat | Moderate, 10 to 20 percent depending on the batch | Energy and taste; which is why tripe is not a "light" snack |
| Calcium and phosphorus | Roughly in a 1 to 1 ratio | Favourable balance for bones; unlike muscle meat, which contains far more phosphorus |
| Vitamin B12, iron, zinc | Amply present | Blood formation, energy metabolism, skin and immune system |
| Omega 3 and omega 6 | Both present, in a favourable ratio | Skin, coat and inflammation control |
| Energy | About 350 to 400 kilocalories per 100 grams | Counts towards the 10 percent treat budget |
The honest nuance: probiotics and enzymes
Online you often read that tripe is full of probiotics and digestive enzymes. For raw green tripe that is partly true: it contains, among others, the lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus, and there are indications that it can support gut health. But those bacteria decline quickly as soon as tripe is exposed to air, and with heat drying they do not survive the process. Enzymes are broken down by heat as well. So dried tripe is not sold as a probiotic, and we do not do that either. The real benefits of dried tripe are different: an easily digestible protein source, a lot of flavour for little effort, a soft texture that suits puppies and seniors, and a snack that even fussy dogs come running for.
Why does tripe smell so strong?
The smell comes from the fermented plant residues and the volatile fatty acids produced by the stomach bacteria. To humans it is a penetrating, sourish barn smell; to dogs it is exactly what attracts them. The smell is not a sign of spoilage. Properly dried tripe smells strong but not rotten, and feels dry and firm. If a bag smells musty or you see white fluff, moisture has got in and you throw it away.
Which dogs is tripe suitable for?
- Fussy eaters: a little dried tripe crumbled over the kibble gets almost any dog eating. Use it as a topping, not as the main meal.
- Puppies and older dogs: tripe is soft and digestible, so one of the few "real" chews you can give early and well into old age.
- Sensitive stomachs: many owners notice that tripe is well tolerated and that the stool becomes firmer. Do build up gradually; too much at once actually gives loose stool.
- Training: because of the smell, tripe is a top reward for difficult exercises, such as recall with distractions. Small pieces, because it is energy-dense.
- Dogs with a beef allergy: no. Tripe is beef, and beef is one of the most common food allergens in dogs. Choose a treat from another animal instead. In our shop you can filter by animal type.
How much tripe can you give?
Dried tripe is compact: a 15 gram piece already contains over 50 kilocalories. Stick to the rule that all treats together provide at most 10 percent of the daily energy. For a 10 kg dog that is about 55 to 70 kilocalories, so one good piece of tripe a day, or a few small strips. How to calculate that for your dog is explained in how many treats a dog can have per day. If you give tripe as a chew, the calories count on the day it is eaten.
In which forms does tripe come?
| Form | Chewing time | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Dried pieces of 3 to 8 centimetres | Short to medium | Rewards and short chewing moments, all sizes of dog |
| Long tripe strips or tripe rolls | Medium | Teething puppies, seniors, calm chewers |
| Sausages with tripe | Short | Training and rewarding; softer, mixed with meat |
| Dental sticks with tripe | Medium | Daily chewing moment for the teeth |
| Ground tripe or tripe powder | None | Topping for fussy eaters |
See our dried beef tripe, the sausages with tripe and the dental sticks with tripe.
Ingrid's tip: store tripe in a well-sealed glass jar or a tin, not in the open bag. That way the smell stays in the cupboard instead of in the kitchen, and the snack stays dry. Give tripe on a mat or outside; a dog that drags tripe across the sofa can still be smelled days later.
Storage and shelf life
Dried tripe keeps for months, as long as it is stored dry, cool and dark. Moisture is the enemy: a bag left open in a warm kitchen attracts moisture and can go mouldy. Close the packaging after use, or transfer the snacks to a jar. The fridge or freezer is not necessary and only makes the snack tougher. Check the packaging for the best-before date and trust your nose as well: musty or sour-rotten means throw it away.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between green and white tripe?
Green tripe is unwashed or only rinsed and contains the pre-digested plant residues, with more vitamins and minerals. White tripe is washed and bleached for human consumption and contains considerably fewer nutrients. Dog treats are made from green tripe.
Why does tripe smell so bad?
Because of the fermented plant residues and the fatty acids from the cow's stomach. It is not spoilage. Store tripe sealed and give it on a mat or outside.
Can a puppy have dried tripe?
Yes, tripe is one of the softest natural treats and can be given in small pieces from about eight weeks. Start with a small piece and watch the stool for three days. Also read when a puppy can have chews.
Does tripe help with a sensitive stomach?
Tripe is well tolerated by many dogs because it is easy to digest, but it is not a medicine. With persistent stomach or gut problems you go to the vet. If your dog has a beef allergy, tripe is actually not advisable.
How much tripe can my dog have per day?
As much as fits in the 10 percent treat budget. For a 10 kg dog that is about one 15 gram piece a day; for a 30 kg dog two to three pieces.
Sources
- Great Pet Care, Green Tripe for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know (composition, calcium-phosphorus balance, Lactobacillus acidophilus and its decline on exposure to air).
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee, Global Nutrition Guidelines (treats at most 10 percent of daily energy).
About the author
Ingrid Kooijman is the founder of Canis Snacks. She selects natural single-protein dog treats, sells them online and at markets in Brabant, and answers dog owners' questions about food and chews every day. Questions about this article? Email info@canissnacks.com.
