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Animal protein

Beef

Beef muscle meat, a source of animal protein, and the most reported food allergen in pets.

Beef supplies complete protein, along with iron and zinc. As fresh meat it’s mostly water, so its place on the list reflects the weight before cooking.

A review of food reactions found beef the most commonly reported allergen in dogs and in cats. That partly reflects how widely it’s been fed, and most pets are not allergic to it. If your pet has a food allergy, read the whole list, not just the name on the front: the same animal can appear as a fat, a meal or a flavour. Ask your veterinarian.

Also written as: Deboned Beef, Boneless Beef, Ground Beef, Grass-Fed Beef, Fresh Beef, Raw Beef.

Sources

Updated November 2, 2026. General information, not veterinary advice.