Kangaroo Dog Treats: Why One Protein Makes Sense

Turn over most dog treat packets and you'll find a long list. Chicken, then beef, then "meat by-products", then glycerine, sugars, preservatives and a flavour or two. When I started making treats for Pablo, I wanted the opposite: one animal protein, a few whole foods, and a label you can read in one breath. Kangaroo is where that idea works best.

What "single protein" means

A single-protein treat is made from one animal protein only. Our Kangaroo Prime Jerky is 99% kangaroo fillet and 1% virgin coconut oil. Our Kangaroo Prime Strips are kangaroo with pumpkin, a few seeds and a pinch of turmeric. In both cases kangaroo is the only meat, and there is no hidden chicken, beef or "animal derivatives" further down the list.

Why one protein makes sense

• You know exactly what your dog is eating. No guesswork, no mystery meat, no reading the fine print twice.
• It's easier to keep track. If you like to notice how your dog gets on with each food, one protein per treat makes that simple.
• It fits around your dog's diet. If your vet has recommended a specific diet or a limited-ingredient approach, single-protein treats make it easier to stick to. Always check with your vet first.
• It makes rotating easy. Many dog parents like to rotate proteins for variety. With single-protein treats you can switch from chicken to beef to kangaroo and always know what's in the bag.

Why kangaroo?

It's naturally lean. Kangaroo is one of the leanest red meats you can buy, with lots of protein and very little fat. That makes it a good fit for active dogs and for dogs whose owners are keeping an eye on their weight.

It's wild-harvested and Australian. Kangaroos live free-range in the wild and eat native grasses and plants. The commercial harvest is regulated under government management plans. There are no feedlots, hormones or added antibiotics.

It's new for many dogs. Most commercial dog food leans on chicken and beef. Kangaroo is a protein many dogs haven't tried, which is part of why they find it so exciting.

Dogs love it. It's rich, gamey and properly meaty. Pablo, our Chief Taste Officer, rates it very highly.

How to choose good kangaroo treats

• Kangaroo first, and the only meat. Check the full ingredient list, not just the front of the pack.
• A high percentage. Good brands tell you how much of the treat is actually kangaroo.
• No glycerine, sugars or preservatives. Properly dried meat doesn't need them.
• Australian-made. Kangaroo is an Australian protein, so you should know where it was made.

How many kangaroo treats a day?

Treats are a complement, not a meal. Vets generally suggest treats make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily food. Because kangaroo is so rich in protein, a little goes a long way: break jerky into small pieces for training, or give one strip as a reward. Always keep fresh water nearby.

Our kangaroo range

Kangaroo Prime Jerky: whole kangaroo fillet, sliced by hand and slow-dried. Just two ingredients.

Kangaroo Prime Strips: kangaroo mince with pumpkin, chia seed, chicory root and a pinch of organic turmeric, slow-dried into a soft, chewy strip.

Both are made in small batches in our Sydney kitchen, with nothing artificial added. See the full kangaroo dog treats collection.

Quick questions

Is kangaroo meat good for dogs?
Kangaroo is a lean, high-protein red meat, and as a treat it suits most healthy dogs. If your dog has a health condition or is on a special diet, check with your vet first.

Is kangaroo suitable for puppies?
Soft kangaroo strips, broken into small pieces, are a good training treat for older puppies. Jerky is firmer, so it's better for dogs with adult teeth.

Is kangaroo sustainable?
Kangaroos are wild animals, and the commercial harvest is regulated under state and federal management plans. They don't need cleared pasture or feedlots to be raised.

This article is general information from a dog treat maker, not veterinary advice. If your dog has a health condition or special diet, please check with your vet before introducing new treats.