Lamb

896 foods contain this ingredient

Protein Red Meat allergen group

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About Lamb

Lamb is a red meat protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, heme iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

Lamb is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a high-quality animal protein that supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is often chosen for its palatability or as a “novel” protein in elimination diets. It can be higher in fat and calories than some other meats and may still cause allergic reactions in sensitive animals, so owners of overweight pets or those with food sensitivities should consult a veterinarian and use proper handling/cooking practices if feeding raw or homemade lamb.

Related ingredients

Deboned Lamb Lamb Blood Lamb Bone Lamb Bone Broth Lamb Broth Lamb Cartilage Lamb Ear Lamb Fat Lamb Flavor Lamb Green Tripe Lamb Heart Lamb Kidney Lamb Liver Lamb Lung Lamb Organ Lamb Plasma Lamb Protein Lamb Spleen Lamb Tripe Natural Lamb Flavor

Derived from: sheep meat and meat meal
Primary role: animal protein and amino acid source

Why it's used

Lamb contributes a complete amino acid profile along with heme iron and zinc, nutrients that are more readily absorbed in their animal-sourced form than from plant ingredients. It's also a palatable protein that formulators have historically marketed toward pets being transitioned off more common proteins like chicken or beef.

Common concerns

No longer a reliable "novel" protein Lamb was once positioned as a novel protein for elimination diets, but veterinary allergy references now list it among the more frequently identified food allergens in dogs, since it has become a common ingredient in commercial diets over the past decades.
Fat content Lamb cuts commonly used in pet food tend to run higher in fat than lean chicken or turkey, which is a consideration for pets managing weight or a history of pancreatitis, where veterinary nutrition guidance generally favors lower-fat protein sources.
Raw or homemade handling As with any raw meat, homemade or raw lamb preparations carry the same pathogen-handling considerations as other raw proteins and are generally discussed with a veterinarian before use.

3 sources cited