What is Tripe? A Look at the Benefits of Feeding Tripe to Your Pet

What is Green Tripe?

Before we dive into the benefits, it’s important to understand what green tripe is and why it stands out from the type of tripe you might see in supermarkets.

Green tripe refers to the unbleached, minimally washed stomach lining of ruminant animals such as cows, sheep, or deer. Unlike the white, bleached tripe prepared for human consumption, green tripe retains the partially digested plant matter from the animal’s diet and all its natural enzymes, bacteria, and nutrients.

This raw, nutrient-rich superfood is particularly popular among raw feeders and holistic pet health practitioners for its incredible benefits for both dogs and cats.

Why Feed Green Tripe? The Science-Backed Benefits

Green tripe offers a wide range of nutritional benefits backed by both research and long-standing raw feeding practices:

1. A Natural Source of Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes

Green tripe is a powerhouse of lactic acid bacteria, especially Lactobacillus acidophilus, a key probiotic strain that supports healthy gut flora. A balanced microbiome aids in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune system regulation, and protection against harmful bacteria (Weese, 2002).

Additionally, it’s rich in digestive enzymes like amylase, lipase, and protease, which help break down food and improve your pet's digestion naturally—especially valuable for pets with sensitive stomachs or digestive disorders.

2. Supports Bone Digestion

Tripe is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, which encourages optimal stomach acidity. This acidic environment is essential for the safe digestion of raw bones, which are a key component of many raw diets. This is why green tripe is often recommended alongside bone feeding—it helps mimic the natural diet of wild carnivores, who consume entire prey, including stomach contents.

3. Natural Fiber from Pre-Digested Plant Matter

The fibrous plant matter found in green tripe comes pre-digested thanks to the herbivore’s fermentation process. This “pre-processed” vegetation acts as a gentle source of fiber, helping to maintain bowel regularity and supporting gut health—especially helpful for pets that don’t tolerate raw vegetables well.

In countries like New Zealand, where access to fresh green tripe is readily available, pets benefit directly from this natural plant matter. In contrast, raw feeders in other countries often need to add vegetable matter manually to mimic this effect.

4. Immune and Skin Health Boost

Green tripe contains vital nutrients including:

• Essential fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6) for skin, coat, and joint health.

• Zinc, selenium, and B vitamins for immune support and metabolic function.

• Naturally occurring amino acids that aid in tissue repair, muscle maintenance, and overall vitality.

Tripe for Dogs vs. Cats

Most dogs are instantly drawn to the scent and flavor of green tripe. It can be fed as a regular part of a raw feeding rotation or used to stimulate appetite in picky eaters or those recovering from illness.

Cats, on the other hand, can be more selective. While cats get similar probiotic and enzyme benefits, they are obligate carnivores and typically receive sufficient gut flora from whole prey in the wild. That said, green tripe can be used as a supplemental boost—especially in the form of freeze-dried tripe, which tends to be more palatable for finicky felines.

Tip: Introduce tripe gradually to your cat by mixing a small amount with their usual food and watching for acceptance. Or if starting a new kitten on raw introduce them to mixes with tripe from a young age for greater likelihood of acceptance.

How to Feed Green Tripe Safely

• Feed raw or freeze-dried tripe as part of a balanced raw diet (muscle meat, organs, and bones).

• Pair tripe with bone meals to enhance digestion and safety.

• Store green tripe properly (frozen or freeze-dried) to maintain nutritional value.

• Start with small amounts, especially if your pet is new to raw feeding.

Green tripe is a powerful addition to your pet’s diet—offering natural probiotics, digestive enzymes, essential nutrients, and gut-friendly fiber in one package. Whether you’re feeding a pup with a sensitive stomach or trying to boost your cat’s digestion naturally, green tripe can be a valuable tool in promoting lifelong health.

Still unsure how to get started with tripe? Our in-store team is here to help with personalised feeding advice tailored to your pet’s age, breed, and health needs.

References

• Weese, J. S. (2002). Probiotics in veterinary medicine. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 15(4), 647–663.

• Case, L. P., et al. (2010). Canine and Feline Nutrition: A Resource for Companion Animal Professionals. 3rd Edition.

• Billinghurst, I. (1993). Give Your Dog a Bone: The Practical Commonsense Way to Feed Dogs for a Long Healthy Life.