Is Pheasant a Healthy Meat? - Meadow Brook Game Farm (2024)

FAQs

Is Pheasant a Healthy Meat? - Meadow Brook Game Farm? ›

So what makes pheasant a healthy meat? Well, it's low in fat while being high in protein. It's also full of minerals such as iron, zinc and selenium. And for those who don't like fat, know this: pheasant has less fat than duck and chicken.

Wild pheasant provides a highly nutritious meat packed full of B Vitamins (which regulate metabolism and hormones), Vitamin C (which reduces inflammation), Vitamin A (which supports vision in dogs), Vitamin E (which is vital for eyes, muscles and reproductive organs), Potassium (great for muscle and nerve function), ...

Pheasant has more protein, less fat, and less cholesterol than chicken, turkey, mallard, and beef. And it has fewer calories than mallard and beef.

'People are unwittingly eating lead': Researchers warn of toxic lead risk in pheasant meat. A new study out of the UK suggests pheasants killed by hunters using shotguns can leave small lead particles in the meat. Consumers of these carcasses are 'likely' to be exposed, according to researchers.

Pheasant meat is considered a lean protein, so in order to keep your pup of any age in top shape, protein rotation is highly recommended. This will ensure they are getting a variety of amino acids for overall health.

Venison. Venison is exceptionally healthy, with more protein than any other red meat. It contains only about 1% fat – compared to 10% in lamb and 11% in beef, while providing a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids.

If you don't want to cut out red meat altogether, focus on small amounts of lean meat. And by small, I mean a portion size of up to three ounces — and eat red meat at most, once a week. Remember that poultry also contains saturated fat, so avoiding red meat doesn't necessarily mean you should load up on chicken.

The Facts About Pheasant Meat

So what makes pheasant a healthy meat? Well, it's low in fat while being high in protein. It's also full of minerals such as iron, zinc and selenium. And for those who don't like fat, know this: pheasant has less fat than duck and chicken.

Poultry – Choose chicken, hen and turkey with the skin removed. Lean beef – Choose cuts including round, chuck, loin or sirloin. Choose lean or extra lean ground beef. Lean ham, lean pork – Use tenderloin and loin chop cuts.

When should I eat pheasant? ›

I'm not sure whether, historically they're for the benefit of the birds or the toffs who shoot them. The pheasant season runs from October 1st to February 1st but it really kicks in in November when the birds are big enough to be worth eating.

For such an elaborately plumaged bird, the flavor of pheasant can be underwhelming—I fully expect to receive grief from several of you for saying that. But let's be real: A freshly-killed pheasant can be described as neither tough nor tender, and flavor-wise, there are more interesting game birds I'd rather eat.

The most significant benefit is that pheasant meat is low in fat and high in several minerals, including phosphorus and manganese. These minerals support strong bone growth and healing.

Chicken & Turkey Skin, Ham, & Other Fatty Cuts of Meat

These food items contain a high-fat content, which can cause acute pancreatitis, a life-threatening illness with severe complications. Avoid turkey bones too. Dogs can develop severe indigestion or vomiting after eating turkey bones.

Game birds and ground meat can be kept refrigerated 1 to 2 days before cooking; game meat can be stored 3 to 5 days. After cooking, keep refrigerated up to 4 days. Raw and cooked game birds and meat can be frozen indefinitely.

A healthy choice

As well as being tastier and lower in fat and cholesterol than chicken, pheasant is also rich in many essential nutrients, thanks to its natural lifestyle and foraged diet.

Goose meat is a good source of vitamin A (retinol), which is good for the skin. It is also loaded with vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12. Protein. Goose is an excellent source of protein, which helps you build lean muscle and maintain a healthy weight.