The Taste of Dog Meat and the Push for Its Global Ban

As more countries take legislative steps to outlaw the slaughter of dogs for meat, including South Korea’s landmark vote in 2024 to ban the production and sale of dog meat by 2027, the question of what dog taste like has surfaced among some curious minds.

Although Green Matters strongly opposes the consumption of all animal flesh due to the environmental harm caused by animal agriculture, the conversation about dog meat’s taste provides an insight into why it’s a controversial topic.

For those who have grown up with dogs as companions, the very idea of consuming dog meat seems both horrific and unimaginable. In this article, we’ll explore what some people have said about what does dog meat taste like and why it’s a practice you’ll never want to experience firsthand.

What Does Dog Meat Taste Like?

Accounts from individuals who have tried dog meat reveal a mix of descriptions:

• The Mirror reported that dog meat taste like “a cross between beef and mutton” and is very fatty. Some diners and restaurants serving dog meat even highlight its fattiness as a key feature.
• Mark Wiens, in his article for Thought Catalog, said the meat was “quite fatty” and “extremely fragrant,” comparing it to “a cross between beef and mutton with extra meaty flavor.”
• Lauren Shockey, who tried dog meat in Vietnam for The Village Voice, described it as “chewy and fatty, with a strong animal taste like squab or venison, but not as succulent.”

These descriptions of dog meat consistently mention its chewy texture, fatty quality, and strong flavor, often leaning toward a comparison with more robust meats like mutton and venison. However, it’s important to recognize that many animals, including dogs raised for meat, are often force-fed to fatten them quickly before slaughter, a practice that is both cruel and inhumane, as reported by PETA.

Is Dog Meat Considered Tasty?

For those traveling to countries where dog meat is still legally sold, there might be some curiosity about whether it’s actually enjoyable. Here’s what some firsthand accounts say:

• Mark Wiens commented after his experience that “dog can be really delicious.”
• Lauren Shockey, when asked if she liked the taste of dog meat, responded, “It was interesting, although I’m not sure I’ll be eating dog again soon.”

While some have found it “delicious” or “interesting,” it’s far from being considered a culinary standout. Many describe dog meat as gamey, requiring heavy spicing or preparation in stews to mask the natural flavor. The fact that it often needs to be heavily seasoned or combined with other ingredients hints that dog meat, on its own, might not be worth trying, even for those who aren’t opposed to eating meat.

Where Is Dog Meat Still Legal?

The global movement to ban the dog meat trade is gaining traction, with South Korea’s 2024 decision marking a significant step toward ending the practice by 2027. Still, the legality of dog meat varies greatly around the world.

• United States: Although the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2018 outlaws the sale of dog meat, an exception exists for Native American religious ceremonies.
• Asia: In many Asian countries, including China and parts of northern India, dog meat consumption continues, despite increasing bans. In some places, enforcement of these bans remains inconsistent.
• Africa: Several regions still engage in the dog meat trade.
• Switzerland: Remote areas have reported some instances of dog meat consumption, according to Humane Society International (HSI).

Despite these reports, a growing number of surveys in regions where dog meat has been consumed traditionally suggest that the practice is being left behind. Many younger generations see it as an outdated custom and are moving toward more ethical food choices.

The Future of Ethical Alternatives

As the world continues to adopt more ethical food alternatives, such as plant-based meats, the consumption of dog meat — and other animal meats — is increasingly being seen as unnecessary and inhumane. The availability of vegan options, from filet mignon to burgers, is expanding globally, making it easier for people to transition away from eating animals.

Green Matters remains hopeful that as access to plant-based alternatives increases worldwide, more people will abandon the practice of eating animal meat altogether. The future is bright for ethical, sustainable, and cruelty-free cuisine, and the end of dog meat consumption will hopefully be part of this positive shift.

Conclusion

The debate over the topic “what does dog taste like” is intertwined with larger issues of animal cruelty, cultural traditions, and the global push toward sustainable food practices. While some people describe the taste of dog meat as fatty and flavorful, it’s clear that the ethical and environmental implications far outweigh any culinary curiosity.

With countries like South Korea taking bold steps to end the dog meat trade, the world is moving closer to a future where the consumption of all animal meat, including dogs, will be a thing of the past.

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