Updated May 8, 2023
There are a lot of rumors and myths floating around about what pregnant women can and cannot eat.
One question that comes up often is whether or not it is safe to eat wild game.
You may be wondering: Can I eat wild game while pregnant?
In this blog post, we will answer that question once and for all! We will also provide a comprehensive guide on which types of wild game are safe to eat during pregnancy.
So, if you’re wondering whether or not you can indulge in some venison sausage while you’re expecting, keep reading!
Can I eat wild game while pregnant?
We asked our OB/GYN Dr. Doug Penta this question and he said, “Generally speaking, it is safe to eat wild game while pregnant. It is important to cook all wild game meat thoroughly. Be careful when handling raw meat. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling and preparing raw meat. Do not eat any wild game that was killed with lead shot.”
There are a few types of game meat that you should avoid altogether, including:
-Deer with chronic wasting disease
-Elk with chronic wasting disease
-Moose with chronic wasting disease
-Caribou with chronic wasting disease
If you’re unsure about whether or not a certain type of wild game is safe to eat, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid it.
However, there are plenty of types of wild game meat that are perfectly safe for pregnant women to consume.
In fact, consuming wild game can provide some health benefits for both you and your baby.
Some types of wild game meat that are safe to eat during pregnancy include:
- Bison
- Bear
- Mountain lion
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Pheasant
- Turkey
There are many more types of wild game meats that are safe to eat during pregnancy, but these are a few good examples.
As long as the meat is cooked properly, there is no reason why pregnant women can’t enjoy a healthy serving of wild game.
In fact, consuming lean protein like the wild game can actually be beneficial for your pregnancy.
It can help you maintain a healthy weight and provide essential nutrients to your growing baby.
So go ahead and indulge in some venison sausage! It’s safe to eat and it’s good for you!
Can I eat Bison meat while pregnant?
Yes, bison meat is safe to eat during pregnancy.
Bison is a lean protein source and it provides essential nutrients to both you and your baby. It’s also a good source of iron, which can be beneficial for pregnant women.
Bison meat has a rich beef flavor that many people enjoy.
It is also high in protein and iron which makes it an excellent choice for those who want to eat healthily but don’t like fish or chicken because they’re too bland (or maybe just can’t afford them).
Like other wild game, bison and buffalo contain important nutrients that are vital for you and your baby.
It’s also a good source of zinc, which can help promote healthy growth and development in your child.
Can I eat Bear meat while pregnant?
Yes, bear meat is safe to eat during pregnancy.
Like bison, bear meat is a lean protein source that contains important nutrients for you and your baby.
Bear meat is also a good source of zinc, which can help promote healthy growth and development in your child.
Bear meat has a deep, rich flavor that many people enjoy.
It is also high in protein and iron which makes it an excellent choice for those who want to eat healthily but don’t like fish or chicken because they’re too bland.
But you should be cautious when eating bear meat because bears can carry a nasty parasite that causes trichinosis which can be lethal in humans.
It is so important to make sure that your bear meat is thoroughly cooked.
Can I eat Beaver meat while pregnant?
Yes, beaver meat is safe to eat during pregnancy.
Beaver is another good lean protein source that provides vital nutrients to both you and your baby.
It’s also a good source of vitamin B12, which can be beneficial for pregnant women.
The meat of a beaver is considered a delicacy by many people.
The flavor is often described as being similar to beef.
Can I eat wild boar while pregnant?
Yes, wild boar and hog meat is safe to eat during pregnancy.
Wild boar meat is a good source of protein.
Boar is another lean protein source that provides essential nutrients to both you and your baby.
It’s also a good source of vitamin B12, which can be beneficial for pregnant women.
Hog meat is safe to eat, but it’s important to make sure that the meat is cooked properly
Hogs and wild boars can carry toxoplasmosis.
Most of us know that we can get infected with toxoplasmosis from cats and cat feces.
But many wild animals are known as intermediate hosts for the T. Gondii parasite.
It can be transmitted to humans from touching and consuming raw or undercooked meat.
Greater than 49% of cases of toxoplasmosis cases are foodborne. (Source)
It doesn’t mean pregnant women can’t eat wild hog or boar, but you should be careful when handling the raw meat and be sure to cook the meat thoroughly.
Wash your hands with soap after handling raw meat and avoid touching your face when preparing the meat for cooking.
Can I eat Mountain Lion meat while pregnant?
Yes, mountain lion meat is safe to eat during pregnancy.
Mountain lion meat is safe to eat, but it’s important to make sure that the meat is cooked properly.
Yes. You can eat mountain lions while pregnant. Mountain lion meat needs to be thoroughly cooked.
Mountain lions can carry trichinosis which is a nasty parasite that can be lethal to humans.
But making sure the meat is cooked will ensure that it is safe to eat.
Many people wonder what Mountain lions taste like.
Mountain lion is lean meat and white meat and taste very similar to pork.
I would describe it as almost bland tasting it doesn’t have a lot of flavor on its own.
Mountain lion meat is a low-fat and healthy choice for wild game.
You would prepare mountain lion meat the same way you would prepare pork or veal.
Mountain lions much like bears can carry trichinosis.
Trichinosis can also be carried by domestic pigs.
That is why it is critical to cook pork meat properly.
Can I eat quail meat while pregnant?
Yes, you can eat quail during pregnancy as long as the bird was not killed using lead shot.
Whether you’re eating quail meat or quail eggs, it will be fine and healthy for your baby.
The only thing that needs special attention is to be sure the eggs are cooked well. No runny eggs.
Can I eat Pheasant meat while pregnant?
Yes, pheasant meat is safe to eat during pregnancy with one important exception.
Pheasant that was killed with lead shot is not safe to eat during pregnancy.
Pheasant meat is a good source of protein and iron, and it’s also low in fat.
Can I eat Rabbit meat while pregnant?
Yes, rabbit meat is safe to eat during pregnancy.
Rabbit meat is a good source of protein and iron, and it’s also low in fat.
Rabbit meat tastes similar to chicken and I often use it as a substitute for our favorite chicken recipes.
Can I eat Venison meat while pregnant?
Yes, venison meat is safe to eat during pregnancy.
Deer meat is a good source of protein and iron, and it’s also low in fat.
Venison is the meat from deer, elk, or moose.
Deer are one of the most popular types of wild game and for good reason!
Their meat is delicious when cooked properly.
There are several different types of deer that can be found throughout North America, including white-tailed deer, mule deer, and blacktail deer.
It is very important to cook your deer meat properly.
Undercooked deer meat and other types of venison can carry toxoplasmosis.
Can you eat elk while pregnant?
Elk are another popular type of wild game, and they can be found in forests and meadows throughout North America.
They are the largest member of the deer family, and their meat is very much like deer meat.
Moose are the largest member of the deer family, and they can be found in forests and meadows throughout North America.
Moose meat is considered safe during pregnancy.
It is essential to make sure your moose meat is properly cooked.
Moose can carry toxoplasmosis which can harm your unborn baby.
Caribou are a type of deer that can be found in the arctic and subarctic regions of North America.
They are considered to be one of the most challenging types of wild game to hunt, and their meat is highly sought-after.
If you have ever tried it you know why.
Their meat is considered by many people to be the best prime beef roast you can get.
Like all venison, you want to avoid cooking the meat to only medium-rare.
There have been rare cases of pregnant women getting toxoplasmosis from undercooked venison and passing it on to their unborn babies.
Antelope is a small member of the deer family that lives on open grasslands throughout North America.
Antelope meat is safe to eat during pregnancy.
It needs to be thoroughly cooked.
Can I eat Wild Turkey meat while pregnant?
Yes, wild turkey meat is safe to eat during pregnancy.
Wild turkey meat is a good source of protein and it’s also low in fat.
As with other wild game meat, you need to be sure the meat is thoroughly cooked.
Undercooked wild turkey could harbor bacteria such as Salmonella which is dangerous to both you and your baby.
Wild turkey doesn’t taste like a commercially raised butterball, but many people think it tastes much better.
The most important thing to remember about eating wild turkey is that you need to cook it to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Can I eat jerky while pregnant?
This one is going to sting: No jerky is not safe to eat during pregnancy.
The reason you can’t eat jerky while pregnant is because of the way jerky is made.
Jerky is made by dehydrating the meat at a low temperature for many hours.
The meat doesn’t get hot enough to kill off potential parasites.
It is not worth the risk to eat jerky during pregnancy.
You should avoid eating meat from animals that could have Chronic wasting disease.
This is a disease that can be contracted by eating animals who have been infected with it and humans are no exception.
If you want to eat your own meat then it’s recommended that you avoid any kind of wild animal which may carry this virus including deer, elk, moose, and caribou.
How to tell if the wild game has a chronic wasting disease?
There are a few key signs to watch out for when determining if an animal may be infected with a chronic wasting disease. These include:
– Weight loss – Infected animals will often lose weight and appear thin, even emaciated
– Behavioral changes – Animals who are infected with chronic wasting disease may act differently than they normally would. They might seem more lethargic or aggressive than normal.
– Dull coat – A healthy animal’s coat will be shiny and lustrous; an animal who is suffering from the chronic wasting disease will have a dull, lackluster coat.
-Drooling/Salivating- Animals wiho are infected with Chronic wasting disease may exhibit excessive drooling and salivating.
What are the symptoms of eating undercooked meat while pregnant?
The most common symptoms of a foodborne illness from eating undercooked meat are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Fever
What not to eat when pregnant:
- Foods that are not pasteurized- Brie, Blue Cheese, etc.
- Certain types of fish- shark, swordfish, anything high in mercury
- Raw eggs
- Undercooked meats- lunch meats.
- Hot foods that are not “hot”, avoid hot foods that have been sitting out without a warming source. Same for foods that should be eaten cold. If there is no ice or refrigeration source keeping the food cool, take a pass.
- Caffeine- soda, chocolate. (Limit your caffeine to less than 200 mg a day)
- Herbal Teas (There are so many ingredients in herbal teas so it is best to simply avoid them.)
We have a list of 10 superfoods that are safe and healthy to eat during pregnancy.
You’ll find 50+ recipes that use those pregnancy superfoods to try!
If you are unsure of what foods to eat during your pregnancy you should ask your doctor or midwife.
Final Thoughts
We hoped this helps you answer the question “Can I eat while game while pregnant?”
Please make sure you cook your wild game properly before eating it – this will help kill any harmful bacteria that could make you sick.
Wild game can be a healthy and nutritious part of your diet during pregnancy, but only if it’s cooked properly.
