Why Does Venison Give You Diarrhea?

Venison, or deer meat, is appreciated by many for its lean, tender texture and mild, sweet flavor. However, some people experience an upset stomach or diarrhea after eating it. So why does venison cause these gastrointestinal issues for some people?

Potential Causes of Venison-Induced Diarrhea

There are a few potential reasons why venison may lead to diarrhea or other digestive troubles

Bacterial contamination: Deer can harbor bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli in their intestines which can contaminate the meat during field dressing. Improper handling, storage, or undercooking contaminated venison raises the risk of foodborne illness.
High protein and fat content: Venison is very high in protein and lower in fat compared to beef or chicken. This protein-rich, low-fat profile makes it harder to digest for some people, resulting in diarrhea. The high iron content may also contribute.
Purines: Venison contains moderate amounts of purines which can trigger gout or stomach upset in sensitive individuals. People prone to gout attacks may experience diarrhea after eating venison.
Lead exposure: Venison hunted using lead ammunition can contain lead fragments that can cause abdominal issues if consumed. Always ask if lead-free ammo was used.
Individual sensitivity Some people may have an intolerance or allergy to specific compounds found in venison. An upset stomach after eating venison may signal an undiagnosed sensitivity

Preventing Venison-Related Diarrhea

If you want to keep enjoying venison but tend to get diarrhea after eating it, there are some steps you can take to prevent issues:

Use caution with wild venison: Venison from wild deer has a higher likelihood of bacterial contamination from field dressing. Take care to cook wild venison thoroughly to at least 160°F.
Check for lead-free ammo: Request venison from deer hunted using non-lead ammunition to avoid possible lead exposure.
Portion control: Limit venison intake to 4-6 oz per serving and avoid overindulging to reduce stomach upset from the high protein.
Balance with carbs: Pair venison with starchy vegetables or whole grains to aid digestion. Carbs provide an energy source for the protein breakdown.
Try digestive enzymes: Consider taking a digestive enzyme supplement when eating venison to support protein and fat digestion.
Cook thoroughly: Make sure venison reaches safe internal temperatures throughout to kill any bacteria present.
Use probiotics: Eat probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or kefir to maintain healthy gut flora, which aids digestion.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids during meals and after eating venison to prevent dehydration from diarrhea episodes.

Tips for Preparing Venison Safely

Follow these food safety tips when handling and cooking venison:

Wash hands thoroughly with soap before and after handling raw venison.
Sanitize cutting boards, utensils, and surfaces after contact with raw venison.
Store venison at 40°F or below; use within 3-5 days. Freeze for longer storage.
Defrost frozen venison in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. Cook immediately after thawing.
Marinate venison in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. Discard used marinade.
Use a meat thermometer to verify venison reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 160°F.
Allow venison to rest for at least 3 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
Refrigerate cooked venison within 2 hours; discard after 3-4 days.

Healthy Venison Recipes

Here are some healthy and delicious venison recipes to try that are gentle on sensitive stomachs:

Venison Chili – Make with extra vegetables and beans for fiber.
Venison Meatballs – Bake instead of fry for less fat.
Venison Stew – Simmer venison with carrots, potatoes, and other veggies.
Venison Burgers – Grill burgers and serve with a whole wheat bun and salad.
Venison Meatloaf – Bake meatloaf packed with oats, onions, and peppers.
Venison Fajitas – Saute venison strips with bell peppers and onions. Wrap in corn tortillas.
Venison Stir Fry – Quickly sear venison and stir fry with snap peas and brown rice.

Is Venison Worth the Risk?

For most people, venison is a tasty and nutritious meat that can be safely enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, some may continue experiencing diarrhea or stomach pain after eating venison due to individual sensitivities. If gastrointestinal issues persist every time you eat it, it may be wise to avoid venison altogether.

In the end, consider both the flavorful pros and the messy cons when deciding if venison is worth the risk. Pay attention to how your body responds and take steps to prevent contamination and overindulgence. When prepared properly and eaten in sensible portions, venison can be a lean, low-fat protein option. Just be ready for a possible pit stop in the bathroom afterward!

Venison: The Top 10 Health Benefits of Eating This Wild Meat

FAQ

Can deer meat make you have diarrhea?

Trichinellosis, also called trichinosis, is a disease that people can get by eating raw or undercooked meat from animals infected with the microscopic parasite, Trichinella. Persons with trichinellosis may initially experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting.

Can deer meat mess up your stomach?

A group of Minnesota high school students killed, processed, and cooked several deer for an environmental science class. The meat was undercooked and, combined with a lack of handwashing, resulted in 29 teenagers falling ill with symptoms like abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea.

Why you shouldn’t eat deer meat?

Eating venison fresh isn’t recommended because of how common parasites and tapeworms are. Even in homemade jerky and fermented sausages, E. coli can stay in the deer’s intestinal tract. You should steam, roast, or boil venison to 165 degrees Fahrenheit before drying.

Is deer meat harder to digest?

Our bodies have a hard time processing meats, mainly due to the protein. Since venison contains more protein than other meats, you might feel extra gassy after consumption. Protein digesting capacity varies from person to person, so some people feel gassier than others after eating venison.

What causes diarrhea after eating red meat?

Rarely, diarrhea after eating red meat may be caused by an underlying abnormality with the gallbladder or pancreas, Dr. Wolf says. These organs help your body digest rich and fatty foods, including beef. If your body isn’t able to properly break down the meat, you may have loose stools.

Does eating deer meat make you poop?

There is no current literature on deer meat or venison causing gas. This might be experienced by some people who have gastrointestinal issues or because protein takes longer to digest than carbohydrates, as also discussed below. Why Does Eating Deer Meat Make Me Poop?

Why is venison hard to digest?

The reason why venison can be hard to digest is that, apart from purine, it is also high in protein. Protein takes more time to be digested than carbohydrates. Another reason is that a person might have trouble digesting venison. It can be because of some issues in the gastrointestinal tract, or the production of compounds that help digest protein.

Can venison cause headache and stomach upset?

Apart from this, food poisoning can also be the cause that resulted in the above symptoms like headache and stomach upset. Venison can be made into many delicious dishes but you have to make sure it has been handled, processed, and stored well, as well as it shouldn’t be shot with a lead bullet if it has been caught in the wild.