Hitting is always a huge red flag regardless of whether one thinks humans are animals or not. I suppose it is a matter of what happens in the future. If it happened once and never again I would be hurt but would forget it. If it is a pattern and he cannot handle his anger, I would get out quickly.

I was hit and abused by my first husband. I thought I deserved it and did not know any better. It is a horrible thing to become dependent on someone who abuses you. Once it becomes a pattern and an acceptable way for him to channel his anger it can be come really dangerous. Be careful and have a back up plan to stay safe.