.jpg?w=684&h=912)
By Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Certified pet nutritionist in Singapore
QUICK ANSWER
Organ meats are the most nutrient-dense part of any animal, and a raw diet isn't complete without them. Secreting organs like liver, kidney and spleen can make up to 15% of your dog's diet, with liver no more than 5% of the total. Heart counts as muscle meat. Choose grass-fed whenever possible.
Raw feeding is a wonderful way to nourish your dog, but it needs to be done carefully. Muscle meat and bone alone are missing many of the nutrients dogs need. In the wild, dogs would eat all the organs and parts of their prey, and organs are where so much of the nutrition is. They're often hard to find, yet relatively cheap.
Why dogs need organ meat
Compared with muscle meat, organs are far more concentrated in almost every nutrient:
B vitamins
B1, B2, B6, folic acid and B12.
Minerals
Phosphorus, iron, copper, magnesium and iodine.
Fat-soluble vitamins
Vitamins A, D, E and K.
Fatty acids
Arachidonic acid, plus the omega-3s EPA and DHA, a source beyond fish and fish oil.
Organs from grass-fed animals are even richer in these nutrients than organs from grain-fed animals.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D acts like a hormone and regulates many functions in the body. A deficiency is linked to muscle weakness, fractures, some cancers, autoimmune disease and infections. Dogs can't make vitamin D from sunlight like we do, so it has to come from food, and organ meats have some of the highest natural levels of any food.
Liver
Safety
Liver neutralises toxins. It filters them but doesn't store them, and muscle meat often carries more unwanted toxins. Still, choose grass-fed liver, with no added antibiotics or hormones.
Vitamin A
Liver is one of the richest natural sources. Vitamin A supports digestion and the reproductive organs, and acts as an antioxidant.
B vitamins
Folic acid and B vitamins, especially B12, support energy, the brain and nerves, and help prevent anaemia.
Iron
Liver's iron is highly absorbable, supporting haemoglobin, brain function, body temperature and muscle activity. Low iron can reduce T-cells and antibody production.
Stamina
Liver contains an "anti-fatigue factor" that may improve oxygen in the blood and endurance.
The brain
Liver contains nitrogen compounds that are the building blocks of DNA and RNA, which may help with canine dementia.
For raw feeders, don't cook the liver, as heat destroys nutrients and enzymes. Feed it at least once a week.
Heart (a muscle meat)
Heart is technically a muscle meat, not an organ, but it's a very special one. Beef heart is a dense muscle with more protein and unique nutrients than regular muscle meat:
✓ CoQ10: supports cell energy and heart rhythm. Levels drop with age and in some chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and immune disorders.
✓ Selenium, phosphorus, zinc and essential amino acids for muscles, energy, stamina and endurance.
✓ Collagen and elastin: about twice as much as regular meat, which supports the joints. Read more in arthritis in dogs and cats.
How much organ meat?
Secreting organs: up to 15% of the diet. These include liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas and brain.
Liver: no more than 5% of the total diet, as part of that 15%.
Heart counts as muscle meat, not organ.
FROM MY EXPERIENCE
BeanBean has 15% secreting organs in her diet. Every dog is different, though, so if you're building a raw diet, a PawNutrition feeding framework can help you get the balance right.
Getting organs into your dog's diet
✓ Commercial raw food: choose whole-animal options that include the organs.
✓ Homemade raw: ask your butcher for a variety of organs. They're often cheap and can bring down your food costs.
✓ Picky eaters: if your dog doesn't like the taste or texture, add small amounts of ground organ to meals every day.
✓ Freeze-dried organs: an easy way to top up, as a topper or treat.
Freeze-dried liver we carry: Green Juju Bison Liver, Shepherd Boy Farms Duck Liver, Beef Liver and Lamb Liver, Freeze Dry Australia Chicken Liver, and Raw for Paw Kangaroo Liver Powder. You'll find more organs among our freeze-dried food toppers.
Frequently asked questions
Is lung an organ?
Lung is often grouped with organs, but it isn't a secreting organ. Like heart, it's usually counted as muscle meat.
Can I feed too much liver?
Yes. Too much liver can cause loose stools and, over time, too much vitamin A. Keep it to no more than 5% of the diet.
Shop this article
This article is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for veterinary care. If you're concerned about your pet's health, please seek professional advice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Judyvein is a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist and Certified Raw Nutrition Coach for Cats & Dogs, and the founder of JOOF Holistic Pet. Her journey began with her Frenchie, Wangcai, and today she helps pet parents in Singapore take a root-cause approach to their pets' health.
RELATED READING
