Which Organ Meats Are Safe for Dogs?

Benefits, Best Choices, and Dog-Friendly Preparation Tips

Organ meats (also called “offal”) can be a powerful nutritional addition to your dog’s diet when fed correctly. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids, these nutrient-dense foods are often referred to as nature’s multivitamin for dogs. That said, not all organ meats are created equal—and preparation matters.

Here’s a clear guide to which organ meats are safe for dogs, their benefits, and the best ways to prepare them.

Safe Organ Meats for Dogs

1. Liver (Chicken, Beef, Turkey, Lamb)

Benefits:
Liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available. It’s high in vitamin A, iron, copper, zinc, and B vitamins, supporting immune health, skin and coat quality, and energy levels.

How to feed:

• Feed in small amounts (5–10% of organ intake)

• Best lightly cooked or gently dehydrated

• Avoid overfeeding—too much vitamin A can be harmful

2. Heart (Beef, Chicken, Turkey, Lamb)

Benefits:
Although technically a muscle meat, heart is often grouped with organs. It’s rich in taurine, an amino acid essential for heart health, especially in larger breeds.

How to feed:

• Great as a topper or training treat when diced and dehydrated

3. Kidney

Benefits:
Kidneys provide selenium, vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. They support detoxification and metabolic health.

How to feed:

• Rinse well before cooking

• Best lightly cooked or mixed into meals in small portions

• Strong smell is normal—dogs usually love it

4. Gizzards (Chicken or Turkey)

Benefits:
Gizzards are lean, protein-rich, and great for dental health due to their chewy texture.

How to feed:

• Cooked or dehydrated

• Excellent for dogs new to organ meats

Organ Meats to Avoid or Feed With Caution

• Brains: High risk of parasites if raw; avoid unless professionally prepared

• Lungs: Not harmful, but low nutritional value and can be a choking hazard

• Pancreas: Only feed under veterinary guidance

Dog-Safe Preparation Methods

Best Ways to Prepare Organ Meats

• Lightly cooked (pan-seared or boiled): Preserves nutrients while reducing bacteria. Must be cooked thoroughly. Limited shelf life in the refrigerator.

• Dehydrated: Makes excellent shelf-stable treats

• Freeze-dried: Convenient and nutrient-dense if commercially prepared

What to Avoid

• Seasonings (no salt, garlic, onion, or spices)

• Fried or heavily processed organ meats

• Cured meats or anything smoked

How Much Organ Meat Should Dogs Eat?

Organ meats should make up no more than 8% of your dog’s total diet, with liver limited to about half of that. Too much organ meat—especially liver—can cause digestive upset or nutrient imbalances.

If your dog is new to organ meats, start slow and monitor stool quality.

Final Thoughts

When sourced responsibly and prepared simply, organ meats can be an incredible addition to your dog’s diet. They offer concentrated nutrition, support whole-body health, and are often a dog’s favorite part of the bowl.

If you’re unsure how organ meats fit into your dog’s specific dietary needs, consult your veterinarian—especially for puppies, seniors, or dogs with medical conditions.

Your dog’s bowl doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes the most nourishing foods are also the most natural.