The importance of organ meats

Organ meats are an important part of a dog’s diet. They are rich in vitamins and minerals that help dogs maintain strong muscles, a shiny coat, and a healthy heart1. Here are some key points from various blogs on the topic:

1. Types of Organ Meats: The most nutritious organs for dogs come from a few prime parts. Liver is high in soluble vitamin A, glycogen, potassium, copper, B vitamins, and vitamin D, K and E. Heart contains a concentrated source of the super-nutrient CoQ10, as well as taurine, an essential amino acid. Other healthy organ meats for dogs include kidneys, which are high in vitamins A and B as well as iron, and spleen, which boasts vitamins D, K, A and E, iron and zinc1.

2. Source of Organ Meats: “Organ meats” mean the entrails and internal organs of an animal, usually larger farm animals like cows and pigs1. Some dog food manufacturers use “organ meat” as an umbrella term, which can stand in for less nutritionally dense visceral and skeletal organ meats like intestines and neck meat1.

3. Benefits of Organ Meats: Organ meats are often called nature’s multivitamin. They’re by far the most nutrient-dense parts of an animal. They’re packed with rich nutrients, including Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B-vitamins, folate, and minerals like copper, iron, manganese, iodine, phosphorus, zinc2.

4. Recipes: There are various recipes available that incorporate organ meats. For example, the Beef Recipe at Ollie contains beef heart, kidney, and liver. The Chicken Recipe is made with gizzards and liver meat1.

Remember to consult with a veterinarian before making any major changes to your dog’s diet. They can provide guidance based on your dog’s specific needs and health conditions.