Can Dogs Eat Turkey Liver?

Yes, dogs can eat turkey hearts. However, you should never give them raw hearts; they need to be cooked and prepared without any seasonings or spices. While turkey hearts are nutritious, it’s important not to overdo it, as their rich taste can upset your dog’s stomach. Always introduce new foods gradually, starting with a tiny bit to see how your dog handles them.

raw turkey hearts on a plate and a dog

Let me give you a practical tip. When you give your dog turkey hearts or liver, give them some cooked rice or cooked turkey meat that’s absolutely safe for dogs. Organ meat is very strong, and while it’s incredibly nutritious, it can be hard on your dog’s stomach. Adding rice or lean turkey helps balance the meal and can prevent a messy situation (aka runny poo).

Health benefits of turkey hearts for dogs

While you’re cooking up a delicious meal for your family, you can also make a special treat for your dog with turkey gizzards, liver, and hearts! Generally, turkey is great for dogs, especially turkey giblets that are full of vitamins. Here are some of the main benefits:

High-quality protein: Turkey hearts are an excellent source of high-quality protein. Protein helps maintain your dog’s muscles and provides energy for daily activities.
Rich in essential vitamins: Turkey hearts are rich in essential vitamins like B12, which supports nerve function and helps produce red blood cells. They also contain vitamin A, which is vital for vision, immune function, and skin health.
Packed with minerals: Turkey hearts provide important minerals such as iron, zinc, and selenium. Iron is essential for oxygen transport in the blood and zinc supports the overall immune function and skin health, and selenium acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.
Supports heart health: The taurine found in turkey hearts is an amino acid that supports cardiovascular health. It’s particularly beneficial for maintaining a healthy heart and proper vision in dogs.

Turkey hearts can boost the immune system

The combination of vitamins and minerals in turkey hearts helps boost your dog’s immune system. A stronger immune system means your dog is better equipped to stay healthy.

How to prepare turkey hearts for dogs

If you’ve never prepared turkey hearts for your dog, don’t worry, it’s pretty simple! We’ll show you the steps.

Rinse and clean: Start by rinsing the turkey hearts under cold water to remove any residual blood and impurities. After rinsing, pat the turkey hearts dry with a paper towel.
Boil the hearts: Place the turkey hearts in a pot of boiling water. Use enough water, so the hearts are all covered. Boil them for about 20-30 minutes until they are fully cooked.
Cut into small pieces: Cut the cooled turkey hearts into small, manageable pieces appropriate for your dog’s size.
Serve and monitor: Serve the turkey hearts to your dog and keep an eye on them to see how they react, especially if it’s their first time trying turkey hearts. Start with a small amount and gradually increase the portion if they tolerate it well.

Remember, while turkey hearts offer many benefits, they should be given in moderation and not replace your dog’s regular diet. If you’re unsure, it’s best you talk to your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet. But you don’t need to worry too much with turkey hearts — just start with a small amount.

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Is turkey heart OK for dogs?

Yes, turkey heart is OK for dogs. It’s a nutritious organ meat rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, you should always cook the turkey heart before feeding it to your dog to eliminate any harmful bacteria.

Can dogs eat boiled turkey organs?

Yes, dogs can eat boiled turkey organs. Boiling the organs ensures they are safe to eat by killing harmful bacteria. Turkey organs like hearts, livers, and gizzards are full of vitamins. Just make sure to introduce them gradually and give them in moderation, so they don’t have any digestive issues.

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