Can Dogs Eat Turkey Gizzards?

Yes, dogs can eat turkey gizzards! They’re not only safe but also a nutritious treat. Turkey gizzards are rich in protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc, which are great for your dog’s health. And the best part is that dogs are crazy about them. So, next holiday season, when you’re prepping the turkey, share a few cooked and chopped gizzards with your dog!

Table Of Contents

Goody nutrients and other benefits of turkey gizzards
- Edible turkey organ meats
How often can dogs eat gizzards and how many?
FAQs
- Can dogs eat raw turkey gizzards?

Turkey gizzards are just one of the many edible turkey giblets that dogs can enjoy. Dogs love turkey meat in general, so if your dog has never tried them, there’s a great chance they’ll love it. Other giblets include the heart, liver, and kidneys, which are also rich in nutrients and flavor. The best and most flavorful turkey giblets are often considered to be the liver and heart. However, gizzards are also amazing when cooked thoroughly, so they lose their chewy texture a bit! We often add gizzards to stuffing and gravy, making them an inseparable part of Thanksgiving. They are also great in soups and gumbos! But your dog will tell you they are the best when you make them for them!

Goody nutrients and other benefits of turkey gizzards

Turkey gizzards are rich in beneficial nutrients that support your dog’s overall health. They are an excellent source of lean protein. We talked about how dogs need protein before, but you can always read these nutritional requirements to find that they need 18% of their diet to be protein. Essentially, dogs need protein for muscle development and repair. Gizzards also provide important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, zinc, and iron. All these vitamins and minerals are important for overall health and well-being, just like they are for us.

Edible turkey organ meats

Dogs can enjoy various turkey organ meats, like the heart, liver, and kidneys. These are rich in nutrients and can be delicious treats when cooked properly.

How often can dogs eat gizzards and how many?

Frequency — Dogs can enjoy gizzards a few times a week, but it’s highly unlikely anyone eats that much turkey! So, giving them gizzards occasionally, combined with their regular food, is totally fine.

Portion size for small dogs — Small dogs need around 20-30 grams of food per pound of body weight per day. One to two gizzards per serving is enough without overfeeding them.

Portion size for large dogs — Large dogs can have three to four gizzards per serving, depending on their activity level. Very active dogs might benefit from a bit more, while less active dogs should get a smaller portion.

Giving gizzards for the first time — Always talk to your vet about introducing new foods. Start with small amounts and give them slowly and gradually to avoid diarrhea and digestive issues.

Preparation — Clean gizzards thoroughly before cooking. You can buy cleaned and ready-to-cook gizzards at most supermarkets in the US, such as Kroger. Cook them for 15-20 minutes, ensuring they are fully cooked before serving to your dog.

So, now you know that turkey gizzards are a nutritious and delicious treat for dogs. They are rich in protein and essential nutrients, and dogs really love them. As always, don’t go overboard as you’ll spoil them and they won’t eat their food anymore, but do treat them with plain turkey gizzards!

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Can dogs eat raw turkey gizzards?

No, dogs shouldn’t eat raw turkey gizzards. Raw gizzards can carry bacteria like Salmonella. Cooking the gizzards thoroughly kills any harmful bacteria, so they are perfectly safe for your dog. Always consult with your vet before introducing raw meats into your dog’s diet to ensure it’s safe for their specific health needs.