Can Dogs Eat Chicken Hearts? What You Need To Know

They seem safe – and even good for dogs. But can dogs eat chicken hearts? Before you share them with your pet, read this guide.

Have you ever been tempted to give your dog chicken hearts? Maybe you’ve heard other people do it and wanted to know whether it’s safe or even good for dogs. Well, keep reading. In this guide we will look closely at chicken hearts and how to give them to dogs.

For ultimate pet safety, I recommend consulting with your vet about all the questions you have about your dog eating chicken hearts.

FYI – This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What Are Chicken Hearts

As the name suggests, chicken hearts are a muscular organ from chickens and roosters. There are a lot of pet food companies that sell them, so a very common question always comes up. Is this a good idea? Are chicken hearts safe for dogs?

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Hearts

Yes, dogs can eat chicken hearts. I love my two pups Luke and Milo and only want the best for them – much like you love your furry friends. So I researched this topic and will share the links and references to what I found.

And the good news is that chicken hearts are good for dogs! PupHelp put it this way: “Dogs are essentially domesticated wolves, hundreds of generations removed. And what wolf would you expect to merely chew on the outside of a carcass while leaving all the juicy insides?”

Yes, it’s not very appetizing for us to think about, but dogs can safely eat organ meat. In fact, many dogs love eating it!

Keep reading, and we will look at how to share chicken hearts with your dog safely and why they are such a healthy treat.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken Hearts

Yes, chicken hearts can be a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet. They can be a part of your dog food routine. But what about raw meat? There is a following in the dog community that supports it.

In fact, Australian veterinarian Dr. Ian Billinghurst says, “Dogs would be healthier if they followed the diet of their predecessors in the wild.”

Some dog owners want to give their pups fresh chicken hearts without cooking them. Many times, this is part of a raw food diet. A raw diet is safe for dogs, but you need to be careful and only give your dog high-quality meat that comes from a trusted source.

It’s dangerous to give your dog raw meat or any other raw product that wasn’t prepared or handled correctly. Some raw meat could contain harmful bacteria in it. If you aren’t sure where the meat came from, it’s better to give your dog cooked or freeze-dried chicken hearts.

This should only be an occasional treat, not part of your dog’s regular diet. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing. If dogs eat too much, they risk experiencing a vitamin A overdose. It shouldn’t be more than 5% of their daily diet.

Furthermore, if your dog’s digestive system isn’t used to eating raw meat, then they might have loose stools after eating raw chicken hearts. So only give them a small bit at a time.

Are Chicken Hearts Good For Dogs

Yes, chicken hearts are a good thing for dogs to eat.

Let’s look closer at the benefits of chicken hearts for dogs. This nutritious food contains essential nutrients for your dog’s body.

Chicken Heart Benefits

Chicken hearts support your dog’s general health. They are a fantastic source of vitamin B and essential fatty acids.

They also contain essential amino acids. In other words, they are a good source of protein and will help your dog maintain and build lean muscle and keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny.

This muscle is also good for your dog’s skeletal system too! It can help your pup build stronger bones.

Finally, chicken hearts are also good for your dog’s immune system. The vitamin A, iron, and taurine all support your dog’s overall health.

How To Cook Chicken Hearts For Dogs

When it comes to feeding chicken hearts to dogs, what is the best way to do it? If your dog is used to eating raw meat, cut it up into small parts and give it to them like a treat. Or sprinkle it on their food.

You can also cook it. Cook them until they reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. They will turn golden brown.

The best way to add them to your dog’s meal is to chop them up into small pieces and mix them into their dry dog food. This is a great idea for picky eaters.

You can also make dehydrated chicken hearts in a food dehydrator.

Find out how to cook chicken hearts for dogs on the stovetop, air fryer, oven, and dehydrator.

Where Can I Buy Chicken Hearts

If chicken hearts are such a delicious treat, where can pet owners buy them? Get the chicken hearts at the same place you buy other animal hearts, like beef hearts. You can find them at your local grocery store, butcher, or Asian market.

I buy freeze-dried chicken hearts online.

Chicken Hearts For Dogs

Chicken hearts are a healthy treat for all dog breeds. They are a great way to add more nutrition to your dog’s daily diet and support your dog’s health.

They are high in iron, so they are great for anemic dogs and help circulate oxygen in your dog’s blood system.

Chicken Hearts and Gizzards For Dogs

It is safe to let your dog eat chicken heart. In fact, it’s a good choice – better than sharing table food with them – especially when paired with a balanced diet.

Did you know chicken hearts are good for overweight dogs, too? It can help some pups lower their cholesterol. If your dog has any health issues, please talk to your dog’s veterinarian before trying to treat it with food.

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Hearts Everyday

So, how much chicken heart can a dog eat in a day?

Since they are so high in vitamin A, you should keep the chicken hearts to lower than 5% of their overall food intake.

Feeding chicken hearts to dogs is good for them, but only in moderation.

They should be an occasional treat, and a small amount every day could be beneficial to dogs.

Final Thoughts

Your furry friend will love eating chicken hearts. Share it with them in a way they will like. If your dog is used to a raw food diet, then adding chicken hearts can be a natural next step. But if not, giving them freeze-dried, cooked, or dehydrated chicken hearts might be a better choice.

More Dog Food Resources

Here are some more articles about human food and meat dogs can and can’t eat:

• Can Dogs Eat Catfish
• Can Dogs Eat Corned Beef
• Can Dogs Eat Lamb
• Can Dogs Eat Chicken Feet
• Can Dogs Eat Ham

Find lots of articles on food dogs can and can’t eat here on Spoiled Hounds!

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