While indulging in heart, liver, and kidneys isn't exactly appetizing for humans, these organs are considered superfoods for dogs – and our pups go crazy for them.
Also called offal, the organ meat usually comes from farm animals, including cows, pigs, lamb, chickens, turkey, and ducks. It is extremely nutrient-dense, much more so than muscle meat.
At Elevate Pet Provisions, because we follow the nose-to-tail philosophy, meaning we try to use all parts of an animal to ensure nothing goes to waste, organ meat is incorporated into our dog food and treats, providing a nutritious and sustainable option for dog parents.
Let’s take a deeper dive into why we are so obsessed with organ meat, the types, and the best ways to introduce them into your dog’s diet.
Organ meats are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, making them a great option to boost your dog's diet.
Made of amino acids, considered the building blocks of life, protein is a macronutrient with several benefits.
Taurine, an important amino acid but one that does not contribute to protein building, is plentiful in organ meat and provides several benefits to dogs, including supporting heart, brain, eye, and muscle health.
Dogs get 2.5 times more calories per gram (aka energy) from fat than carbohydrates or protein, according to PetMD. Because organ meats are fattier than other parts of an animal, they provide dogs with sustained energy while also aiding in cell development, brain and heart health, reducing inflammation, and improving nutrient absorption.
Organ meats have a number of essential and trace minerals.
The essential minerals in organ meat include calcium, phosphorus, chloride, potassium, sodium, and magnesium, according to AAFCO. These minerals support bone development, cell growth, and metabolism, among other functions.
Trace minerals – like iron, manganese, copper, zinc, iodine, and selenium – also have various roles, including supporting enzyme activity, metabolism, immune health, and bone and cartilage development.
Vitamins are divided into two categories: fat soluble and water soluble. Both are in organ meat and play a role in your dog’s health.
Because the body can store these vitamins, toxicity can occur. It is important to stay within the daily recommended guidelines for each vitamin to avoid health issues.
The seven B vitamins (e.g. B2, B12) along with choline play fit are water-soluble vitamins. They play a key role in a dog’s energy metabolism, supporting the nervous system function, promoting healthy skin and coat, and assisting in cell growth and red blood cell production.
Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and must be consumed daily. While vitamin toxicity poses less of a risk, deficiencies can occur.
At Elevate Pet Provisions, our organ meat is chock-full of these nutrients, and we ensure the quality is exceptional. Our protein comes from animals raised on small farms, and is USDA certified and ethically raised.
The most popular organ meats seen in dog food and treats are liver, kidney, and heart – and it is easy to see why, according to Dog Food Advisor.
For dog treats and toppers, liver, tracheas, lungs, ears and reproductive organs (e.g. bully sticks) are often used.
At Elevate Pet Provisions, we understand the benefits of organ meat, which is why they will be found in everything from our dog food to our toppers and treats.
Organ meat is extremely popular in the raw food circles, because it is so rich in nutrients, meaning a little goes a long way when it comes to a dog’s daily requirements.
But there are concerns about feeding your dog raw food, as veterinarians and other experts warn of pathogens in uncooked meat. Salmonella and Listeria are among the most common harmful bacteria found in raw meat. (Yes, there have been instances in which they were also discovered in cooked kibble). These bacteria can cause a whole host of issues, including vomiting, fever, and lethargy – and they can even be deadly.
Other options include dehydrated formats, freeze-dried, and air-dried. Because they use heat, some of the nutritional benefits may be eliminated during the process, but you reduce the chances of pathogens impacting your dog’s health.
At Elevate Pet Provisions, we use an air-dried process, meaning 93% of the nutrients remain intact.
While nutritious and delicious, organ meat is extremely nutrient-dense, meaning you need to give this type of protein in moderation.
In various publications featuring vets, animal nutritionists, and experts, it is suggested the inclusion of organ meat should be between 10-25% of your dog’s daily food intake. All state you should feed a variety of organ meat. Our dog food and topper falls within that range, comes from a verified, reputable source, and is considered human grade.
It is recommended to slowly introduce organ meat into your dog’s diet, otherwise your pup may have an upset stomach due to its richness. You can try it in a topper or treat form first.
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