If you’re a pet parent, you may have seen people on social media giving their dogs raw bones and organs…even chicken hearts.
Yes, organ meat is full of vitamins and nutrients that help many dogs live longer and healthier lives. As part of a healthy diet, giving dogs chicken hearts can help boost their immune systems, keep their hearts and blood healthy, and more.
Find out why chicken hearts are good for dogs’ health, how to feed them, how much to give, and where to buy them below.
Chicken hearts can make a nutritious supplement to your dog’s diet. As a lean source of protein and vitamins they provide benefits like supporting muscle growth and energy. However moderation is key when incorporating this organ meat into your dog’s meals. So how many chicken hearts can a dog eat per day?
The recommended amount varies based on your dog’s size and activity level As a general rule, chicken hearts should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake This ensures they get the advantages without going overboard.
Excessive consumption can potentially lead to digestive upset, weight gain, and nutrient imbalances. By understanding proper dosages, you can give your dog chicken hearts as an occasional treat or as part of a balanced diet.
Benefits of Chicken Hearts for Dogs
Chicken hearts offer nutritional value that makes them a healthy supplement for dogs Here are some of the key benefits
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Protein: Chicken hearts provide amino acids that support your dog’s muscles and help maintain energy levels. The protein aids growth, repair, and overall health.
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Vitamin B: A lot of vitamin B12 and other B vitamins are found in these organs. These aid metabolism and nerve function.
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Minerals: Important minerals like iron, zinc, selenium, and phosphorus are present in chicken hearts. These assist with oxygen transport, immunity, and bone health.
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CoQ10: This antioxidant compound found in chicken hearts helps protect your dog’s cells from damage. It supports their overall wellness.
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Chicken hearts naturally have water in them, which can help your dog stay hydrated if they don’t drink enough water on their own.
When fed properly, the nutritional benefits of chicken hearts make them a smart choice for supplemental feeding.
Recommended Serving Sizes
The amount of chicken hearts you can safely feed depends on your dog’s size, age, and activity level. Use these general guidelines:
For Small Dogs
Dogs under 20 pounds, like Chihuahuas or Pomeranians, can typically have 1-2 chicken hearts per day. Their small size means too many hearts may cause digestive upset. Start with just a half or one heart.
For Medium Dogs
Medium-sized breeds between 20-50 pounds, such as Beagles or Bulldogs, can handle 2-4 chicken hearts daily. Their larger stomachs allow them to eat more than small dogs.
For Large Dogs
Big breeds between 50-90 pounds, including Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds, can safely have 4-6 chicken hearts per day. Even more may be suitable for extra large dogs like Great Danes.
For Senior Dogs
Older dogs may need reduced portions like 1-3 hearts depending on their metabolism and health status. Check with your veterinarian.
For Puppies
Puppies should only have small portion sizes of chicken hearts due to their developing digestive systems. Always consult your vet before feeding organs to puppies.
These serving sizes give a starting point, but you should modify amounts based on your individual dog. Monitor their weight, health changes, and stool consistency.
Feeding Tips and Precautions
Follow these tips to integrate chicken hearts into your dog’s meals safely:
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Introduce slowly, starting with very small amounts. Watch for any signs of digestive upset.
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Never exceed 10% of your dog’s total daily calories from chicken hearts or other organ meats.
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Cut hearts into bite-sized pieces for small dogs or fast eaters to prevent choking.
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To keep raw chicken hearts from getting contaminated with bacteria, store them correctly and handle them carefully. Cooked may be safer.
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Avoid feeding too much liver alongside chicken hearts to prevent vitamin A toxicity.
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Reduce portions or discontinue use if you notice diarrhea, vomiting, or unexplained weight gain.
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Consult your vet if your dog has health conditions, takes medications, or has poultry allergies.
If you take the right amounts and follow the right safety rules, chicken hearts can be a healthy extra food. But make sure you talk to your vet before making any big changes to your pet’s diet. Keep a close eye on your dog and change the amounts as needed to make sure their diet is balanced. When given in moderation and along with good nutrition and exercise, chicken hearts can be very good for your pet’s health.
How do I prepare chicken hearts for my dog?
You can serve chicken hearts to dogs and cats as a treat, a nutritional topper, or as part of a larger meal. If your dog or cat has never eaten chicken heart, I recommend starting slowly by introducing only one new food at a time (in small amounts).
Once your dog or cat tries the new food, wait to see how they react. If I don’t see any severe negative symptoms, I continue giving the new food for several days until they have solid stools.
If you’re concerned about introducing a new food, consider adding a supplement to aid with the transition. I recommend Digestive Performance supplement, slippery elm, pumpkin, or bone broth.
Great for picky eaters
Finally, dogs simply love the taste of chicken hearts (this will help your picky eaters!). Dogs are natural scavengers that enjoy a variety from fresh meat to organs to raw bones. If your dog is tired of the same old food, chicken hearts are a great way to get them interested in new things and hungry again.
Chicken hearts for dogs
FAQ
How many chicken hearts should I Feed my Dog?
If your dog is already eating a healthy diet, giving them chicken hearts as a treat or once in a while will be best for their health. Realistically feeding your dog one or two chicken hearts a week will be more than sufficient. And besides, you might struggle to find a reliable source of chicken hearts.
Can dogs eat chicken hearts?
Chicken hearts serve as a nutritious and tasty treat for dogs when given in moderation. By incorporating them into your dog’s diet, you can offer various health benefits, but it’s crucial to understand the balance required. Chicken hearts provide several nutritional advantages:
How many hearts can a dog eat a day?
The recommended portion size varies based on your dog’s size. Small dogs (up to 20 lbs) can have 1 to 2 hearts daily, medium dogs (21 to 50 lbs) can have 3 to 4 hearts, and large dogs (51 lbs and over) can eat 5 to 6 hearts. Puppies should be limited to 1 heart, while senior dogs may require 1 to 3, depending on their health.
How often should I Feed my Dog Chicken hearts and gizzards?
You can feed your dog chicken hearts and gizzards around three times a week. To make your dog’s regular diet more balanced and nutritious, you can add some chicken hearts and gizzards to your dog’s normal meal.
Are chicken hearts good for You?
There are some risks to chicken hearts that you should be aware of: Fat Content: Chicken hearts have a moderate fat content, which can make you gain weight if you eat too many of them. Digestive Issues: Overfeeding can cause gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea or vomiting.
What happens if you eat chicken hearts raw?
Fat Content: Chicken hearts have a moderate fat content, which may lead to weight gain if fed excessively. Digestive Issues: Overfeeding can cause gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea or vomiting. Raw Preparation: If feeding raw, ensure proper sourcing to avoid bacterial contamination.
Can my dog eat chicken hearts every day?
Every day, chicken hearts can be given as a treat, but they should only come from reputable sources.
Can dogs eat chicken organs every day?
Elaboration: Nutrient-Rich, but Not a Complete Diet: Organ meats are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and protein, but they lack essential amino acids and other nutrients that dogs need. Potential for Toxicity: Overfeeding organ meats, especially liver, can lead to vitamin A toxicity.
How many chicken hearts per serving?
One serving of chicken heart is standardized to 100 grams (3.5 ounces). A typical chicken heart weighs 6.1 grams, which means: one serving of chicken heart consists of approximately 16 hearts.
Is chicken heart or gizzard better for dogs?
Gizzard is rich in cartilage, zinc, vitamin B12 and iron. It’s also a natural source of glucosamine, which helps support joint health. Heart is an excellent source of CoQ10, a protective super-antioxidant that promotes cardiovascular health, and taurine, an essential amino acid that also aids cardiac function.