Are Freeze Dried Chicken Hearts Good for Dogs? A Detailed Look at the Benefits and Risks

Freeze dried chicken hearts have become an increasingly popular treat and supplement for dogs. But are they really good for your pup? In this article we’ll take a close look at freeze dried chicken hearts – their nutritional value, benefits, risks proper serving sizes, and more.

What Exactly Are Freeze Dried Chicken Hearts?

Fresh, raw chicken hearts are put through a freeze drying process to make freeze dried chicken hearts. This removes the moisture while preserving the nutrients and flavor. This makes a concentrated treat that can be stored for a long time and dogs love it.

Freeze dried hearts are not cooked or processed – they retain their natural texture and protein content. This makes them very different from many commercial dog treats which are baked or extruded

The freeze drying process extends the shelf life significantly compared to raw chicken hearts. Unopened, freeze dried hearts can last 12-18 months. Once opened, they should be used within 2-3 months.

An Overview of the Nutritional Benefits

So what makes freeze dried chicken hearts so nutritious for dogs? Here’s an overview:

• High in Protein—Chicken hearts have a lot of protein in them. Each 100g contains about 28g of protein. This helps maintain lean muscle mass.

• Low in Fat – Chicken hearts contain around 7g of fat per 100g. This makes them a lean source of protein.

• Full of Minerals and Vitamins—Freeze-dried chicken hearts are a good source of minerals and vitamins, such as B12. These support blood health, metabolism, skin integrity and more.

• Natural Source of Taurine – Chicken hearts contain good levels of the amino acid taurine, which is extremely beneficial for heart health in dogs. Commercial dog foods are often fortified with synthetic taurine, but natural sources are best.

The Benefits of Freeze Dried Chicken Hearts for Dogs

Let’s look more closely at some of the specific ways that freeze-dried chicken hearts can help dogs:

1. Support Cardiovascular Health

The high natural taurine content in chicken hearts makes them excellent for heart health. Taurine helps regulate heart rhythm and blood pressure. It also supports eye health. Feed your dog chicken hearts to keep their ticker ticking!

2. Provide Highly Bioavailable Protein

The protein in freeze dried chicken hearts is highly digestible and bioavailable for dogs. This ensures efficient amino acid absorption to maintain and repair muscle tissue. It also keeps dogs feeling satiated.

3. Aid Dogs Prone to Anemia

Chicken hearts are rich in iron, which helps transport oxygen in the blood to organs and tissues. For dogs prone to anemia or low iron levels, freeze dried chicken hearts can help boost their red blood cell production.

4. Act as Natural Joint Supplements

The amino acids in chicken hearts support collagen production. Collagen strengthens connective tissues like joints and cartilage. This makes chicken hearts great natural joint supplements for active dogs.

5. Freshen Dog Breath

The high protein content creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria that cause bad breath. Chicken hearts help freshen dog breath – something both you and your pup will appreciate!

6. Slow Age-Related Mental Decline

The amino acid content in chicken hearts, including methionine, can help slow cognitive dysfunction in senior dogs. The B vitamins also aid mental processing.

7. Provide High Value Training Treats

Dogs go crazy for freeze dried chicken hearts! Use small pieces as delicious high value rewards during training sessions for best results.

8. Improve Skin and Coat Condition

The omega fatty acids and zinc in chicken hearts nourish skin and fur. You may notice a glossier, healthier coat after adding them to your dog’s diet.

9. Support Immune System Function

The vitamins and minerals in freeze dried chicken hearts help maintain a healthy immune system to fight disease. The amino acid glutamine also boosts immunity.

10. Aid Dogs with Food Sensitivities

For dogs with grain or chicken sensitivities, freeze dried chicken hearts may be better tolerated than highly processed treats or kibbles. Their simple single-ingredient composition can help minimize adverse reactions. Always monitor your dog’s reaction carefully when introducing any new food.

Potential Downsides and Risks of Chicken Hearts

While freeze dried chicken hearts have many benefits, there are also some potential downsides to consider:

• Choking hazard – Whole chicken hearts present a choking risk, especially for small dog breeds. Cut into pieces no larger than 1/2 inch for small dogs. Supervise your dog when feeding treats.

• Pancreatitis risk – The high fat content can trigger pancreatitis in prone dogs. Introduce cautiously and avoid overfeeding.

• Allergies – Dogs with chicken allergies or sensitivities should avoid chicken hearts. Monitor for adverse reactions when introducing.

• Quality concerns – Ensure the chicken hearts come from a reputable source with stringent safety standards to avoid contamination.

• Nutritionally unbalanced – Chicken hearts should not completely replace a balanced commercial dog food diet. They lack some vitamins and minerals. Use as a supplement only.

While most dogs can benefit from freeze dried chicken hearts, they are not suitable for every pup. Monitor your individual dog and adjust their portions and frequency accordingly. Moderation and variety are key when incorporating treats.

Proper Serving Sizes for Chicken Hearts

The appropriate serving size of freeze dried chicken hearts depends largely on your dog’s size and activity level. Here are some general feeding guidelines:

• Small breed dogs – Feed just 1-2 hearts per day as occasional treats.

• Medium dogs – 2-4 hearts make a good serving a few times a week.

• Large and extra large dogs – Feed 3-6 hearts 2-3 times per week.

• Active dogs – Larger servings may be appropriate but don’t exceed 10% of daily calorie needs.

Always start slowly with new treats and monitor stool quality. Reduce portions if you observe any digestive upset. For homemade meal recipes using chicken hearts, consult your vet for customized serving advice.

How to Incorporate Chicken Hearts into Your Dog’s Diet

There are several ways to add freeze dried chicken hearts into your dog’s regular regimen:

• Crumble on top of kibble or canned food as a meal enhancer. This adds flavor and nutrition.

• Offer freeze dried hearts as high value rewards during training sessions. Dogs love the taste!

• Stuff and hide hearts inside interactive puzzle toys to mimic natural foraging.

• Mix crushed hearts into homemade dog food recipes like stews or raw diets.

• Keep hearts handy for snacking directly from your palm or a treat pouch.

Rotate chicken hearts with a variety of other single ingredient treats like liver, fish skins or duck jerky to keep your dog interested.

Storing Chicken Hearts Properly

To retain freshness and nutritional potency, store freeze dried chicken hearts:

• In a cool, dry spot like the pantry. Avoid temperature extremes.

• In an airtight container or bag with minimal air exposure.

• Away from direct sunlight which can degrade vitamins over time.

• Separately from foods with strong odors that may get absorbed.

• With the original product packaging which contains preservatives to maintain shelf life.

• Adhere to “best by” dates and don’t use if expiry is exceeded. Discard if you notice a rancid odor.

Proper storage helps prolong the benefits freeze dried chicken hearts offer your dog. Follow the above tips to avoid spoilage or loss of nutrients.

Are There Any Risks for Puppies?

Chicken hearts are safe for puppies in moderation but introduce carefully:

• Start with very small pieces (1/8 inch or less) to avoid choking.

• Monitor stool quality as puppy digestive systems are sensitive.

• Avoid giving too much as overfeeding can lead to loose stools or diarrhea.

• Seek your veterinarian’s advice to ensure proper nutritional balance for growing puppies.

With small portions and gradual introduction, most puppies can benefit from the nutritional boost chicken hearts provide. Their tender hearts and immune systems thrive on the proteins and amino acids.

Overall, incorporating freeze dried chicken hearts into your dog’s diet can provide substantial benefits thanks to their stellar nutrition profile. They offer high quality proteins, essential fatty acids, and key vitamins and minerals that address many aspects of health. From cardiovascular support to healthier skin and immunity, chicken hearts deserve their superfood status for dogs.

However, moderation is always advised when feeding treats. Chicken hearts should not overwhelm the diet but rather supplement a complete and balanced meal plan. By feeding your dog thoughtfully sized portions of this single-ingredient treat, you can unleash the benefits of chicken hearts safely. They’ll love the taste as much as their improved vitality!