If you’re a pet parent, you may have seen people on social media giving their dogs raw bones and organs…even chicken hearts.
The answer: yes! Organ meat helps many dogs live longer, healthier lives because they are packed with vitamins and nutrients. 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.
Adding chicken hearts to your dog’s food can make it healthier. As a healthy, low-calorie source of protein and vitamins, they help muscles grow and give you energy. But you should only give your dog small amounts of this organ meat at a time. How many chicken hearts can a dog eat every day?
The recommended amount depends on the size and level of activity of your dog. As a general rule, chicken hearts shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. This way, they get the benefits 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
-
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.
-
Vitamin B: A lot of vitamin B12 and other B vitamins are found in these organs. These aid metabolism and nerve function.
-
Iron, zinc, selenium, and phosphorus are some of the important minerals that can be found in chicken hearts. These assist with oxygen transport, immunity, and bone health.
-
CoQ10: This antioxidant compound found in chicken hearts helps protect your dog’s cells from damage. It supports their overall wellness.
-
Moisture: The natural moisture in chicken hearts can help hydrate your dog, especially if they do not 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:
-
Introduce slowly, starting with very small amounts. Watch for any signs of digestive upset.
-
Never exceed 10% of your dog’s total daily calories from chicken hearts or other organ meats.
-
Cut hearts into bite-sized pieces for small dogs or fast eaters to prevent choking.
-
Store raw chicken hearts properly and handle carefully to avoid bacterial contamination. Cooked may be safer.
-
Avoid feeding too much liver alongside chicken hearts to prevent vitamin A toxicity.
-
Reduce portions or discontinue use if you notice diarrhea, vomiting, or unexplained weight gain.
-
Consult your vet if your dog has health conditions, takes medications, or has poultry allergies.
With proper dosages and precautions, chicken hearts can be a healthy supplemental food. But be sure to get advice from your veterinarian before making any major dietary changes. Monitor your dog closely and adjust amounts as needed to keep their diet balanced. In moderation alongside proper nutrition and exercise, chicken hearts can provide great health benefits for your furry friend.
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. You should start slowly by giving your dog or cat one new food at a time (in small amounts) if they have never eaten chicken heart before.
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
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?
More information: Organ meats are great sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals, but they don’t have all the nutrients that dogs need, like essential amino acids. 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 a great place to get CoQ10, an antioxidant that protects cells and improves heart health, and taurine, an important amino acid that also helps the heart work.
How many chicken hearts should I Feed my Dog?
Hopefully your dog is already on a balanced diet and so the best thing to do is to use chicken hearts as a treat or an occasional health boost. 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?
While chicken hearts can be beneficial, there are potential risks to consider: 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.
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.