Is Chicken Liver Good for Dogs?
Resourcefulness in the kitchen calls for the use of chicken organ meats. Most people discard parts like the heart, liver, gizzard, and tripe, not knowing the tasty recipes they can make.
You should never overlook the liver, as you can prepare several dishes with it. You can grill it, make soup, or add it to salad or pie.
Can dogs eat chicken liver? This is a no-brainer, considering most of us pass the organ cuts to dogs. An in-depth look at dogs eating chicken liver will unearth several things you should know.
Is Chicken Liver Safe for Dogs?
Chicken liver is safe for your dog to eat. It is an excellent treat to give your dog occasionally. Like most organ meats, it is very nutritious. Most pet stores stock chicken liver and other parts as dog food.
The Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Liver
As earlier mentioned, chicken liver is very nutritious. Highlighted are the nutrients your dog will get by eating this organ meat.
Proteins
Your doggo needs a decent serving of proteins comprising several essential amino acids. Proteins are vital for tissue growth and repair, PH balance, and the formation of hormones, which play a significant role in physiological processes.
Fats
The chicken liver will provide your canine with fats, which it needs for energy production and heat regulation. Also, similar to proteins, fats are necessary for hormone formation.
Carbohydrates
This organ meat has enough carbs for your canine’s energy needs. Carbs and fats make chicken liver an excellent treat for energetic dog breeds.
Vitamins
The liver is one of the best vitamin sources. A bowl of well-prepared liver will provide your furry friend with vitamins A, B12, C, D, and E.
Vitamin A is essential for good eyesight and reproductive health, while B12 boosts cellular health. Vitamin C helps in tissue repair, and D regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. Finally, vitamin E is a great antioxidant that fights oxidative stress that can cause cancer.
Minerals
Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc are some of the minerals present in chicken liver. Your dog needs these nutrients for several biochemical reactions in the body.
How to Prepare Chicken Liver for Dogs?
While dogs can eat raw meat, feeding them raw chicken liver is not advisable. The liver may harbor microbes that can bring diseases to your household.
Start by washing the liver under cool water. If frozen, let it thaw before cooking. Put the clean liver in a pot. A pot can accommodate up to ten; the more, the better, as you do not have to cook the organs every time you want to feed your canine.
Boil the liver for roughly 15 minutes – until they are soft. Remove the liver and let it cool. You can chop it into small pieces or mash it for easy feeding. Do not add salt or spices to the meat, as they may hurt your dog. Keep it plain and simple.
Your dog may also enjoy the chicken broth. You can make it thicker by adding carrots, squash, and potatoes.
Store remnants in the refrigerator for the next serving.
How Much Chicken Liver Should Dogs Eat?
Chicken liver has plenty of nutrients, but your dog should not have it every day; twice or thrice a week is ideal. Too much of it can bring some side effects.
Side Effects of Chicken Liver on Dogs
The following are some adverse effects of your dog eating chicken liver.
1. Risk of Salmonella
Your dog may catch salmonella if it eats raw chicken liver from an infected bird. While your pup may overcome the bacteria, it may spread it to your household. For safety, always get fresh liver and cook it thoroughly.
2. Too Much Fat
Chicken liver is very fatty. Too much fatty food can result in conditions such as pancreatitis, obesity, and fatty liver disease. These conditions are hard to manage.
3. Vitamin A Toxicity
Your doggo needs vitamin A for healthy eyes and skin, organ development, and boosting its immune function. However, too much of it can cause vitamin A toxicity.
Chicken liver and other organ meats are rich in this vitamin. Excessive consumption of the liver can cause toxicity, characterized by peeling of the skin, digestive system upset, and drowsiness.
4. Iron Toxicity
Iron is another essential nutrient that can be problematic to dogs in large quantities, and the liver is rich in this mineral. Too much of this meat can lead to iron toxicity, which presents signs such as bloody diarrhea, vomiting, an elevated heart rate, and lethargy.
Final Thoughts
You should not throw chicken liver away, especially if you have a dog. It makes an excellent treat full of nutrients – primarily vitamins and minerals. Do not give your pup raw liver to prevent infections.
Also, limit the consumption of liver to keep conditions like fatty liver disease, iron toxicity, and vitamin A toxicity at bay.
