Absolutely! Among organ meats, the beef kidney contains the most condensed nutrients for a dog.
Shopping for Beef Kidneys
When you’re hunting for beef kidneys for Ace, seek out organic, grass-fed products. Some large supermarket chains carry it in this form, as do specialty markets or local processing plants. No matter what, look at the packaging date. Organ meat is highly perishable, and you want it really fresh.
How do I know if the Beef Kidneys are Spoiled?
Ok, prepare yourself. Kidneys do smell a bit of urine. The larger the animal, the stronger that scent tends to be. And if you have a really good sense of smell, you might turn away no matter how good the meat is for your pet.
The aroma itself is not a sign of spoilage. If you process the meat partially frozen it’s much easier to cope. Soaking in milk helps too.
Beef kidneys should be firm and glossy but not slimy. Wrapping, like butcher paper, keeps the meat dry. If the kidneys darken, they are aging and the smell will intensify. It’s not recommended that you try and use them after 48 hours of purchase.
Read more Why Home Remedies Aren't Always the Best Option for Your Pet
Are Kidneys Good For Dogs?
Fresh kidneys are among the best treats you can offer your pooch. Both Ace and Diamond (our dogs of the day) will benefit from the vitamins and minerals in beef kidneys including:
- Copper
- Folate
- Iron (an antioxidant)
- Protein
- Selenium
- Vitamin A (canine eye health)
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Zinc
Beef kidneys, specifically, are low in saturated fat, having only 40 calories from fat in a 3-ounce serving. The remainder of 135 calories is all protein.
What about chicken kidneys? It’s true that these are also very nutritious, both types of organ meat can provide a fair amount of Diamond’s daily needs.
What Other Organ Meats Are Good For Dogs?
As already mentioned, Diamond can enjoy chicken kidneys, but what other organ meats are good for dogs? Besides kidney meat, the livers, hearts, and gizzards from sheep, duck, and turkey are all fine for your pet.
Organ Meats & Benefits
When dogs ran wild, they received nutrition from rabbits, squirrels, and mice. Modern processed foods contain very little organ meat. So, you can offer Ace or Diamond a healthy treat to round out their kibble. Plus, not all commercial products are safe. There have been dog food recalls due to excess levels of Vitamin D, which were added to the product as a replacement for missing organ nutrition. So what are other options for your pup?
Brain: The pig brain may manage or prevent certain neurologic disorders in canines.
Heart: Bison, beef, and venison hearts are rich in CoQ10. This is an antioxidant enzyme that may offset your dog’s chance of developing cancer. Heart meat also has iron, selenium, and zinc.
Read more 9 pros and 5 cons of fostering a dog
Liver: Young liver meat is readily available, but some people worry about toxins. Don’t. The liver acts as a filter, not a storage unit. Like kidneys, it is a source of various vitamins, specifically A, D, E, and K.
Stomach: The stomach lining from ruminants (beef, lamb, venison) is called tripe. When obtained from an animal on a grass-fed diet, it produces probiotics that boost Ace’s immune system and often improve Diamond’s digestion. Dogs love the odor and flavor of it, too.
Should You Cook Organ Meats For Dogs?
Some of the nutrients in organ meat are temperature sensitive. You’ll get the most out of them when you prepare them raw. When you get some, grind them up using a food processor. Use what you want that day, and ration the rest out into ice cube trays. When the trays are set, pop the meat bites out into a food storage bag and use them as desired.
In your refrigerator, the ground meat lasts two days. In the freezer, it keeps for 3-4 months.
How Do You Cook Beef Kidneys For Dogs?
Preparing beef kidneys for dogs is easiest when they are partially frozen. Begin by removing the fat. This is particularly important if you want not only to make food but also dehydrated dog treats. Fat causes spoiling.
Next, slice the beef while still a bit pricey so you can get thin cuts. Immerse the kidney slices in water with a capful of white vinegar and a pinch of salt. Soak them for two hours. Rinse thoroughly under cool water.
While you could braise them at this point, the fastest preparation is boiling the kidneys until they’re soft. You can use the “stock” on kibble right away (but do not store it for more than 2 days).
Read more Can Dogs Eat Onions? How much is toxic to dogs?
Tip: If your dog has had bladder or kidney stones, check with your vet before feeding him or her beef kidneys.
How Much Kidney Or Other Organ Meat Should You Feed A Dog?
The answer to this question depends heavily on who you ask. Some in the Raw Community suggest feeding your dog upward of 25% kidneys. Others say to feed your dog 25% organ meat overall, and others still suggest 70 percent raw meat along with 10 percent organs (the remaining 20 percent is bones and vegetables). This is where your family vet becomes even more of an asset. They know your dog and any physical issues, so they’ll be able to give you good guidelines on how much organ meat Ace or Diamond can consume safely.
Can Dogs Eat Kidney Or Other Organ Meat Every Day?
Actually, your pet can have organ meat daily so long as it doesn’t equate to over 15% of their diet. Some discerning canines may want their organ meat minced with vegetables, while others want to gnaw on whole chunks.
Is Liver Or Kidney Meat Better For Dogs?
Beef liver, kidney, brain, and heart are the organ meats with the greatest amount of nutrients. You could call them “super” organs for canines. Which one is “best” varies according to what your pet most needs. If you want to give them Vitamin A, copper, and folate, reach for livers. Kidneys provide the most zinc.
