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Benefits of dogs eating beef organs

7 Unexpected Benefits Of Dogs Eating Beef Organs

Written by: Dr. Kathryn Dench

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Time to read 5 min

 

Offals for your dog? Absolutely! Unfortunately, with the rise of modern Western diets that favor lean muscle meats, organ meats have fallen out of vogue. This dietary preference has led to our canine friends missing the health benefits obtained from beef organs. 

 

As a responsible pet owner looking for nutrient-rich natural foods for your dog, you will find organ meats an absolute must.

7 Benefits of Dogs Eating Beef Organs

Grass-fed beef organs have essential amino acids, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that promote your furry companion's well-being. Beef organs are particularly noteworthy for their concentration of vital vitamins like A, D, E, and K, each playing pivotal roles in promoting your fur baby's immune health.

Dogs benefit from eating beef organs, as they are highly nutritious and rich in vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids, and other compounds not found in lean meat.

But first, what exactly are beef organs?

Beef organs, or offals, are internal animal organs. They are:

  • The heart

  • lungs

  • tripe

  • liver

  • brain

  • tongue

  • testicles

  • spleen

  • uterus

  • kidneys

Now, here's how your dog benefits from eating beef organs:

1. Beef organs enhance dogs' organ health and function

raw beef liver

Although you may not enjoy devouring liver, that shouldn't be a reason to deny your pet this nutrient-rich beef organ. Ensure you offer beef liver organs to your fur pup occasionally. The liver is highly concentrated in vitamin A, which supports vision, reproduction, bone growth, and immune response, helping the body fight infections and cellular differentiation.

The liver is also a great source of B vitamins and folate, which are essential for a robust nervous system and a sharper, more robust canine friend. Since dogs can't synthesize vitamin D from the sun like humans, adding liver or brain to their diets will be a great way to get vitamin D.

Giving your canine friend the heart organ will ensure they get selenium for a healthy thyroid, zinc to boost their immune system, and phosphorus for healthy teeth and bones. Whenever you feed liver organs to your fur baby, they also get proteins, iron (thus good for treating anemic dogs), essential fatty acids, and CoQ10 to boost immunity.

The heart organ also contains double the amount of collagen and elastin, essential in promoting healthy joints in your canine friend. On the other hand, beef spleen is nutritionally dense with iron and contains vital vitamins like vitamin B12.

2. Beef organs promote skin and coat health

dog with healthy hair
 

Beef organs are rich in various B vitamins, including biotin (B7) and niacin (B3), which promote skin health. Biotin, in particular, maintains the integrity of the skin and coat by supporting the production of keratin, a protein essential for hair growth and strength.

Beef organs contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation, contribute to healthy skin and a shiny coat, prevent moisture loss, and protect against environmental damage.

3. Beef organs support cardiovascular health

beef offal
 

Beef heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, and adrenal glands are rich in  (CoQ10). This powerful antioxidant plays a crucial role in energy production within cells, including those of the heart.

Omega fatty acids found in beef organs help prevent cardiovascular disease in dogs. Beef organ supplements usually prescribed by veterinarians also help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and decrease triglyceride levels, laying a strong foundation for a resilient heart.

4. Beef organs promote gastrointestinal health

a child holding dog
 

Most dogs suffer from gastroenteritis, which makes them lethargic, lose appetite, bleed, vomit, diarrhea, and lose weight. However, introducing beef organ supplements or offering them as organ meat can help promote their GI health.

Beef organs contain omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the gut. Tripe contains digestive enzymes and probiotics that your dog will benefit from when you feed it.

You can offer dehydrated organ meats, which are rich in dietary fiber. Fiber is essential for regulating bowel movements and alleviating issues such as constipation and diarrhea.

5. Beef organs enhance cognitive function

dogs on training

Choline, a nutrient associated with brain health, is found in the liver and kidney organs. It is essential for neurotransmission and cell signaling, while thiamine, found in the heart organ, nourishes your puppy's brain.

With enhanced cognitive function, your pup will be more receptive to training and less likely to exhibit behavioral issues such as anxiety, boredom-related behaviors, and destructive tendencies.

6. Beef organs support reproductive health in dogs

beef kidney
 

Iron found in beef organs is essential for maintaining optimal blood health. It ensures oxygenation and nutrient delivery to the reproductive organs for optimal reproductive function in both male and female dogs.

The kidney is an organ rich in Selenium, essential for normal reproductive health in dogs. When there is an inadequate amount of selenium, your canine friend may have a low sperm count or become infertile. The liver, too, is an essential organ for reproductive health in your canine friends. It is a concentrated source of vitamin A, which keeps the reproductive organs healthy.

7. Beef organs promote dog's bone health

a dog jumping

Nutritional supplements from beef organs, such as the liver, help balance calcium. The liver organ is also rich in vitamin D and vitamin K2, which activate a protein known as osteocalcin that promotes dental and bone health. Organ meats also contain essential omega-3 fats that prevent or slow the progression of osteoarthritis.

Can Beef Organ Supplements Offer the Same Benefits as Fresh Organs?

When choosing beef organ supplements for your pet, look for marks of quality, such as:

  • Grass-fed beef organs

  • Non-GMO

  • Pasture-raised

  • Hormone and pesticide free

  • Ethically sourced

When you tick these boxes, you can rest assured that your dog will get the full benefit of the vitamins and nutrients in your beef organ supplements.

Now, will beef organ supplements offer the same benefits as fresh organs? The answer is yes! Your canine friend will experience the same benefits, such as improved immune and heart health, a shiny coat, improved digestion, and joint and overall health.


Want the best beef organ supplement for your dog? Try Primal-Vitality™ Beef Organ Complex!

Final Thoughts

Beef organs and beef supplements are rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that play a crucial role in supporting your pup's overall health and maintaining a healthy immune system. It is necessary to offer them beef organs as nutritional support to fortify their health. If finding specific fresh beef organs can be quite hard, your veterinarian can suggest beef liver supplements, beef heart supplements, beef kidney supplements, and other organ-specific supplements to your canine friend.

Do you want beef organs for your dogs without the hustle? Our Primal-Vitality™ Beef Organ Complex is the answer! 

 
Dr. Kathryn Rosalie Dench, MA VetMB MRCVS

Dr. Kathryn Rosalie Dench

With nearly two decades of experience, Cambridge veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Dench is dedicated to enhancing animal health through holistic practices. A member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, she focuses on preventive care over traditional methods, particularly for long-term wellness solutions in pets suffering from anxiety and chronic conditions. As Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins, she champions holistic strategies and education to revolutionize pet care practices.

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