Organ Meat for Dogs in Raw Diet: 7 Surprising Benefits

Switching my pup to a raw diet felt equal parts exciting and terrifying. I remember standing in the kitchen with a bowl of raw beef liver thinking, “Is this really what we’re doing now?” But let me tell you—once I learned how to balance things properly, especially by including organ meat for dogs in raw diet meals, my dog’s coat got shinier, his energy soared, and his digestion improved almost overnight.

Organ meats aren’t just “extras”—they’re powerhouses of nutrition. My vet called them “nature’s multivitamins” and emphasized how important they are when feeding raw. Liver, kidney, and heart bring in essential nutrients like vitamin A, B12, iron, and taurine that muscle meat alone just can’t provide.

If you’re new to this, don’t worry—I’ve been through the trial and error. I’ll walk you through what to use, how much, and how to prep it. Once you get the hang of it, feeding raw with organ meats becomes second nature. And your dog? They’ll thank you with every tail wag.

Why Organ Meat for Dogs in Raw Diet Is Important

Organ meats are the real MVPs of a raw dog food diet. They’re loaded with essential nutrients that muscle meat just can’t compete with. My vet called them “nutrient-dense superfoods” for a reason—because organs like liver, kidney, and heart are packed with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that keep your pup thriving.

Feeding raw isn’t just about tossing your dog a chunk of meat. It’s about balance. Organ meats help round out that balance beautifully. They support healthy skin and coat, boost energy, and play a big role in immune function. I noticed a difference in my dog’s digestion and even his mood once I got the organ meat ratio right. It’s wild how much these small additions can do.

But like with anything, there’s a right way to do it. Let’s break down the nutrients and the right amount to feed so you don’t overdo it.

Key Nutrients in Organ Meats

Vitamin A: Found especially in liver, it supports eye health, immune function, and skin condition. But too much can be harmful, so portion carefully.

Vitamin B12: This one’s key for energy production and a healthy nervous system. Most organ meats are rich in it—especially liver and kidney.

Iron: Organ meats provide heme iron, which is highly absorbable. It helps prevent anemia and supports oxygen flow in the blood.

Taurine: Found in heart tissue, taurine is vital for heart health and muscle function in dogs.

How Much Organ Meat to Feed

The sweet spot for organ meat in a raw diet is around 10–15% of your dog’s total meal intake. Any more than that, and you might upset their tummy—or throw off the nutrient balance.

I usually aim for 5% liver (because it’s so nutrient-rich) and 5–10% other organs like kidney or heart. This combo keeps things balanced and safe. Trust me, I learned the hard way that too much liver can lead to loose stools and even vitamin A overload.

Start small, watch how your dog reacts, and adjust as needed. Every pup is different, but this ratio works well for most raw feeders I know.

Ingredients for Organ Meat for Dogs in Raw Diet

Here’s what I use when prepping a small batch of organ-rich raw food for my pup. These ingredients pack in serious nutrition and are easy to prep once you get the hang of it:

• 1 cup chopped beef liver – rich in vitamin A and iron, but don’t go overboard with it.
• 1/2 cup chicken hearts – full of taurine and protein, and dogs love the chewy texture.
• 1/2 cup beef kidney – great for B vitamins and selenium; gives your dog variety.
• 1/4 cup sardines (optional) – I toss these in for a boost of omega-3s and extra flavor. Just make sure they’re in water, no added salt.
• 1 tablespoon finely crushed eggshells – a natural, DIY calcium source. I dry them first, then crush with a mortar and pestle.

That’s it! Simple, nutrient-dense, and totally customizable depending on your dog’s needs or what’s available at your butcher.

How to Prepare Organ Meat for Dogs in Raw Diet

Once you’ve got your ingredients ready, prepping organ meat for your dog’s raw meals is honestly easier than it sounds. I’ve done this dozens of times now, and once you find your rhythm, it becomes second nature. Here’s how I do it step-by-step:

1. Start with fresh, high-quality meats. I always buy from a trusted butcher or local farm when I can. Look for meats that are bright in color and have no funky smell.
2. Rinse all organ meats under cold water. This removes any residual blood or debris. It’s a small step, but it makes a difference in freshness and cleanliness.
3. Chop everything into bite-sized pieces. I aim for pieces about the size of a sugar cube—just right for my medium-sized dog to handle without choking. You can go smaller for little pups.
4. Mix your ingredients together in a large bowl. I use a gloved hand or big spoon to combine the liver, hearts, kidney, sardines (if using), and crushed eggshells. No seasoning—ever. Dogs don’t need it, and some spices can be harmful.
5. Portion into freezer-safe containers. I like using silicone molds or small freezer bags. Each portion is enough for 1–2 days of feeding based on my dog’s size.
6. Freeze immediately. Raw organ meat doesn’t keep long in the fridge, so pop those portions in the freezer to stay safe.
7. Thaw in the fridge overnight before feeding. Never thaw on the counter. I always give it a sniff before serving—if it smells off, I toss it.

And that’s it! Quick, clean, and packed with nutrients your pup will love. Just remember to introduce new organ meats slowly and always keep portions in check.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

I picked these ingredients because they each bring something special to the table—er, bowl. Beef liver is loaded with vitamin A and iron, but if you can’t find it or want to mix things up, lamb liver is a great swap. Chicken hearts are a favorite in my house for their taurine content, but turkey hearts work just as well.

Beef kidney gives a nice B vitamin boost and can be swapped with lamb kidney if that’s what you’ve got on hand. And those sardines? Totally optional, but I love tossing in a few (in water, no salt!) for omega-3s. Just skip them if your dog’s not a fan.

Whatever you do, avoid processed meats, anything with additives, and cooked bones. Keep it raw, clean, and simple—that’s the key to safe raw feeding.

Tips for Success with Organ Meat for Dogs in Raw Diet

Feeding organ meats can feel intimidating at first, but once you get into a groove, it’s easy to keep things balanced and safe. Here are a few tips I’ve learned through trial, error, and lots of tail wags:

• Introduce slowly. Start with small amounts to avoid tummy troubles—especially with liver, which is super rich.
• Stick to the 10–15% rule. A little goes a long way. Too much organ meat can cause diarrhea or nutrient imbalances.
• Rotate organs when you can. Variety helps avoid overload of any one nutrient and keeps meals interesting for your pup.
• Always consult your vet. Especially if your dog has underlying health conditions or is new to raw feeding.
• Watch your dog’s poop. It tells you everything! Soft stools? You might be feeding too much liver.

Trust your gut, go slow, and your dog will thrive on these nutrient-packed meals.

Variations for Organ Meat for Dogs in Raw Diet

One of my favorite things about raw feeding is how flexible it can be! You can rotate organ types to keep your dog interested and well-nourished. Try swapping beef liver with lamb or pork liver now and then. Duck or turkey hearts are great alternatives to chicken hearts, especially if your pup has a poultry sensitivity.

For dogs with allergies, stick to novel proteins like rabbit or venison organs—just make sure they’re sourced safely. Rotating proteins not only supports balanced nutrition but also keeps picky eaters excited about mealtime. Variety really is the spice of a raw-fed dog’s life!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once your organ meat mix is portioned out, pop the containers or freezer bags straight into the freezer. I like to label them with the date so I don’t forget how long they’ve been in there. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.

When it’s time to feed, move a portion to the fridge the night before to thaw slowly and safely. Never thaw at room temperature—bacteria love that. And don’t try to microwave it either; raw feeding means keeping it raw. If you spot any off smells or weird textures after thawing, it’s better to toss it and play it safe.

Once thawed, leftovers can stay in the fridge for up to 2 days—just keep them sealed and chilled.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough breakdown for one 1/2-cup serving of this organ meat raw mix:

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Cholesterol: 190mg
• Sodium: 45mg

These values are approximate and can vary depending on your meat source and portion size. Always adjust based on your dog’s specific needs and consult your vet if you’re unsure. And remember—this mix should only make up 10–15% of your dog’s total raw diet for proper balance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Organ Meat for Dogs in Raw Diet

Can I feed organ meat to my dog every day?

You can include organ meat in your dog’s daily raw meals, but moderation is key. Most safe raw feeding practices recommend that organs make up no more than 10–15% of the total diet. I typically aim for 5% liver and 5–10% other organs like kidney or heart. Feeding too much organ meat—especially liver—can lead to nutrient imbalances over time. So yes, daily is fine, but keep it within the right ratio.

Is raw liver safe for dogs?

Yes, dogs can eat liver raw—as long as it’s fresh, unseasoned, and introduced gradually. Liver is insanely rich in nutrients like vitamin A and iron, which is great—but too much too fast can upset your dog’s tummy. I always rinse it, chop it small, and start slow with new dogs. And of course, never feed liver that smells off or looks slimy.

What kind of organ meats are best for dogs?

The most commonly used organs in raw dog food are:

• Liver – high in vitamin A, iron, and B12
• Kidney – great source of selenium, zinc, and B vitamins
• Heart – technically a muscle meat, but rich in taurine and great for heart health

Rotating between different proteins—like beef, chicken, lamb, or turkey—gives your pup a wider range of nutrients.

Can I cook organ meats instead of feeding them raw?

You can cook them, but you’ll lose some of the heat-sensitive nutrients—especially B vitamins. If raw feeding makes you nervous, lightly searing or boiling the organs can be a good middle ground. Just don’t add any seasoning, oils, or salt. That said, the whole point of a raw diet is to keep it raw, so I stick to raw unless there’s a specific reason not to.

Tell Us How Your Dog Liked It

I’d love to hear how your pup enjoyed this organ meat raw mix! Did they gobble it up? Did you make any clever swaps or add-ins that worked well? Drop a comment below and let me know what your dog thought. Feel free to rate the recipe too—it helps other pet parents who are just starting out. And if you’ve got questions, ask away. I’m always happy to share what’s worked in my kitchen!