12/05/2026
We often have conversations with our Zoe doggy treat friends, and we are surprised to hear that not many add offal to the Furkid's diets. As they are a great source of nutrition, your dog is missing out on the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
This article chats about the benefits of adding offal to their diet.
OFFAL THE POWERHOUSE SOURCE OF POOCHY NUTRIENTS!
Over the last few centuries, we have made dogs a part of our families, but in doing so, we have changed their way of life. One of the main things that has changed is their diet.
In the wild, alpha male and female dogs would never eat only the muscle meat of a herbivore kill. Instead, they would first feast on the internal organs, fat, and stomach contents, also known as green tripe, before sharing the remaining carcass with other pack members.
Many of us have realised that store-bought, commercially produced dog food, whether in the form of dry kibble or wet canned food, doesn't provide our furry friends the proper nutrition they need to stay healthy. There is a trend towards feeding our pups raw or lightly cooked diets.
Here's an important fact. Feeding your dog muscle meat alone can cause nutrient deficiencies. Offal (Organ Meat) is a superfood for dogs. They are very nutritious and provide a nutrient-dense, natural source of protein, vitamins such as vitamin D and B12, minerals, enzymes, and fatty acids.
AAFCO defines Offal as "clean, non-rendered internal organs of mammals like cows, chickens, and lambs."
Offals such as pork, beef, or chicken liver; beef kidney and heart; chicken livers; and heart and gizzards are readily available at most butchers, grocery stores, or local abattoirs and are affordable. These products offer a variety of benefits when fed raw or lightly cooked.
It's important to note that each organ has its own unique nutritional composition. For example, chicken heart is particularly rich in zinc, while chicken liver is an excellent source of iron. And when it comes to beef liver, it's exceptionally high in copper.
Some people believe you shouldn't feed liver to your canine because the liver filters toxins; however, that's a misconception. While the liver filters toxins, toxins aren't stored in the organ but in fat, tissue and muscle.
Beef Heart contains iron, thiamine and zinc, is the best natural source of coenzyme Q10 and is a good source of collagen and elastin, vitamin B12, potassium, selenium, and phosphorus. It's rich in taurine, an essential nutrient; taurine deficiency can lead to cardiomyopathy, which is potentially fatal.
So, how much organ meat should your dog get?
Dog nutritionists recommend that around 20-25% of their diet should comprise Offal; however, you need a variety of organs, not just liver. When introducing new foods to your dog's diet, start with a small amount and gradually add more organ meats daily.
Purchase a variety of organ meats; they can be ground or mixed together, then portioned and frozen in containers. Add the organ mix to your canine's meals daily, comprising 20 - 25% of their diet.
When feeding raw organ meats, it's essential to ensure they're free of parasites, salmonella, and other bacteria. One way to do this is by freezing the Offal for about 48 hours. At Zoe's, we take this precaution by freezing all our raw protein before turning it into delicious treats for our furry friends.
Zoe's offers a wide range of Organ meat dog treats that are nutritious and delicious. We understand that some pawrents may find it challenging to handle raw Offal, which is why we have you covered and provide a convenient solution. Our products are made with high-quality ingredients, without chemicals or preservatives, and are guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters' taste buds.
Including various organ meats adds nutritional robustness without synthetic nutrient supplementation. It also means the diet is much closer to what a dog would naturally consume, making it highly palatable, healthy and natural.
Offal is considered a superfood for dogs! They contain a wide range of essential nutrients and are much richer in nutrients than muscle meats. Giving your pup organ meats is not only safe, but it's also necessary to provide them with the best possible nutrition.
