As pet owners, we all want what’s best for our beloved animals. We know that dogs and cats are omnivores who need a balanced diet to achieve optimal health, and of course, we’re happy to feed them that. Fruits and vegetables? Check. Meat? Check. Entrails? Maybe not. The thought of organs and entrails in your dog or cat’s bowl may not be the first (or most appetizing) thing you think of when we talk about pet food, but the truth is, organ meat has a wide range of benefits for our pets, and opting to feed it to our pets is a healthy choice that brings great benefit to your dog or cat.

What is Organ Meat?

Organ meat is exactly what it sounds like: the entrails and internal organs of an animal. When it comes to pet food, organ meat typically refers to larger farm animals such as cows or pigs. The organs (heart, kidney, liver, tongue, spleen and so on) are the ‘most nutrient-dense’ part of the animal (2), and as such, bring enormous nutritional benefits when included in our pets’ diets.

So… Can Pets Eat Organ Meat?

Many pet health experts advocate for a ‘back to basics’ approach when it comes to pet food, and a ‘biologically appropriate’ diet. Highly processed pet food lacks the nutrients our pets need need, and even synthetic nutrients and supplements l may be inadequate. Our beloved dogs and cats may be domesticated animals now, but once upon a time, they were predators in the wild; nature intended them to obtain a balanced diet through their prey(3). Sometimes referred to as ‘superfoods’ for pets (3), organ meat is often lacking from modern-day pet foods, but a balanced diet of raw food that includes the right amount of organ meat can be a great way to ensure your pet gets the balance of nutrients and goodness they need.

What are the Benefits of Organ Meats for Dogs and Cats?

Where to start? The benefits of organ meat are numerous. Full of vitamins and minerals, they help promote healthy skin, a shiny coat, and build muscle. Compared to other parts of the animal, ‘organ meats are more densely packed with just about every nutrient, including heavy doses of B vitamins such as: B1, B2, B6, folic acid and vitamin B12.’ (2) They also contain essential fatty acids and are a natural source of vitamin D - important for bone health (4) as well as helping to prevent issues with inflammation, skin and even heart disease (4). All in all, organ meat brings a range of benefits that help optimize the health of dogs and cats in the long term.

Let's delve into the distinct benefits of key organs when integrated into your pet’s culinary repertoire: