If you were already whipping up some tasty chicken hearts for your pup before checking this out, no worries, I won’t tell you to stop what you’re doing. That’s because chicken hearts will make a nice meal for your dog, there are some strings attached though. Let’s read on!
Why Should My Dogs Eat Chicken Heart
A lot of reasons actually, but since we don’t have all the time in the world, we’ll just touch on a few:
- It is packed with vitamins & minerals: I wouldn’t call chicken hearts a superfood, but it’s definitely not lacking in the nutrients it offers to your dogs. I’m talking about Vitamins B12 and iron which are good for their blood and nervous system. If you thought that was all, think again. Chicken hearts also give other B vitamins alongside selenium and zinc to name a few.
- They are a good source of protein: Chicken hearts contain enough protein to pump an army, so think of what it could do for your pets – maintaining and repairing tissues and supporting muscle growth.
- It’s delicious for pets: Chicken hearts have a flavor and chewy texture that makes them an instant favorite even for pets that are picky eaters.
What are the dangers of chicken hearts for my dogs?
Choking
While chicken hearts are delicious and highly nutritious, they can become a living nightmare if you don’t feed them to your dogs the right way.
So what’s the right way? Glad you asked.
Once you’re done cooking, cut them into bits and give them to your pets. When you do, please just don’t come and walk out thinking that your job is done. Take a seat, hang around, whatever works for you, but make sure you’re present to supervise your dogs while they dig in to ensure nothing goes wrong.
Bacterial Contamination
Chicken hearts in their raw state are best friends with Salmonella and Campylobacter, nasty microbes that can make your dogs seriously ill.
That is why I want to point out the importance of properly cooking chicken hearts for your dogs to get rid of those pesky fellas. One more thing – wash your hands, kitchen utensils, or any surface that has come in contact with raw chicken hearts.
Nutrient Imbalance
Ok I told you that the Chicken Hearts make a healthy treat for your dog, but they are not complete in nutrients. This means that if you feed them to your dogs as their only meal, they will become deficient in other nutrients.
To avoid this, only feed your pets chicken hearts as an occasional meal or part of a complete diet.
Can my dogs have raw chicken hearts?
While some dogs may be able to eat raw chicken hearts without a problem, that’s not reason enough for me to suggest you feed them to your dogs because of the risks involved.
How to prepare chicken hearts for your dog
Source Fresh/Frozen Hearts: First of all, you have to get fresh or frozen chicken hearts. You have a lot of options here ranging from the supermarket to any feed shop. Identifying fresh hearts is pretty easy – just look for the ones that are bright red and don’t give off an unpleasant smell. If you’re going for frozen hearts, ensure you that thaw them completely before you cook them.
Wash the chicken hearts: I don’t mean using soap and water, lol. Simply rinse the chicken hearts under running water and then pat them dry with a few paper towels. While at it, cut off any visible fat or connective tissue on them.
Make them by any of these methods:
Boiling
- Put the chicken hearts in a pot and add water or low-sodium chicken broth then let it come to boil.
- Turn the heat down and let them simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Simmering
- The chicken hearts, like most organs, can be simmered right on the stove in a pot of water or broth. If you can control it, turn the heat down and then simmer them for anywhere from 20-30 minutes.
Baking
- Place the chicken hearts on a baking sheet and heat them at a high temp for 20-25 minutes, or at least until none of the juices run pink.
- Halfway through, flip them over the other side.
How to safely cook chicken hearts for your dogs
- To prevent cross-contamination, always use a separate cutting board and utensils for raw chicken hearts.
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and running water both before you handle the raw chicken hearts, as well as afterwards.
- Cook the chicken hearts until they have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This will destroy all the unhealthy bacteria within them
- If there are leftovers, refrigerate them and make sure your dogs will eat these foods within 3-4 days.
Can my dogs have chicken hearts daily?
I really don’t want to be a party pooper, but I have to say no. Chicken hearts are best as a supplemental treat.
Can my dog have too many chicken hearts?
Well, that depends on your definition of “too many.” Everything comes down to how big your pooch is and how they chew. But I’ll try to be specific for your sake. Here’s a general guide:
- 1-2 chicken hearts for small dogs (under 20 lbs)
- 2 to 4 chicken hearts for medium dogs (20-50 lbs)
- 4-6 chicken hearts for large dogs (over 50 lbs).
Now hold your horses, before you rush off to feed your dogs, remember that these are just rough estimates. Whatever you do, just make sure that the treat doesn’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
Alternatively, give your vet a ring – they’re in the best position to recommend the ideal quantity based on their unique profile and health condition.
Where do I get chicken hearts for my dogs?
- Grocery stores: A quick dash to the meat section is all you need.
- Pet stores: You could see cooked chicken hearts as commercial dog treats or fresh hearts as raw food.
- Buy Online: If you’re a sucker for convenience, place orders for chicken hearts from pet food suppliers.
- Local Butcher: You’re just one visit away from inexpensive fresh chicken hearts in the local butcher’s shop.
Final words
Listen up folks, chicken hearts are tasty and good for your dogs, but their consumption comes with a rule book.
For the do’s, give them the right quantity, feed them occasionally, cook them properly, and supervise them while they feed.
For the don’ts, no raw chicken hearts in their kibble and no overfeeding. And before I forget, consult your vet for specific advice regarding chicken hearts for your dog. I hope this helps.
Read More: Can Dogs Eat Chicken Thighs?
