Feeding your dog turkey liver is not a bad idea at all, but you have to cook it properly and feed them moderately.
What are the Benefits of Turkey Liver for My Dogs
Turkey liver is rich in vitamin A, an important nutrient for maintaining healthy skin and vision. The organ also contains vitamin B12, which supports the formation of red blood cells and a healthy nervous system.
Additionally, turkey liver is an excellent source of iron, zinc, and copper for your dogs. These important minerals for various body functions including boosting the immune system and enabling them to grow properly.
What Is the most nutritious kind of liver for my dogs to eat?
There are a lot of healthy options that offer similar nutritional value and turkey liver is among the best of them. This organ has more protein and less fat in comparison to beef liver and is one of the best choices if you want to feed your pet lean meat.
Other livers are good as well, but what matters more is not what kind of liver you feed your dogs, it’s that you feed them moderate amounts of it.
Can I give my dog raw turkey liver?
I don’t advise you to do that because of the risks that come with feeding your dogs raw organs.
Raw turkey liver is a breeding ground for all kinds of harmful microbes from Salmonella to Campylobacter which can cause serious Illnesses in your dogs.
So, if you want to feed your dogs their organ without dealing with the unpleasant aftermath, cook the turkey liver thoroughly to get rid of the organisms inside.
Can I feed turkey liver to my dog regularly?
Yes, you can feed your dogs regularly, but it should always be in moderate amounts – as part of their regular meal. As tempting as it may be, do not make turkey liver the sole source of nutrition for your dogs because that will cause them to overfeed on it.
How often they should feed on it and the portion they should consume come down to the size of your pet and their dietary needs.
How much turkey liver should I feed my dog?
The rule of thumb is that this organ shouldn’t be more than 15% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Here’s a rough estimate based on your dog’s weight:
- 1-2 ounces per week for small dogs (under 20 lbs)
- 2-4 ounces per week for medium dogs (20-50 lbs)
- 4-6 ounces per week for large dogs (over 50 lbs)
Please slowly introduce turkey liver into your dog’s diet and watch out for any signs of food tolerance or digestive upset.
Additionally, consult with your veterinarian to ensure that the portion sizes are appropriate for your dog’s specific dietary requirements and health condition.
What to know before cooking turkey liver for my dogs
- Choose Fresh and High-Quality Turkey Liver: Always purchase fresh and bright-colored livers from trusted sources, such as your local butcher or grocery store’s meat department.
- Prepare and Clean the Liver: Rinse the turkey liver under cool running water and pat it dry with paper towels. Then, trim off any visible fat, connective tissue, or discolored areas, and avoid washing the liver in the same sink you use to prepare food to prevent cross-contamination
3 ways to cook turkey liver for my dogs
Here are three ways you can properly Cook turkey liver for your pets:
- Boiling
- Place the liver in a pot, cover with water or a low-sodium broth, and bring to a boil.
- Then, reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the liver is properly cooked.
- Baking
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Then, place the liver on a baking sheet or in a baking dish and bake it for 15-20 minutes. When it’s half the time, flip the liver to the other side and ensure both sides are well-cooked.
- Pan-frying
- Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Next, add the liver and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the liver is properly cooked.
Once you’re done cooking, allow the turkey liver to cool completely before serving it to your dog.
How to serve turkey liver to my dogs
- Mix the turkey liver with your dog’s regular kibble or wet food.
- Use small pieces of cooked turkey gizzard as training treats or food rewards.
- You can always stuff cooked liver into puzzle toys or long-lasting chew treats for mental stimulation.
How to store turkey liver
- Refrigerate any leftover cooked turkey liver in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to prevent it for longer, the cooked liver can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Discard any cooked liver that has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Always handle food properly by washing your hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly when preparing turkey liver for your pooch.
Final words
Turkey liver can be an excellent addition to your dog’s diet, providing a rich source of essential vitamins, minerals, and protein. When you cook it properly and serve it in moderate amounts, turkey liver can offer numerous health benefits to your dogs including supporting healthy skin, vision, and immune function.
However, don’t let down your guard – always follow safe handling and cooking practices to eliminate the risk of harmful bacteria or parasites present in raw liver. And as always, introduce new foods gradually into your dog’s diet and monitor them for any signs of digestive upset or food intolerance.
While turkey liver is a nutritious treat or supplement, it should not replace a balanced and complete diet. Lastly, give your veterinarian a ring before making significant changes to your dog’s diet, especially if they have an underlying health condition or special dietary requirements.
Read More: Can Dogs Eat Turkey Gizzards?
