Can Dogs Eat Raw Turkey Liver?

Turkey liver is a nutritious organ meat that is safe and even beneficial for dogs to eat However, there are some things to keep in mind when feeding your dog raw turkey liver In this article, we’ll dive into the benefits and potential risks of feeding dogs turkey liver, how much to feed, and tips for preparing it.

An Overview of Turkey Liver

Turkey liver is the reddish-brown liver, or hepatic gland, of a turkey. Like the livers of other animals, it acts as a filter to remove toxins from the bird’s system and helps metabolize nutrients.

Turkey liver is high in many essential vitamins and minerals. It is particularly high in vitamin A, vitamin B12 iron copper, and phosphorus. It also contains trace minerals like zinc and manganese. This nutrient profile makes turkey liver a valuable supplement to a dog’s diet.

The Benefits of Feeding Dogs Turkey Liver

There are several benefits to incorporating turkey liver into your dog’s diet:

• It’s a good source of high-quality protein. Turkey liver contains all 10 essential amino acids dogs need.

• It provides important vitamins like vitamin A and several B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12, etc.). Vitamin A is critical for immune health and vision in dogs.

• Turkey liver is high in iron, copper, and other minerals. These support blood health and enzyme functions.

• It contains choline, an essential nutrient for nerve and brain development and function.

• Many dogs love the rich, meaty flavor of liver. It can make an appetizing treat or supplement.

So by providing important nutrients, turkey liver can support your dog’s health in many ways.

How Much Turkey Liver Can Dogs Eat?

While turkey liver is nutritious, too much can upset your dog’s digestion or lead to toxicity. Here are some guidelines on safe amounts to feed:

• For most dogs, turkey liver should make up no more than 5% of their total daily food intake.

• Large breed puppies need 7% liver in their diet. But this amount decreases as they grow.

• Very small amounts (a teaspoon or two) can be fed safely as an occasional treat.

• Avoid free-feeding turkey liver. Stick to designated mealtimes instead.

As a rough guide, here is how much turkey liver adult dogs can eat:

• Small dogs (under 10 lbs): Around 1 teaspoon per day

• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 1-2 tablespoons per day

• Large dogs (over 50 lbs): 2-4 tablespoons per day

If your dog eats liver regularly, buy meat from pasture-raised turkeys when possible for more nutrients. And be sure to balance it with muscle meat, bones, and other organs like kidney.

Is Raw or Cooked Turkey Liver Better?

Raw turkey liver retains more nutrients than cooked. Lightly cooked liver may be easier for some dogs to digest though.

Feeding raw liver does carry a small risk of bacterial contamination. Make sure raw turkey liver and the utensils you use to handle it never come into contact with other foods. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling.

If you choose to give your dog cooked turkey liver, boil it first rather than frying or cooking over high heat. Extended high heat can deplete some of the natural vitamins.

Tips for Preparing and Serving Turkey Liver

Here are some tips for handling and serving turkey liver safely:

• When storing raw turkey liver, keep it sealed and on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator for no more than 2-3 days. Or freeze it for later use.

• Before feeding, check the liver for spots or unpleasant odors. Discard any with signs of spoilage.

• Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling. Don’t allow raw turkey liver to interact with cooked foods.

• For picky eaters, dice, puree, or mix turkey liver into their regular dog food. Some dogs dislike the texture.

• For a treat, slice chilled liver into bite-sized pieces. Small amounts are safest.

• Cook turkey livers to at least 160°F throughout before feeding, if cooking.

With proper handling and portions, turkey liver can be a healthy supplement. But be cautious not to overfeed. If your dog experiences diarrhea after eating turkey liver, reduce the amount or frequency. Introduce it slowly if it’s new to their diet.

Signs of Too Much Turkey Liver

Because turkey liver contains high amounts of vitamin A, too much can lead to vitamin A toxicity in dogs. Signs of too much turkey liver include:

• Lethargy, weakness, or lack of coordination

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Loss of appetite

• Cracking around the paw pads and mouth

• Swelling of the brain or cranial bones

Toxicity occurs more often from chronic oversupplementation. But even large single doses can potentially be dangerous.

If your dog ever displays these symptoms after eating turkey liver, stop feeding it. Then call your vet right away. Vitamin A toxicity can be treated, but early intervention is important.

Answering Common Questions on Turkey Liver for Dogs

Here are answers to some other frequently asked questions:

Can puppies eat turkey liver? Yes, turkey liver is safe for puppies in moderation. Feed larger breed puppies no more than 7% liver until they are fully grown.

Is cooked or raw better? Raw turkey liver has more intact nutrients. But lightly cooked liver may be easier to digest.

How long does turkey liver last? Raw turkey liver lasts 2-3 days in the fridge. It can be frozen for 9-12 months.

Can I feed turkey giblets? Yes, the liver, heart, and gizzard from turkey giblets are all edible for dogs. Just adjust portion sizes accordingly.

Are there alternatives? Beef, chicken, and pork livers offer similar benefits. Or try liver treats or supplements.

The Bottom Line

In small, controlled amounts, turkey liver can be a healthy supplement for dogs. It provides protein, essential nutrients, and a tasty, meaty flavor. But too much liver can cause toxicity, so stick to recommended portion sizes. Introduce it slowly and discontinue use if it causes digestive upset. When handled properly, turkey liver can be part of a balanced homemade or raw dog food diet.