Organ meats, especially those from free-range ruminants, are incredibly nutrient-dense and improve bodily function. Many critical nutrients are absent in meat and bone, which is why including liver and other organs in a raw diet is highly recommended.

It is suggested that you feed at least 5% liver and 5% other secreting organs in a raw-fed diet. Some feeding models recommend you feed more than this amount, but it depends on the diet as a whole.

Nearly every nutrient is abundantly present in the organs. This is crucial because raw meaty bones and muscle meat may lack certain nutrients.  In fact, organ meats used to be a standard in American households, but as time went on, they lost some of their significance for the modern family. They are currently making a comeback as more people are enjoying meals like liver and onions, venison heart, and other organ-based feasts due to their health benefits.

Nutrient-rich organs include high concentrations of B vitamins, such as B1, B2, B6, folic acid, and B12. Organ meats are also rich in minerals like phosphorus, iron, copper, magnesium, and selenium. They also include trace amounts of essential fat-soluble vitamins A and D.

The liver is one of the best suppliers of vitamin A. Vitamin A improves digestion, protects the reproductive organs, and acts as an antioxidant to fight against free radicals in the body. The liver also contains significant amounts of folic acid, B vitamins, iron, and copper.

Although the liver is rich in nutrients, it is known to be heat-sensitive. One of the reasons why feeding it raw is advised is because cooking it will considerably reduce its nutrient content.

The many varieties of livers are another crucial point. Pork liver has more iron than beef liver, whereas beef liver has a higher copper content. Offering diversity helps maintain the proper balance of vitamins, minerals, and other key nutrients in the diet because each food type has a different nutritional value.

The liver is in a separate category from organ meat, so there should be 5% liver and 5% other secreting organ meat in the diet for adult dogs and a ratio of 7% liver and 7% other secreting organs for puppies. Remember that not all these organs should be fed at once but rather rotated to provide variety.

Recommended organs to be included in a raw diet include:

Pancreas: Despite the fact that the pancreas organ has a lower concentration of minerals and vitamins than other organs, it has other benefits besides providing necessary nutrients. Digestive enzymes are provided by the pancreas organ, which are critical for all dogs, but particularly important for dogs with sensitive digestive systems.

Kidney: The most well-known other organ used in a raw diet is the kidney, which is high in selenium and contains a wide range of B vitamins. In comparison to the other organ options, the kidney, notably the beef kidney, is a better source of vitamin D than other organ meats.

Spleen: The spleen is rich in iron and in the amino acid tryptophan. Because the spleen contains a lot of iron, it's a good organ to add to raw diets for puppies who are still growing. Spleens are less common than liver and kidney organs, but they can be found in ethnic markets or butcher shops.

Brain: The ratio of protein to fat in the brain is around 1:1, and the fatty acid concentration of raw brains is what distinguishes it from other organ types. Raw brain is a good source of DHA, and it's a good animal-based ingredient for dogs who are unable to consume fish or seafood as part of their diet.

Testicles: B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12, are abundant in testicles.

Thymus: Although the thymus organ has a lower concentration of minerals and vitamins than other organs, the hormones produced by the thymus organ can aid in immune function. 

Heart: Although the heart is technically an organ, it’s classified as muscle meat due to its muscular structure. However, it does play a role in canine nutrition due to its high amount of bioavailable taurine. 

Homeopathic medicine is based on “like cures like.”  Using food as medicine is a common practice in holistic and homeopathic medicine. In the case of feeding organs, if an animal has heart disease, feeding beef heart is recommended. If there is liver disease, then liver should be provided.

Obtain a Consultation with a Nutritionist or Holistic Veterinarian

Although it is recommended that a raw diet include at least 5% liver and 5% other organs, certain dogs may be sensitive to organ meat, and your canine nutritionist or holistic veterinarian may recommend a smaller portion. 

Additionally, some medical conditions make it challenging to consume raw organs. For these reasons, it's essential to do your research before starting your raw feeding journey.

Dalmatians should not be fed organ meats since they are purine sensitive. They could get kidney or urinary tract stones if they consume organ meats. If your dog cannot eat organ meats, you will need to provide other supplements. You can substitute low-purine vegetables, seeds, and chicken or turkey necks when you aren't able to feed organ meats. 

Organs are incredibly nutrient-dense and serve as a valuable addition to your dog’s diet while being sure to find the appropriate balance for your individual dog.

Rotate the organs fed on a regular basis to ensure variety.

If your dog has medical conditions, speak to a nutritionist prior to developing your feeding plan. Dogs with medical conditions may require a different plan than others.

Habib, Rodney; Becker, Karen Shaw.  (2021). The Forever Dog. HarperCollins. Kindle Edition. 

Brady, C. (2020). Feeding dogs dry or raw? The science behind the debate. Farrow Road Publishing

Organ meats — superfoods for dogs and cats | Animal Wellness Magazine 

An Introduction to Organ Meat for Your Dog 

Urate Stones and Low Purine Diets for Dogs The Raw Solution 

Taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers fed commercial diets - PMC 

Organ meats, especially those from free-range ruminants, are incredibly nutrient-dense and essential for proper bodily function. While muscle meats and bones provide protein and structure, they lack many of the vitamins, minerals, and enzymes concentrated in organs. Including liver and other secreting organs in a raw diet ensures that dogs receive critical nutrients such as vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, copper, and selenium—nutrients that directly support digestion, immunity, reproduction, and detoxification.

Even in nature, predators demonstrate the value of organs. Off the coast of South Africa, two famous orcas known as Port and Starboard have been observed killing sharks solely to consume their livers, leaving the rest of the carcass behind. Researchers believe they do this because shark livers are extraordinarily rich in fat, calories, and essential nutrients—making them one of the most energy-dense foods available. This selective feeding behavior underscores what nature has always known: organs are nutritional powerhouses that cannot be overlooked.

For dogs, this lesson is clear. Just as orcas instinctively seek out organs for their superior nutrition, raw-fed dogs also thrive when organ meats make up a consistent portion of their meals. Feeding at least 5% liver and 5% other secreting organs (such as kidney, spleen, or pancreas) in a raw diet provides balance and completeness that muscle meat alone cannot achieve. By rotating different organs and sourcing from a variety of animals, dog parents can ensure their companions receive the full spectrum of micronutrients that support long-term health and vitality.

Nearly every nutrient is abundantly present in the organs. This is crucial because raw meaty bones and muscle meat may lack specific vitamins, minerals, and digestive enzymes. Organ meats were once a staple in American households, but over time, they have lost some significance for the modern family. Due to their health benefits, they are currently making a comeback as more people are enjoying meals like liver and onions, venison heart, and other organ-based feasts.

Although the liver is rich in nutrients, it is known to be heat-sensitive. One reason feeding it raw is advised is that cooking it considerably reduces its nutrient content.

Another crucial point is the many varieties of livers. Pork liver has more iron than beef liver, whereas beef liver has a higher copper content. Offering diversity helps maintain the proper balance of vitamins, minerals, and other vital nutrients because each food type has a different nutritional value.

The liver is in a separate category from organ meat, so the diet for adult dogs should include 5% liver and 5% other secreting organ meat, and a ratio of 7% liver and 7% other secreting organs for puppies. Remember that not all these organs should be fed at once, but instead rotated to provide variety.

Organs to be included in a raw diet include:

Homeopathic medicine is based on “like cures like.”&nbsp; Using food as medicine is a common practice in holistic and homeopathic medicine. In the case of feeding organs, if an animal has heart disease, feeding beef heart is recommended. If there is liver disease, then liver should be provided.

Although a recommended raw diet includes at least 5% liver and 5% other organs, certain dog breeds are sensitive to purines. Purines are chemical compounds found in the cells of living organisms, including plants and animals. They are essential building blocks of DNA and RNA, as purines make up part of the nucleotide structure of these molecules. The two primary purines in nucleotides are adenine (A) and guanine (G), which are crucial for genetic coding and cellular processes.

Purines are broken down in the body into uric acid. While purines are necessary for life, excessive intake or inefficient breakdown can lead to high uric acid levels, which may result in conditions such as gout in humans or urate stone formation in certain dog breeds.

Purines are found in varying levels in different foods. Organ meats, such as liver, kidney, and spleen, as well as some species of fish and certain legumes, are high in purines. In contrast, foods like eggs and dairy are low in purines.

Dog breeds susceptible to purine metabolic issues include:

If you are creating raw meals for any of these dog breeds, having them genetically tested for the SLC2A9 gene mutations would be beneficial. This gene affects the way a dog's body processes uric acid, and dogs with this mutation are at an increased risk of developing urate stones.

Incorporating organ meats into a raw diet for dogs provides essential nutrients that may be lacking in muscle meats and bones, supporting overall health and well-being. Organs such as liver, kidney, spleen, and pancreas offer high levels of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, making them a crucial part of a balanced raw diet. However, it is vital to feed organs in the proper proportions—typically 5% liver and 5% other organs of the adult dog's daily food intake, to avoid nutrient imbalances. Pet parents can provide a nutrient-rich diet tailored to their dog's needs by rotating organ types and ensuring balance.

Adding Organs to the Bowl

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