Organ Meats for Homemade Dog Food

Organ meats are one of the most important—and most misunderstood—parts of homemade dog food.


They are extremely nutrient-dense and provide essential vitamins and minerals that are difficult to get from muscle meat alone. But because they are so concentrated, they also need to be used in the right amounts.



This guide explains what organ meats are, why they matter, how much to feed, and how we actually use them for Layla.

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Two supplement capsules beside white and green powder in a metal dog bowl

Organ Meats at a Glance

Organ meats are one of the most nutrient-dense parts of a homemade dog food diet, but they need to be used in the right amounts. Here’s a simple breakdown of how we approach them:

Liver: ~5% of the diet

Other secreting organs: ~0–5%

Total secreting organs: typically ~5–10%

What Makes Organ Meats Different?

Organ meats are not just “another type of meat.”


They are significantly more nutrient-dense than standard muscle meat.


While muscle meat (like chicken or beef) primarily provides protein and fat, organ meats provide much more.


This is why organ meats play a completely different role in homemade dog food.

Organ Meats Provide:



  • Fat-soluble vitamins (like Vitamin A)
  • B vitamins (especially B12)
  • Iron and copper
  • Unique compounds like CoQ1 (especially in heart)


Not All Organ Meats Are the Same

One of the most important things to understand:

Liver

Extremely high in Vitamin A

Rich in B vitamins and iron

Most nutrient-dense organ

Kidney

Provides different mineral balance

Vitamin D, B vitamins (B6, B12, folic acid), and iron

Heart

High in taurine

Contains CoQ10

Supports heart health

Secreting vs Non-Secreting Organs (Why It Matters)

This is where many people get confused.

Secreting Organs



These include:

  • Liver
  • Kidney
  • Spleen
  • Pancreas


These are the most nutrient-dense and must be limited

Non-Secreting Organs


These include:

  • Heart
  • Lungs
  • Trachea
  • Gizzards


These are still nutrient dense but can be fed in moderation

If you’re unsure how this works, see our guide on Beef Heart for Dogs.

How Much Organ Meat Should Dogs Eat?

This is where balance matters most.


For Layla, we aim for:

  • Liver: ~5%
  • Other secreting organs: 0–5%
  • Total secreting organs: typically ~5–10%
  • Non-secreting organs: we try not to exceed ~10%.


Because we rotate ingredients, we rarely go high in any one component.


We focus on balance over time

Why Organ Meats Matter in Homemade Dog Food

Organ meats help fill key nutritional gaps.


Without them, homemade diets are often lacking in:

  • Vitamin A
  • B vitamins
  • Iron
  • Trace minerals


Most feeding guidelines (including NRC-based recommendations) emphasize including organ meats—or equivalent nutrient sources—for this reason.

How We Feed Organ Meats (Layla’s Routine)

We keep things simple and consistent.


Liver

  • Most commonly used organ
  • Very nutrient-dense
  • Kept in small amounts


We often:

  • Use dehydrated or air-dried liver treats
  • Occasionally dehydrate our own when weather allows


Other Organs

  • Occasionally add to batches
  • add a powdered organ supplement


How to Prepare Organ Meats

We keep preparation simple:


  • Trim if needed
  • Cook lightly (our preference)
  • Cut into portions
  • Mix into batches
  • Make dehydrated treats


Some people feed raw, but we choose to cook.


We also purchase premade dehydrated liver treats.


See Why We Don’t Feed Layla Raw for more.

Where to Buy Organ Meats

Organ meats are easier to find than most people think.

Grocery Stores

  • Beef liver → often in frozen section
  • Chicken liver & gizzards → near fresh poultry
  • Occasionally beef heart

Butchers & Markets

  • More consistent selection
  • Better variety

Raw Feeding Stores

  • Often carry a wide range of organs
  • Convenient but sometimes more expensive

Local Farms

  • One of our preferred options
  • Higher quality
  • Supports local sourcing

Things to Watch Out For

  • Too much liver can cause imbalance
  • Sudden introduction can upset digestion
  • Strong smell (especially liver)
  • Should not replace muscle meat

Common Mistakes

  • Feeding too much liver
  • Skipping organ meats entirely
  • Confusing heart as a secreting organ
  • Trying to balance everything in one meal


We focus on consistency—not perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are organ meats necessary?

    Yes. They provide nutrients that muscle meat alone cannot.

  • Can I skip them if I use supplements?

    Some supplements can help, but whole food sources still provide value.

  • Is beef heart an organ meat?

    No. It is a muscle meat.

  • Can dogs eat organ meats every day?

    Yes, in small controlled amounts.

Important Note


Organ meats are highly nutrient-dense and should be fed in appropriate amounts.

If you’re unsure how to incorporate them into your dog’s diet, it’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist—especially for puppies, large breeds, or dogs with specific health conditions.

Final Thoughts


Organ meats are not optional—they are foundational to a well-rounded homemade diet.


The goal is not to overcomplicate it, but to:

  • Understand the differences
  • Use the right amounts
  • Stay consistent over time


That’s what has worked best for us feeding Layla.