Are Gizzards Good or Bad For Dogs? Safety and Feeding Tips

Are Gizzards Good For Dogs?

Gizzards are a popular food for dogs, but some dog owners may wonder if they are healthy or safe. Gizzards are a good source of certain nutrients for dogs, but there are also some potential concerns when feeding gizzards to dogs. In this article, well explore the pros and cons of feeding gizzards to dogs and help you decide if gizzards should be part of your dog's diet.

What Are Gizzards?

Gizzards are a cut of meat from the digestive tract of chicken, turkeys, and other poultry. The gizzard is a bird's second stomach, located between the crop and the intestine. It contains powerful muscles that help grind up food for digestion. When you eat poultry gizzards, you are eating the meat from this muscular stomach organ.

Gizzards are considered an organ meat or offal. Other common offal from poultry includes hearts, livers, feet, and necks. Organ meats like gizzards are packed with nutrients but also have a very strong flavor and texture that some find unappealing.

Nutritional Benefits of Gizzards for Dogs

Here are some of the main nutritional benefits of feeding gizzards to dogs:

• High in Protein - Gizzards are a good source of high-quality protein for dogs. Protein provides amino acids that are essential for building and maintaining muscle mass.
• Rich in Iron - Gizzards contain substantial amounts of heme iron, which is the most easily absorbed form of iron. Iron supports healthy red blood cell function and oxygen transport.
• Source of Other Nutrients - Gizzards provide smaller amounts of other important nutrients like zinc, copper, vitamins B6 and B12.

The rich nutritional profile of gizzards makes them a healthy supplemental food as part of a balanced raw or cooked dog diet. Many dog owners choose to feed gizzards as a natural source of minerals compared to synthetic supplements.

Potential Concerns with Feeding Gizzards to Dogs

While gizzards can make a good addition to a dog's diet, there are also some potential risks and downsides to consider:

• High in Cholesterol - Gizzards are very high in cholesterol compared to many other meats and organs. Excessive cholesterol intake could potentially impact canine health.
• Risk of Foodborne Illness - Raw gizzards may harbor Salmonella, E. coli, or other bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Cooking properly kills these pathogens.
• Gizzard Textures Issues - The thick muscle tissue and fiber in gizzards can be difficult for some dogs to digest. Chew thoroughly if feeding large pieces.
• Allergies or Sensitivities - While less common, gizzards may trigger food allergies or intolerances in some canines.

Dog owners should keep these potential downsides in mind when deciding whether to add gizzards into their dog's regular diet. Overall, gizzards are safe for most healthy dogs in moderation but may not be well tolerated by all pups.

Are Gizzards Cooked or Raw for Dogs?

Gizzards can be fed raw or cooked. Some key considerations:

• Raw Gizzards - Provide more nutrients but also come with a higher risk of bacterial contamination. Only feed raw if from a reputable source.
• Cooked Gizzards - Cooking eliminates disease risks and may be easier to digest. But slightly fewer nutrients than raw.
• Canned Gizzards - Canned gizzards are pre-cooked, which provides similar benefits to home cooked. Rinsing reduces sodium.

Most veterinarians recommend cooking gizzards thoroughly before feeding to dogs to kill any potential bacteria or parasites. Cook to an internal temperature of 165F. Cooked gizzards can then be served on their own or added to a complete meal.

How Much Gizzard Should I Feed My Dog?

Gizzards are very rich, so they should make up a small portion of your dogs overall diet. Here are some feeding guidelines if including gizzards:

• For small dogs: Feed 1-2 gizzards 2-3 times per week.
• For medium dogs: Feed 2-3 gizzards 2-4 times per week.
• For large dogs: Feed 3-5 gizzards 3-5 times per week.

Start with small amounts and monitor your dogs digestion. Increase slowly over time but do not exceed 5-10% of total weekly calories from gizzards. This will help prevent any digestive upset.

Best Practices When Feeding Gizzards to Dogs

Follow these tips for safely incorporating gizzards into your dog's diet:

• Select high-quality gizzards from organic, free-range, or wild-caught poultry whenever possible.
• Avoid pre-seasoned gizzards or those with added salt, spices, or flavorings.
• Cook gizzards thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165F.
• Introduce slowly and watch for signs of gastrointestinal upset.
• Chop gizzards into bite-sized pieces to reduce choking hazard.
• Supervise your dog when feeding to prevent rapid consumption.
• Provide plenty of water to aid digestion.

Are There Any Dog Breeds That Should Not Eat Gizzards?

Most healthy dogs can eat gizzards safely in moderation. However, there are a few dog breeds where caution may be warranted:

• Small Breeds - The high mineral content may be difficult for tiny dogs to process. Use sparingly.
• Brachycephalic Breeds - Flat-faced dogs like Bulldogs or Pugs may struggle chewing the dense meat. Chop finely.
• Senior Dogs - Older dogs with dental disease or digestion issues may have trouble breaking down the tough fibers.
• Obese Dogs - Gizzards are very high in calories. Best to avoid with weight management diets.
• Dogs with Liver Issues - The high iron content may further strain the liver in dogs with liver disease.

Check with your veterinarian before feeding novel proteins like gizzards to dogs with food allergies, gastrointestinal conditions, or other health issues.

Signs Your Dog May Not Tolerate Gizzards Well

Monitor your dog closely when first feeding gizzards. Discontinue or reduce the amount if you notice any of these signs of intolerance:

• Vomiting or nausea
• Diarrhea or loose stool
• Excessive gas or abdominal bloating
• Decreased appetite or lethargy
• Difficulty digesting pieces of gizzard

These symptoms may indicate the gizzards are irritating your dog's stomach. Stop feeding immediately and contact your veterinarian if symptoms persist or if you have any concerns about your dogs reaction.

Can Puppies Eat Gizzards?

Gizzards can be fed to puppies in small amounts as a supplemental treat. The high protein content makes gizzards a good choice for growing pups. However, gizzards may be difficult for some young dogs to chew and digest. Follow these tips for puppies:

• Only introduce gizzards after weaning, around 3-4 months old.
• Start with just 1-2 bites of cooked gizzard 1-2 times per week.
• Slowly increase portion size as your puppy grows while monitoring stool.
• Cut gizzards into tiny, bite-sized pieces to reduce choking risk.
• Avoid feeding gizzards to puppies under 3 months old.

Check with your veterinarian about the appropriate time to introduce new proteins like gizzards into your unique puppys diet. Better to take it slow when adding novel meats.

The Bottom Line on Gizzards for Dogs

Gizzards can make a healthy supplement for dogs due to their dense nutritional profile. But they may not be tolerated well by all dogs due to their high cholesterol, tough texture, and strong flavor. Feed cooked gizzards in moderation while monitoring your dog's digestion closely.

Gizzards should never make up more than 10% of your dogs diet. Use caution when feeding gizzards to small breed dogs, puppies, or dogs with health conditions. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about feeding gizzards or other organ meats to your dog.

When introduced slowly and fed properly, gizzards can be a beneficial addition that adds variety and key nutrients to most dogs diets. But they may not agree with all canine digestive systems. Be selective and watch your dog's reaction when first trying this unique muscle meat.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.