You may have heard that organ meat is good for dogs, and we’re here to tell you that that is absolutely TRUE! Among the healthiest organs for dogs are kidneys, which are high in vital nutrients and more nutritionally dense than other organs like lung.
In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about feeding beef kidneys to your dogs and cover how to cook kidneys for dogs
Are Beef Kidneys Good for Dogs?
Yes! Beef kidneys are nutritionally dense, and packed with essential vitamins like A, B6, B12, C, Riboflavin, Niacin, and Thiamine. Key minerals like iron and selenium are also found in beef kidneys, and they’re a great source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Here are some more details on the benefits of the nutritional value of beef kidneys.
|
Nutrient |
Benefit/Uses |
|
Vitamin A |
Supports vision, bone health, and immune response |
|
Vitamin B6 |
Supports healthy glucose levels, nervous system function, and immune response |
|
Vitamin B12 |
Supports cellular health and metabolism |
|
Vitamin C |
Offers antioxidant support |
|
Riboflavin |
Supports digestion and metabolism |
|
Niacin |
Supports immunity and prevents inflammatory responses |
|
Thiamine |
Supports digestion and metabolism |
|
Omega-3 fatty acids |
Supports brain, vision, skin, and immune health |
Because of the impressive nutrient density of kidneys and other organ meats, many vets recommend that dogs eat a balanced diet that includes meat, organ meat, and bone.
How To Cook Kidneys for Dogs
If you’ve decided to feed kidneys to your dogs you have two options: feed them cooked kidney or raw kidney.
Both raw and cooked kidney are perfectly safe for your dog to eat, but if you’re concerned at all about bacteria or cleaning up after your dog eats raw meat, we recommend cooking them. Here’s an easy recipe for cooked beef kidney, and tips on how to prepare organ meat for dogs.
How To Cook Beef Kidney for Dogs
Preparing beef kidneys for your dog is super easy and requires just two ingredients: beef kidneys and water.
Instructions:
- Slice the beef kidney into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl of cold water. Allow to soak for 15–20 minutes.
- In the meantime fill a small/medium pot with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the soaked kidney pieces to the pot. Cover, leaving the lid slightly cracked, and let boil for 8 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and drain the kidneys. Rinse under cool water to remove any lingering unpleasant flavor.
- Allow to cool completely before serving.
How To Cook Lamb Kidneys for Dogs
If your dog has a beef allergy or you can’t get ahold of beef kidneys, lamb kidney for dogs is just as healthy and beneficial. Here’s a fun way to turn lamb kidneys into dog treats courtesy of Pet Lover Guy.
Ingredients:
- ½ lb lamb kidneys
- ½ tsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Clean and soak the kidneys in cold water for 15–20 minutes. Drain, and transfer to the freezer to become firm.
- Slice the frozen kidneys into ¼ inch strips.
- Add the olive oil to a heavy-bottomed saucepan or a large frying pan and heat over medium-high heat.
- Fry each piece of kidney until fully cooked, then transfer to an air-tight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 6 months.
Kidney for Dogs FAQ
Here are some of the most common questions dog owners have about feeding kidneys to their pups.
Can I give my dog raw beef kidney?
Yes! Dogs can eat raw beef kidney as long as it is fresh, from a reliable source, and has been handled appropriately. Remember to always use the same hygiene protocols you would use when handling raw meat for yourself.
Do you have to soak kidneys before cooking?
It’s a good idea to soak the raw kidneys before cooking them to pull out any unpleasant odor.
Can dogs eat cooked beef kidney?
Yes! Dogs can eat beef kidney cooked or raw. Cooking the kidney is recommended for people not accustomed to feeding raw to eliminate the risk of harmful bacteria.
How much kidney should I feed my dog?
How much kidney to feed dogs really depends on your dog’s size and activity level. In general, vets and canine nutritionists recommend that your dog’s diet include no more than 5–10% organ meat. So, if your dog is eat a pound of food per day, they should be having no more than 1.6 ounces of kidney.
Feeding your dog too much kidney can raise their cholesterol levels and blood pressure, so be sure to stick to the appropriate portion size.
Rocky Kanaka
Rocky Kanaka is an entrepreneur, pet rescue advocate and dog dad to a rescue boxer named Flip, a blind Cane Corso called Kobe, and a terrier mix named Zoey. He’s also a pet chef and owner of The Dog Bakery, which specializes in dog birthday cakes and fresh baked dog treats. His three dogs can’t get enough of the dog cakes and treats!
Lorna Ladd
Lorna Paxton Ladd is a passionate dog lover and enthusiast of The Dog Bakery. She loves spoiling her 3 rescue dogs with dog cakes and jerky. A 15 year veteran in the pet industry, her aim is to educate pet parents on the best recipes, products, tips and tricks to optimize the human/canine bond. Her favorite product at The Dog Bakery are the customizable dog birthday cakes.