Is Turkey Gizzard Good for Dogs? A Comprehensive Guide to Canine Nutrition

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As a dog owner, you’re always looking for ways to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. One way to do that is by providing them with a nutritious and balanced diet While commercial dog food is a convenient option, many pet owners are opting to incorporate homemade meals into their dog’s diet. If you’re looking for a healthy and affordable protein source, turkey gizzards can be an excellent option.

What are Turkey Gizzards?

Turkey gizzards are the muscular stomach lining of turkeys. They are a tough, chewy organ meat that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Gizzards are often used as dog treats, but they can also be added to homemade dog food recipes.

Benefits of Turkey Gizzards for Dogs:

  • High in protein: Turkey gizzards are a great source of protein, which is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass.
  • Rich in vitamins and minerals: Gizzards are a good source of vitamins B3 and B12, as well as the minerals iron, phosphorus, and zinc. These vitamins and minerals play an important role in the cell metabolism of your canine companion.
  • Dental health: The chewy texture of gizzards can help to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your dog’s teeth, promoting dental health.
  • Affordable: Turkey gizzards are a relatively inexpensive source of protein compared to other meat options.

Risks of Turkey Gizzards for Dogs:

  • Choking hazard: Gizzards are tough and chewy, so it’s important to cut them into small pieces before giving them to your dog. This is especially important for small dogs who may be at risk of choking.
  • Digestive issues: Gizzards are high in protein and fat, so they should be fed in moderation. Overfeeding gizzards can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea or vomiting.
  • Bacterial contamination: Raw turkey gizzards can contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli. It’s important to cook gizzards thoroughly before feeding them to your dog to eliminate the risk of foodborne illnesses.

How to Prepare Turkey Gizzards for Dogs:

  • Thoroughly clean the gizzards: Remove any excess fat or connective tissue.
  • Cook the gizzards: You can boil, bake, or grill the gizzards until they are tender and fully cooked.
  • Cut the gizzards into small pieces: This will make them easier for your dog to chew and digest.

How Much Turkey Gizzard to Feed Your Dog:

The amount of turkey gizzard you can give your dog depends on their size, age, and overall health. As a general guideline, gizzards should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s total daily caloric intake. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate portion size for your specific dog.

Turkey gizzards can be a healthy and nutritious addition to your dog’s diet when prepared and served correctly. However, it’s important to remember that a balanced diet should consist of various protein sources and other essential nutrients. If you have any concerns about feeding turkey gizzards to your dog, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you determine if gizzards are a good option for your furry friend and provide guidance on how to feed them safely.

Additional Resources:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can dogs eat turkey gizzards?

A: Yes, dogs can consume turkey gizzards. However, it’s important to prepare them properly and feed them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Q: Are turkey gizzards safe for dogs?

A: When cooked thoroughly and given in moderation, turkey gizzards are generally safe for dogs to consume. Raw or undercooked gizzards should always be avoided as they may contain harmful bacteria.

Q: How do I cook turkey gizzards for my dog?

A: To cook turkey gizzards for your dog, start by cleaning them thoroughly and removing any excess fat or connective tissue. Then, boil them in water or low-sodium broth until they are tender and fully cooked. You can serve them alone or mix them with your dog’s regular food.

Q: Can I feed my dog raw turkey gizzards?

A: It is not recommended to feed your dog raw turkey gizzards, as they may contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli. It is best to cook them thoroughly to eliminate the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Q: How much turkey gizzards can I give my dog?

A: The amount of turkey gizzards you can give your dog depends on their size, age, and overall health. As a general guideline, gizzards should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s total daily caloric intake. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate portion size for your specific dog.

Q: Are there any benefits to feeding turkey gizzards to my dog?

A: Turkey gizzards are a good source of protein, iron, and essential vitamins for dogs. They can be a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet when prepared and served correctly. However, it’s important to remember that a balanced diet should consist of various protein sources and other essential nutrients.

Q: Are there any risks associated with feeding turkey gizzards to dogs?

A: While turkey gizzards can be a healthy addition to a dog’s diet, they should be given in moderation. Excessive consumption of gizzards or any single ingredient can lead to nutritional imbalances. As with any new food, monitor your dog for any adverse reactions or digestive issues when introducing turkey gizzards into their diet.

All-Natural Dehydrated Turkey Gizzards for Dogs

Campfire Treats sliced turkey gizzards are a delicious treat your dog will absolutely love.

The only ingredient used in these all-natural dog treats is premium, USDA-certified turkey gizzards, which we get from family farms that have received certification for animal welfare.

Turkey gizzards are a rich source of vitamins B3 and B12, and the minerals iron, phosphorus and zinc. These vitamins and minerals play an important role in the cell-metabolism of your canine.

We recommend our sliced turkey gizzards for medium to large dogs.

  • Lean and highly nutritious
  • Suitable for dogs on a raw diet
  • Free of any antibiotics, hormones, steroids, additives or preservatives
  • Sourced and made in the USA
  • Certified Humane

Ingredients: Dehydrated turkey gizzards

Content: 4.5 oz

NUTRITIONAL FACTS
Crude Protein (min.) 77%
Crude Fat (min.) 9%
Crude Fiber (max.) 0.5%
Moisture (max.) 11%

Calorie Content:3,470 kcal/kg; 98 kcal/oz

Dog Size: Medium, large, giant

Life-Stage: Young, adult, senior

Feeding Instructions: This product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only. Always supervise your dog when feeding any treats or chews. Please ensure that your dog has always access to plenty of fresh water.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Reseal bag after opening.

is turkey gizzard good for dogs

is turkey gizzard good for dogs

is turkey gizzard good for dogs

is turkey gizzard good for dogs

is turkey gizzard good for dogs

is turkey gizzard good for dogs

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I know we are all accused of spoiling our dogs. My 4 dogs unanimously voice their love of the turkey gizzards. I dont know if they like the taste or the crunch, but they sure find them appealing. I just like the fact that they contain only one ingredient, turkey gizzard. So they are on my rotation of treats from now on.

Caution: Could Be Choking Hazard in Small Dogs!

To begin with, let me say that we adore Campfire products and will keep providing them for our 17-pound Mal-Shi. We experienced this on Christmas, so I do want to warn anyone with a smaller dog that Turkey Giblets can be a serious choking hazard. These Giblets are in large, very HARD pieces. not softer or freeze-dried and easily chewable. This is our tale: we tried (and failed) to cut a smaller giblet into pieces, so we thought it would be best to see if our dog could do it himself and consume it. He was able to do so with the first smaller piece. But after we gave him another, marginally bigger piece, he chewed it for about 30 seconds before swallowing it. We realized he was choking at that very moment (yes, we were watching him eat them!). and not just a quick, normal choke and everything is okay. he was choking and trying to expel the piece for nearly a full, harrowing minute. Thank goodness, he was able to bring up the Giblet himself at that precise moment, and it was FULL INTACT, while we were debating whether or not to Heimlich him. We immediately decided that these may not be an appropriate treat for our small dog. (He is Havanese sized for reference) Again, we always supervise our pup whenever he is eating, thankfully. We just thought it was necessary to let other small dog owners know about this possible risk in case they read reviews. While Campfires offers a plethora of other delicious treats, we believe this one might not be suitable for smaller dogs.

is turkey gizzard good for dogs

My great-granddog and grand dog in Virginia received these, and I’m told they were a huge hit—of course they were!

My dog loves these treats! So glad I found you!

My dog loves the turkey gizzards and I t’s nice that they’re in small pieces. We haven’t opened the other treats yet but I feel confident that he will like those as well.

Is Cooked chicken gizzard good for dogs?

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