Chicken kidneys

What are chicken kidneys?

Chicken kidneys are the organs that filter and purify the blood of chickens. They are about the size of a walnut and have a dark red color. Chicken kidneys belong to the offal, i.e. the organs of animals that can be used as food.

What are the benefits of chicken kidneys for dogs?

Chicken kidneys are very nutritious for dogs as they contain many important nutrients that are essential for your dog's health. These include:

• Protein: Chicken kidneys are made up of around 70% protein, which is the main building block for your dog's muscles, coat, skin and immune system.
• Fat: Chicken kidneys also contain healthy fats, especially omega-6 fatty acids, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and promote your dog's skin and coat health.
• Vitamins: Chicken kidneys are rich in vitamins, especially vitamin A, which is important for your dog's vision, growth and cell division, and B vitamins, which are important for your dog's metabolism, nerve function and blood formation.
• Minerals: Chicken kidneys also contain many minerals, especially iron, which is important for oxygen transport in your dog's blood, and zinc, which is important for wound healing, hormone production and your dog's immune system.

What are the disadvantages of chicken kidneys for dogs?

Chicken kidneys also have some disadvantages for dogs that you should be aware of. These include:

• Purine: Chicken kidneys contain a lot of purine, a substance produced when protein is broken down in the body. Too much purine can lead to gout or kidney stones in some dogs. Therefore, you should not give your dog too many chicken kidneys, especially if he already has kidney or bladder problems.
• Bacteria: Chicken kidneys can also contain bacteria that can lead to gastrointestinal infections or salmonella poisoning. Therefore, you should always make sure that you buy fresh, high-quality chicken kidneys and rinse or cook them thoroughly before giving them to your dog.
• Allergies: Some dogs can also have an allergic reaction to chicken kidneys. Symptoms can include itching, skin rash or diarrhea. If you notice that your dog shows these signs after eating chicken kidneys, you should stop giving them to your dog and consult a vet.

How do I prepare chicken kidneys for my dog?

You can give your dog chicken kidneys raw or cooked. Raw has more nutrients than cooked, but also a higher risk of bacteria. Therefore, you should follow these steps:

1. Buy fresh and good quality chicken kidneys from a trusted butcher or retailer. Make sure they have no discoloration, slime or unpleasant odor.
2. Rinse the chicken kidneys thoroughly under running water to remove dirt and bacteria.
3. Cut the chicken kidneys into small pieces or chop them up using a meat grinder or blender. This makes it easier for you to measure out the portions and for your dog to chew and digest them.
4. Give the chicken kidneys to your dog raw or boil them in a pot of water for about 15 minutes until they are cooked. If you boil them, you can use the cooking water as broth or throw it away.
5. Let the chicken kidneys cool before giving them to your dog. Store the leftovers in the fridge and use them within two days.