Goat kidney
Goat kidney is an offal that you can offer your dog as part of a balanced BARF diet. Goat kidney is rich in folic acid, potassium, selenium and B vitamins. These nutrients support the function of your dog's kidneys, nervous system and immune system. Goat kidney is also hypoallergenic and is therefore suitable for dogs with food allergies or intolerances.
How much goat kidney should your dog get?
The amount of goat kidney you should feed your dog depends on its weight, age and state of health. As a general rule, offal should make up around 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of food. The liver should make up half of the offal and the remaining offal such as heart, spleen, lungs and kidneys should be evenly distributed. This means that you can give your dog about 2 to 3 percent of its body weight in goat kidney per week. For example: a 20 kg dog could get about 40 to 60 g of goat kidney per week.
How do you prepare goat kidney for your dog?
You can offer your dog goat kidneys raw or cooked. If you opt for raw, you should make sure that the goat kidney is fresh or frozen and comes from a trustworthy supplier. You can feed the goat kidneys whole or minced. Minced means that the goat kidney has been put through a mincer and therefore has a fine consistency. This can make it easier for your dog to digest and reduce the risk of choking. If you opt for cooked, you should only simmer the goat kidney briefly in water or broth until it is done. You should not add salt or spices as these can be harmful to your dog. You can also puree or chop up the cooked goat kidney and mix it with your dog's dry or wet food.
What are the benefits of goat kidney for your dog?
Goat kidney has many benefits for your dog. On the one hand, it provides him with important nutrients that promote his health. Secondly, it can provide variety and flavor in his diet. Goat kidney is also a lean source of protein and can therefore help your dog maintain or reach their ideal weight. Goat kidney can also increase your dog's chewing pleasure and clean his teeth.
What are the disadvantages of goat kidney for your dog?
Goat kidney also has some disadvantages for your dog. For one thing, it can cause diarrhea or bloating in some dogs, especially if it is fed too much or too quickly. Secondly, it can be counterproductive for dogs with kidney problems, as it can increase the urea level in the blood. You should therefore always ask your vet for advice before feeding goat kidney. You should also make sure that you store and process the goat kidneys hygienically to avoid bacterial contamination.
If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.
Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊