Turkey liver

What is turkey liver?

Turkey liver is the organ that has the function of cleansing the blood of toxins and storing important nutrients. The liver of a turkey weighs about 200 grams and has a dark red color. It is rich in protein, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B12 and folic acid.

What are the benefits of turkey liver for dogs?

Turkey liver can provide many health benefits for your dog if you feed it in moderation. For example:

• Protein supports muscle development and wound healing
• Iron promotes the formation of red blood cells and prevents anemia
• Vitamin A strengthens the immune system, vision and skin health
• Vitamin B12 helps with cell division and nerve function
• Folic acid supports DNA synthesis and cell regeneration

In addition, turkey liver tastes very good to many dogs and can offer them variety in their diet.

What are the disadvantages of turkey liver for dogs?

Turkey liver is not suitable for all dogs and can also have some disadvantages if you feed it too often or too much. For example:

• Too much vitamin A can lead to an overdose, which can cause symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea or bone damage
• Too much iron can lead to iron toxicity, which can cause symptoms such as gastrointestinal discomfort, liver damage, heart problems or even death
• Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever or pain
• Too much liver can lead to an imbalance in the calcium-phosphorus ratio, which can lead to weak bones or kidney stones

In addition, turkey liver can be contaminated with harmful substances if the turkey has not been kept or fed in a species-appropriate manner. You should therefore always pay attention to the origin and quality of the turkey liver.

How much turkey liver can my dog eat?

The amount of turkey liver you can feed your dog depends on various factors, such as

• Your dog's weight
• The health of your dog
• The other ingredients in the food
• The frequency of feeding

As a rule of thumb, turkey liver should not make up more than 5% of your dog's daily calorie intake. This means, for example, that a 10 kg dog can eat about 20 grams of turkey liver per day. However, you should always consult your vet before introducing a new ingredient into your dog's diet.

How do I prepare turkey liver for my dog?

You can prepare turkey liver for your dog in various ways. For example:

• Raw: You can feed turkey liver raw if it is fresh and of good quality. However, you should wash it thoroughly beforehand and cut it into small pieces.
• Cooked: You can cook the turkey liver by simmering it in water or stock without salt or spices for about 15 minutes. You should then let it cool and cut it into small pieces.
• Baked: You can bake the turkey livers by placing them in a baking dish and cooking them in the oven at 180°C for about 20 minutes. You should then leave to cool and cut into small pieces.

You can offer the turkey liver on its own as a treat or with your dog's food. However, you should make sure that you do not exceed the total amount of turkey liver and that you reduce the other ingredients in the food accordingly.