Spleen

What is the spleen?

The spleen is an elongated, dark red organ located in the abdominal cavity. The spleen has various functions, such as

• The production of white blood cells, which are responsible for the defense against infections.
• The storage of red blood cells, which transport oxygen.
• Filtering old or damaged blood cells and foreign bodies from the blood.
• Regulation of blood volume and blood pressure.

The spleen is therefore a very important organ for the health and well-being of dogs.

What are the benefits of spleen for dogs?

Spleen is a source of high quality protein, iron, vitamin B12, zinc and other minerals that are essential for dogs. Spleen can therefore support blood formation, immune defense, wound healing and cell division. Spleen is also rich in taurine, an amino acid that is important for heart function and vision. Spleen can therefore be used as a supplement or as part of a balanced diet for dogs.

What are the disadvantages of spleen for dogs?

Spleen is not without risks for dogs. For one thing, spleen can be very fatty, which can lead to obesity, digestive problems or pancreatitis. On the other hand, spleen can be contaminated with bacteria, parasites or harmful substances that can lead to infections or poisoning. Therefore, spleen should always be well cooked or frozen before it is fed to dogs. Furthermore, spleen should only be given in moderation and not as the main component of the diet.

How much spleen can a dog eat?

The amount of spleen a dog is allowed to eat depends on various factors, such as:

• The size, weight and age of the dog.
• The quality and origin of the spleen.
• The health and activity level of the dog.
• The type and quantity of the remaining food.

As a rule of thumb, spleen should not make up more than 10% of a dog's daily calorie intake. This means that a 10 kg dog may eat about 30 g of spleen per day. This amount should be spread over several meals to avoid overloading the digestive system.