A Guide to Feeding Raw Offal: Safely Creating a Raw Food Recipe for Your Dog
Core recommendation: Add offal to 3–4 meals per week, accounting for 10–15%, and rotate the source and part based on age and health status.
Why choose raw offal?
Dogs and wolves both have carnivorous ancestors. The internal organs of wild prey contain the richest vitamins, minerals and natural enzymes, which can greatly improve absorption efficiency and digestion function.
- Liver : It has the highest content of vitamins A and B, and has strong detoxification capabilities. It must be carefully selected from hormone-free European or Japanese sources to avoid heavy metal and drug residues.
- Heart : Rich in taurine and high-quality protein, it can promote cardiovascular health and muscle development.
- Pancreas : Provides natural pancreatic enzymes to assist in the digestion of fat and protein, reducing the risk of stool odor and bloating.
- Kidney : Contains vitamin D, phosphorus and iron, which support bone and immune system function.
-
Tripe : Rich in probiotics and dietary fiber, it balances intestinal flora and prevents long-term diarrhea.
Age Zone: Offal Ratios for Puppies, Adults, and Veterans
| Age group | Proportion of viscera | Recommended location | Special Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppies | 5–10% | Heart, pancreas | Initially add in a low ratio and observe the digestion |
| adult dog | 10–15% | Liver, heart | It is recommended to rotate 3-5 parts to maintain comprehensive nutrition |
| old dog | 8–12% | Heart, kidneys | Avoid excessive liver function and pay attention to renal function index |
Source selection and rotation strategy
| source | Price range (HKD/kg) | Advantages | Recommended Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| European imports | 250–350 | No hormones, fully traceable | Main long-term source |
| Imported from Japan | 180–260 | Strict quality control, hormone-free report | Stable quality, mix and match |
| Thai origin | 120–180 | Affordable price, hormone-free | Occasionally replace or test sources |
| Hong Kong local | 200–300 | Super fresh, local products | Emergency restocking or weekend shopping |
Example of a one-week raw food recipe
| Meals | content | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Monday Breakfast | Beef heart + chicken thigh + grated carrot | 10% viscera/90% muscle |
| Tuesday Lunch | Pork liver + duck breast + pumpkin puree | 15% viscera/85% muscle |
| Wednesday Dinner | Three-layer stomach + minced beef + spinach puree | 10% viscera/90% muscle |
| Thursday Breakfast | Mixed offal (liver + pancreas) + chicken breast | 12% viscera/88% muscle |
| Friday lunch | Beef kidney + pork shoulder + grated carrot | 10% viscera/90% muscle |
| Saturday Dinner | Chicken liver + beef heart + broccoli puree | 15% viscera/85% muscle |
| Sunday Buffet | Dry food/freeze-dried complete meal + fish oil | — |
Tip: Mashed fruits and vegetables should be steamed and mixed with cold water before feeding, and adjustments should be made based on the dog's preferences and allergy history.
Safe Handling and Storage Guidelines
- Thawing: Thaw in the refrigerator or under running water. Never leave it at room temperature for a long time to avoid bacterial growth.
- Cutting: Store each part in separate bags, label with source and date to reduce cross contamination.
- Cleaning: Remove blood and surface mucus to ensure the internal organs are clean.
- Freezing: Freeze in divided portions, store below -18°C, and use within 1 week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why do we need to rotate the source of offal?
Avoid residual heavy metals and accumulation of medications, and reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and kidneys.
Q2: How can I make my own raw offal mix?
More than 3 kinds of offal can be collected, mixed in proportion and packaged separately, and then thawed and fed with meat at each meal.
Q3: What should you pay attention to when your puppy tries raw offal for the first time?
Start with 5%, observe the stool and appetite for 2 consecutive days, and then gradually increase to the adult dog standard.
Q4: Why can’t we only feed liver as an organ?
Although the liver is rich in vitamins, excessive intake can easily lead to vitamin A poisoning; only by rotating multiple parts can the nutrition be balanced.
Research citations and social recognition
1. According to research by the American Society of Pet Nutrition, eating a moderate amount of raw offal can increase the glossiness of a dog's coat by 18%.
2. In the Forever Pets community, 85% of owners reported that their dogs’ diarrhea episodes decreased by 60% after switching to European sources.
Below are some common issues we've shared with our members regarding raw meat feeding. You can also share them on WhatsApp to discuss common issues. We hope this helps.
