Top 10 Reasons to Feed Your Dog Liver
If you put liver in front of your dog, it will most likely be eaten before the blink of an eye. Liver is an essential part of most dog’s diets.
It is rich in vitamins and minerals and is vital if your pet pooch is to remain healthy. Liver is an organ-meat and like other organ meats, it should make up at least 10-15% of your dogs diet.
Here are the top 10 benefits of feeding your dog liver…
1. Liver Is Rich In Vitamin A
Liver is the most abundant source of vitamin A or alternatively known as Carotene. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble antioxidant, which helps your pet’s coat, muscles, nerves, skin and vision. In puppies, vitamin A helps them to grow and develop normally.
For females, vitamin A is essential for healthy ovarian growth and can help them reproduce successfully. The darker the liver, the more vitamin A it contains.
If your pet is currently suffering with skin issues, dull coat, slow growth and night blindness, this could be a sign that your loved one has a Vitamin A deficiency so try out small amounts of liver and see if you notice a difference.
2. Liver Provides A Source of Protein
Protein is an essential part of any dogs diet. It has been a common old wives tale that too much protein equates to kidney failure in dogs, however this is not the case.
Protein is not only a nutrient, it is also made up of amino acids, which are the foundation of your dog’s tissues, organs, enzymes, hormones and antibodies. Protein makes up approximately half of the water-less body mass of your dog and adult dogs as well as puppies need protein in order to restore and replenish this protein.
Protein is stored in the liver of your dog and if it is eaten in excess, their body may not need it and excretes it through their kidneys.
If you feed your dog high quality protein such as liver from a kangaroo or cattle, then their bodies will use the majority of this high quality protein, excreting very little through their kidneys.
3. Liver Is A High Source Of Omega 3 And Omega 6 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 and 6 are essential for your pet’s health.
Dogs that suffer with flee allergies, inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, auto-immune issues need more omega 3 and pets that have chronic illnesses such as cancer, need more omega 6 in their diets. Omega 3 and 6 are both incorporated in the structure of cells found throughout the body and when cells become damaged, these fatty acids are released into the body.
If your pet is suffering with an infection, then this release of fatty acids is the body’s way of fighting that infection. Not only do these fatty acids promote a fully functioning immune system, they also help to improve the health of your pet’s fur and skin.
4. Liver Contains High Amounts Of Iron And Copper
Iron combines with copper and protein to form the foundations of haemoglobin, which is the chemical found inside red blood cells, which carries oxygen throughout the body.
Red blood cells are in a continuous life cycle whereby they live for 110 days, die and then need to be replaced. By adding iron and copper to your dogs diet constantly, you are ensuring that their red blood cell life cycle is continuously working.
5. Liver Is High In Niacin
Niacin, which is alternatively known as vitamin B3 is another essential vitamin to feed your pup. Vitamin B3 is vital in promoting healthy skin and fur as well as proper circulation of blood and oxygen throughout the body.
Niacin is also used to help lower cholesterol and metabolise proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It is often used to promote memory for dogs in training.
6. Liver Contains Phosphorus
Phosphorus works in conjunction with calcium, however it is commonly known that any foods high in calcium are subsequently low in phosphorus and visa versa.
Liver is no different; it contains high levels of phosphorus however very low levels of calcium, so substituting the calcium in your pets diet, is a good idea.
Phosphorus works with calcium to promote and maintain the growth, structure and stability of your dog’s bones and skeletal system, which is especially important for growing pups.
7. Liver Has High Levels Of Zinc
Zinc is the perfect mineral for promoting your pet’s healthy skin and coat. It is commonly supplemented in the majority of commercial pet foods, however liver contains a high concentration and is a natural source of zinc.
8. Source of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 as well as Iron work in order to promote a healthy nervous system for your dog. It is also a vital source of energy for your pet.
If you find that your pup is sluggish and does not want to go out for walks, the chances are that they are deficient in vitamin B12. A lack of Vitamin B12 can lead to anaemia and can even cause gastrointestinal issues, if left untreated.
Vitamin B12 is not commonly found in regular dog food, so supplementing it by adding liver to your pets diet will help substantially.
Another sign to look out for if you pet has a vitamin B12 deficiency is a lack of appetite. Extremely cold weather as well as stress can deplete your dogs vitamin B levels so make sure you supplement these at times of stress and weather changes.
9. Liver Contains High Levels of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is what is known as a ‘wonder vitamin’. It is essential in preventing and aiding circulatory issues such as heart disease and arteriosclerosis. It boosts the immune system, helps to prevent cataracts, promotes fertility and slows down the ageing process.
Vitamin E helps to oxygenate the blood and helps all internal organs to function at their optimum level. It is essential if your pet is suffering with any skin issues.
10. It Is So Easy To Add To Your Dogs Diet
Adding liver to your dogs diet is so easy. You can either buy it from your local meat market, or buy some delicious liver treats like Kangeroo Liver from Pet Snacks.
Some dogs do not like the texture of raw liver so buying a dried treat is just as good as giving them raw liver. Once your pet gets the taste for it, liver with all its beneficial factors, can become a regular part of your dogs diet.