Sometimes, we draw the line at what we eat and don’t eat when it comes to meat.
For many people, eating chicken liver is something that they find disgusting or icky, to say the least, while others see no problem with having it.
This is why people mostly opt to throw the liver out while making their favorite chicken recipe.
However, can you give it to your dog instead?
It is true that chicken liver is rich in nutrients and is even known to contain large amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin B, trace minerals, iron, etc. It, of course, is also an excellent source of protein.
But, is it entirely safe for your Goldy?
In this blog post, I will answer the question, “Can dogs eat chicken liver?” in as much detail as I can so that you know just what to do.
So, let’s get started, shall we?
Does Chicken Liver Have Health Benefits for My Golden Retriever?
I heard that chicken liver is bad for goldens---Is this true?
Is Raw Chicken Liver Safe for Golden Retrievers to Consume?
Final Words: Can Golden Retrievers Eat Chicken Liver?
Contents
Does Chicken Liver Have Health Benefits for My Golden Retriever?
Investing in a good dog food is something you need to do with caution these days because dog food companies have been known to adopt certain malpractices. So, most commercial dog food has been brought under scrutiny and callbacks are quite common.
So, it is always a good idea to look up some alternatives to commercial dog foods.
A good and healthy diet can ensure a long life for your furry friend.
One of the most common ingredients found in commercial dog food products is chicken because it is rich in Vitamin B, Vitamin A, iron, zinc, copper, niacin, phosphorus, etc. Chicken liver, too has many benefits for your dog’s health and is an amazing source of omega 3 and six fatty acids and is perfectly safe for your dog to consume.
So, yes, your dog can have chicken liver without any health problems.
In fact, eating chicken liver can prove to be more than beneficial for your Golden Retriever’s vision and can also help if your dog suffers from essence or blood deficiency.
Hold your horses!
But, as with all good things, there’s something you need to keep in mind.
Since the liver is so nutrient-dense, it can cause your Goldy to have loose stools if you feed too much of it too often.
We recommend that you start small and feed your dog only half a tablespoon of chicken liver once in every few days and monitor his stool, If everything seems okay, you can gradually increase the frequency of feeding.
This will help you ensure your dog gets the health benefits without the nasty side effects.
Another thing you should keep in mind is that chicken liver is rich in copper and you shouldn’t give it to your dog if he has some copper issues going on.
If you’re unsure as to what it means, calling your vet up is the best option.
I heard that chicken liver is bad for goldens, Is this true?
When you feed your dog something in excess, things are bound to go wrong.
Since chicken liver is high in fat, it can cause your doggy friend to gain a few pounds and make him look chubbier.
This shouldn’t really be a problem unless your Golden Retriever is overweight, at the brink of obesity, or already obese. If that’s the case the, you should avoid feeding it too regularly to your dog because its bound to cause further complications in the short and even the long run.
Chicken liver may also pose a problem if you feed it to your Golden Retriever in large quantities.
The consumption of chicken liver can also cause Vitamin A hypervitaminosis which is a fatal condition that occurs due to the consumption of very large quantities of liver.
So, keep in mind that moderation is key.
Is Raw Chicken Liver Safe for Golden Retrievers to Consume?
There are two sides to whether or not you should be feeding your dog raw meat.
While some people think that feeding raw meat to their Golden Retrievers is safe because that’s what dogs actually eat in the wild, others think that raw meat can cause dogs to catch various diseases and is not good for their health.
You need to do your research to pick which side you are on and most convinced by.
In our opinion, it is true that wild dogs do eat raw meat and their bodies have evolved to be able to digest it. However, the chances your dog can get food-borne illness if he consumes raw chicken liver are also higher than when he consumes cooked chicken liver.
Take your pick.
We recommend that you should add raw foods to your dog’s diet but, not put him on a 100% raw food diet.
5% of your dog’s diet can contain chicken liver and other raw meats.
Final Words: Can Golden Retrievers Eat Chicken Liver?
Dog food companies have been using chicken and chicken liver in the formulae for years so, they are completely safe for your dog to consume.
Not only is chicken liver completely safe for your dog to consume, it is also rich in protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, trace minerals, etc. which makes it a healthy snack or addition to the meal.
That being said…
Chicken liver is something that takes getting used to. So, you’ll have to start by feeding it gradually to your dog.
Still, have any questions? Let me know in the comments section, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
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