Why We Are Head Over Heels for Heart: The Superfood Protein

To celebrate the month of love, discover the health-boosting benefits of heart and why we are head over heels for this nutritious protein.

Forget the soppy Valentine's kind we see everywhere this time of year; the heart, which is both a muscle and organ, boasts some unique and powerful superfood strength!

Why Feed Your Dog Organ Meat

Your dog is designed to eat a species-appropriate, natural, raw diet, including organ meat. This replicates what dogs and their ancestors ate in the wild and provides all the essential nutrients they need to thrive.

Organ meats ( including heart, lung, liver, and kidneys, to name a few) are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are a great source of protein and are loaded with vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins A, B, and D, Phosphorus, Iron, Copper, magnesium, and Selenium.

Organ meat is more densely packed with nutrients than muscle meat, making organs an essential part of a balanced and complete raw diet. We recommend that organ meat make up around 10% of your dog's overall diet; half of this should be liver.

For more information on feeding your dog's organs, check out our blog: Offal Organs: Why Feed Your Dog Raw Organs? – Top Dog Food & Supply

The Heart of the Matter

Heart is an excellent source of B vitamins, minerals such as iron, and essential fatty acids. The super lean protein also contains Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which is vital for heart health, energy, and cell production.

Heart provides an array of health and well-being benefits for your pup, from helping joint health and supporting energy and muscle development to boosting the cardiovascular system and keeping coats in top condition.

At Top Dog, we offer turkey and chicken hearts and our popular beef hearts, made from 100% USDA-approved, human-grade beef. Available in chunks, we recommend serving these in moderation as a nutritious topper or treat.

Katie Coach, our Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist, is a fan of feeding beef heart as part of a balanced diet:

"Beef heart is a wonderful addition to your dog's bowl as it packs a powerful punch of nutrient-dense vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It is a major source of taurine, which helps to support your dog's heart. A taurine deficiency can lead to heart disease, so it is important to include heart as part of your dog's diet.

Although heart is classified as muscle meat, it is very rich, so stick to around 5% of your dog's daily food intake. Make sure to introduce it slowly to allow your dog to get used to it, as too much too quickly can lead to GI upset. When sourcing beef hearts, opt for human-grade, ideally from grass-fed animals. Cooking depletes some nutrients and enzymes, so you want to include raw heart in your dog's meals, or give it as a freeze-dried treat."

Six Reasons Why We Love Beef Heart

1. It's a Lean Superfood

Beef heart is a low-fat and lean source of protein, so it's great for weight management. It's also rich in amino acids that help support metabolism and immune function, boost energy and stamina, and aid in healthy muscle development.

2. It's Nutrient-Dense

Beef heart is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B6 and B12, which support brain and nerve function. It also contains iron, copper, selenium, phosphorus, and zinc to boost well-being. Beef heart is also great for joint health and mobility, as it's rich in collagen and elastin.

3. It's a Heart Hero

Beef heart is a natural source of taurine, an amino acid that helps support your dog's heart, cardiovascular system, and blood flow for overall health.

4. Supernurtrient CoQ10

Beef heart contains Coenzyme Q10, which is important for cell function and energy production and can also help reduce general inflammation.

5. Gut Health Goodness

Beef heart contains probiotics that support a healthy gut and help with digestive issues.

6. It's a Taste Bud Treat

The rich flavor and soft texture of beef heart make it a hit with most dogs. It's a great way to add nutritious variety to your pup's diet and boost mealtime excitement.

Raw beef heart might not be suitable for dogs with certain health conditions, so please consult your veterinarian team if you have any concerns or medical questions before adding to their diet.

If you want advice on choosing the best raw products for your dog, contact us at✉️ woof@topdogfoodandsupply.com 📱 203-345-0350.