Are you looking for a homemade one-ingredient dog treat that’s economical and healthy for your dog? Beef heart dog treats may be your new best friend!
OK, I have to confess: I was a little nervous about cooking beef heart. I’ve cooked liver and kidneys for the dogs and both are, well, just plain stinky. Incredibly popular with the dogs, but smelly during the cooking preparation. However, beef heart is considered a muscle meat, not an organ, and makes a healthy and economical treat or meal.
Let’s look at the benefits of feeding beef heart to your dog (and a few things you should be aware of)–and the super simple way to prepare it in just minutes!
Is beef heart good for dogs?
Yes, beef heart is beneficial for dogs in moderation. Here’s why:
- Nutrient-Rich: Beef heart is a muscle meat and is packed with essential nutrients. It contains essential amino acids, vitamins such as B-complex (especially B12) and minerals like phosphorus, iron, copper, magnesium, and iodine.
- Protein Source: It provides a rich source of protein which can help support muscle growth and maintain the overall health of your dog.
- Taurine: Beef heart is an excellent source of taurine, an amino acid that is beneficial for a dog’s heart health, eyesight, and reproductive capabilities.
- Low in Fat: Compared to other cuts, beef heart is relatively low in fat. This makes it a healthier option, especially for dogs that might need to watch their fat intake.
- Economical and Sustainable: Using beef heart can be more economical than other meat cuts. It’s also a way of ensuring that more of an animal is used, reducing waste.
- Palatability: Many dogs love the taste of beef heart. (Ours are crazy for it!) Its unique flavor can be a treat for them.
However, like with any treat or new food item, there are some things to consider:
- Feed in Moderation: Even though beef heart is healthy, it shouldn’t replace a balanced diet. It should be an occasional treat or supplement to a well-rounded diet.
- Source Quality: Ensure the beef heart is sourced from healthy, ideally grass-fed, animals and is free from harmful additives or preservatives.
Always consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet, especially if they have existing health conditions.
How to Prepare Beef Heart for Your Dog
I was worried about cooking beef heart for the first time on a hot, humid day. I knew, though, that beef heart is healthy for dogs and they’re very reasonably priced–just $1.25 a pound for beef heart at our local grocery store.
Ingredients
1 pound beef heart
2 tablespoons olive oil
Hearts are often sold as just a portion in grocery stores but they are large:
I cubed the meat in small chunks and fried it at medium-high for about 10 minutes.
That’s it! Just refrigerate (or freeze any portion you don’t think you’ll use in the next few days).
And the only surprise: it didn’t smell like organ meat! It definitely didn’t smell like steak cooking but the scent was nowhere near as strong as organ meats.
Our dogs LOVED this meaty treat that cost just over $1!
Looking for a different way to prepare beef heart? You can also slice it thinner and dehydrate it, either in a dehydrator or your oven!
More Dog Treat Recipes You Might Like
We’ve got lots of dog treats — and chews — recipes here on DogTipper including these you might enjoy preparing for your dog:
Tripe Chews for Your Dog: One Ingredient Recipe!
Liver Jerky Dog Treats Recipe with Just 1 Ingredient!
How to Make Chicken Jerky for Dogs {in your oven!}
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Cooks: Don’t miss our My Dog Says I’m a Great Cook™ cookbook with over 100 dog treat recipes from the publishers, readers and fans of DogTipper! This paperback book is available in our YUCKY PUPPY gift store!
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