Can Dogs Eat Chicken Hearts? A Pet Parent’s Guide to This Nutritious Treat

Picture this: You’re dicing up fresh chicken hearts for tonight’s dinner, and your pup trots over, tail wagging, nose twitching at the savory aroma. Those big, hopeful eyes seem to say, “Share a bite?” Before you toss them a piece, you pause—are chicken hearts safe for dogs?

If you’ve ever wondered whether this humble organ meat belongs in your dog’s bowl, you’re not alone. Chicken hearts are a popular (and affordable!) treat in many households, but it’s natural to worry about their safety and nutritional value.

The short answer? Yes, dogs can eat chicken hearts—and in moderation, they can be a fantastic addition to your pup’s diet. Packed with essential nutrients like taurine, iron, and B vitamins, chicken hearts offer a range of health benefits. But like any treat, they come with a few caveats, too.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know: the benefits, the risks, how much to feed, and even healthier alternatives. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

1. Can Dogs Eat Chicken Hearts? The Short Answer
2. Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Hearts for Dogs
3. Potential Risks to Watch For
4. How Much Chicken Heart Can Dogs Safely Eat?
5. How to Prepare Chicken Hearts for Your Dog
6. Healthier Alternatives (If Needed)
7. FAQ: Your Chicken Heart Questions Answered
8. Conclusion: Moderation is Key

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Hearts? The Short Answer

Let’s cut to the chase: Chicken hearts are not only safe for dogs but also nutrient-dense and highly palatable. They’re a natural source of protein and essential vitamins/minerals that support your dog’s heart, energy levels, and overall health.

Veterinarians and pet nutritionists often recommend organ meats like hearts as part of a balanced diet, as they provide nutrients that may be missing from commercial kibble. However, “safe” doesn’t mean “unlimited.” As with any treat, portion control and preparation matter—more on that later!

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Hearts for Dogs

Chicken hearts are small, but they’re nutritional powerhouses. Here’s why they’re worth adding to your dog’s treat rotation:

1. Rich in Taurine: A Heart-Health Hero

Taurine is an amino acid critical for dogs’ heart function, vision, and brain health. Unlike humans, dogs can’t produce enough taurine on their own, so they need to get it from their diet. Chicken hearts are loaded with taurine—one 3-ounce serving contains roughly 300-400 mg, which is more than enough to support a small dog’s daily needs (adult dogs require about 50-100 mg per day, depending on size).

A deficiency in taurine can lead to serious heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), especially in breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, and Dobermans. Adding chicken hearts to your dog’s diet is a tasty way to keep their ticker strong!

2. Iron: Boosts Energy and Red Blood Cells

Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Low iron levels can leave dogs feeling lethargic, weak, or even anemic. Chicken hearts are an excellent source of heme iron (the type most easily absorbed by the body), making them a great choice for active dogs, senior dogs, or those recovering from illness.

3. B Vitamins: For Energy and Brain Health

Chicken hearts are packed with B vitamins, including B12, B6, and niacin (B3). These vitamins play a role in:

• Converting food into energy (hello, zoomies!).
• Supporting brain function and cognitive health (important for senior dogs).
• Maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat.

4. Zinc and Potassium: Immunity and Electrolyte Balance

Zinc is vital for a strong immune system, wound healing, and healthy thyroid function. Potassium, on the other hand, helps regulate muscle contractions (including the heart), nerve function, and fluid balance. Both minerals are present in chicken hearts, making them a well-rounded treat.

5. Low in Fat, High in Protein

At just 70-80 calories per 3-ounce serving (cooked), chicken hearts are lean and protein-dense—perfect for dogs watching their weight. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance, tissue repair, and overall growth, especially in puppies and active dogs.

Potential Risks to Watch For

While chicken hearts are generally safe, they’re not without risks. Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Choking Hazard (Especially for Small Dogs)

Chicken hearts are small, but their size can still pose a choking risk, especially for tiny breeds (think Chihuahuas or Yorkies) or dogs who gulp their food. To avoid this, always cut hearts into bite-sized pieces before feeding. For extra safety, mash or mince them for toy breeds or dogs prone to choking.

2. Bacterial Risks (Raw vs. Cooked)

Raw chicken hearts may contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, which can make both dogs and humans sick. While some pet owners feed raw diets (like BARF), vets caution that raw meat increases the risk of gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) or infection—especially in puppies, seniors, or dogs with weakened immune systems.

Cooking chicken hearts thoroughly (boiling, steaming, or sautéing without oil/spices) kills bacteria and makes them safer for your pup.

3. Overfeeding: Calories and Nutrient Imbalance

Chicken hearts are nutritious, but they’re still a treat—not a meal replacement. Feeding too many can lead to:

• Weight gain: Excess calories add up quickly!
• Nutrient imbalance: Overloading on organ meats (hearts, liver, etc.) can throw off your dog’s diet, as they’re high in certain vitamins (like vitamin A in liver) that can be toxic in large amounts.

Stick to the 10% rule: Treats (including chicken hearts) should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

4. Allergies (Rare, but Possible)

Chicken is one of the most common food allergens in dogs. If your pup has a chicken allergy, chicken hearts will trigger symptoms like itching, ear infections, or digestive upset. In that case, opt for alternative proteins (more on that later!).

How Much Chicken Heart Can Dogs Safely Eat?

The key here is moderation. The amount depends on your dog’s size, age, and activity level. As a general guideline:

Frequency: Aim for 2-3 times per week at most. For example, a small dog could have 1 heart as a training reward twice a week, while a large dog might get 3 hearts as a post-walk snack once every few days.

Pro tip: Check with your vet to adjust portions based on your dog’s specific needs (e.g., weight loss, medical conditions like kidney disease).

How to Prepare Chicken Hearts for Your Dog

Preparing chicken hearts is quick and easy—no fancy recipes required! Here’s how to do it safely:

Step 1: Source Quality Hearts

Choose fresh or frozen chicken hearts from a reputable supplier (organic or free-range if possible, to avoid antibiotics/hormones). Thaw frozen hearts completely before cooking.

Step 2: Cook Thoroughly (Skip the Seasonings!)

• Boil: Place hearts in a pot of water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked (no pink inside).
• Steam: Steam for 12-15 minutes until tender.
• Sauté: Cook in a dry pan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally (no oil, butter, or spices!).

Never add salt, garlic, onion, or seasonings—these are toxic to dogs.

Step 3: Cool and Serve

Let the hearts cool to room temperature, then cut into small pieces (or mash for small dogs). Serve plain, or mix into their regular food for a flavor boost.

Raw Feeding? Proceed with Caution

If you follow a raw diet (BARF or prey-model), raw chicken hearts can be fed, but take precautions:

• Handle raw meat separately from human food to avoid cross-contamination.
• Freeze hearts for 48 hours first to kill parasites (like Toxoplasma).
• Only feed to healthy dogs—avoid puppies, seniors, or immunocompromised pups.

Healthier Alternatives (If Needed)

Chicken hearts are already pretty healthy, but if your dog can’t have chicken (due to allergies) or you want to mix things up, try these alternatives:

1. Turkey Hearts

Similar to chicken hearts but slightly leaner, turkey hearts are a great option for dogs with chicken allergies. They’re equally rich in taurine and iron.

2. Beef Liver (In Moderation)

Beef liver is a nutrient bomb (high in vitamin A, iron, and zinc), but it’s very rich—too much can cause vitamin A toxicity. Limit to 1-2 small pieces per week for medium dogs.

3. Lean Muscle Meats

Chicken breast, turkey, or lean beef are low in fat and high in protein, though they’re less nutrient-dense than organ meats. Great for dogs on low-calorie diets.

4. Green Tripe

Green tripe (unbleached, raw tripe) is packed with probiotics, enzymes, and nutrients, but it has a strong smell! Look for freeze-dried options if you’re sensitive to odors.

FAQ: Your Chicken Heart Questions Answered

Q: Can puppies eat chicken hearts?

A: Yes! Puppies can enjoy cooked chicken hearts in small portions (e.g., ½ a heart for a toy breed puppy, 1 heart for a medium breed puppy). They’re a great source of protein for growth, but avoid overfeeding—puppies have tiny tummies!

Q: Are chicken hearts good for dogs with kidney disease?

A: Chicken hearts are moderate in phosphorus (a mineral that can strain kidneys), so check with your vet first. If your dog has kidney issues, your vet may recommend limiting organ meats.

Q: Can dogs eat chicken heart bones?

A: No—chicken hearts don’t have bones, but if you buy whole chicken giblets (hearts, livers, gizzards), watch for small bones in gizzards. Always remove bones before feeding.

Q: My dog ate too many chicken hearts—what should I do?

A: Mild stomach upset (diarrhea, vomiting) is common if they overindulge. Offer small sips of water and withhold food for 12 hours. If symptoms persist or your dog seems lethargic, contact your vet.

Q: Are chicken hearts hypoallergenic?

A: They can be! Since they’re a novel protein for some dogs (not as common as chicken breast), they may work for pups with food sensitivities—unless they’re allergic to chicken itself.

Conclusion: Moderation is Key

Chicken hearts are a tasty, nutrient-dense treat that most dogs love—and they’re good for them, too! Packed with taurine, iron, and B vitamins, they support heart health, energy, and immunity. Just remember:

• Cook thoroughly to avoid bacteria.
• Cut into small pieces to prevent choking.
• Stick to 10% of daily calories (no more than 2-3 times per week).

As with any new food, introduce chicken hearts slowly to watch for allergies or stomach upset. And when in doubt, check with your vet—they’ll help you tailor portions to your dog’s unique needs.

So go ahead—share a chicken heart with your pup (after cooking, of course!). Those tail wags will be worth it.

Sources:

• American Kennel Club (AKC): “Human Foods Dogs Can and Can’t Eat”
• PetMD: “Organ Meats for Dogs: Are They Safe?”
• Balance IT (Veterinary Nutrition): “Taurine Requirements for Dogs”
• The Merck Veterinary Manual: “Nutritional Requirements of Dogs”