Can Dogs Eat Beef Organs? Here’s What You Should Know.

When most people think about feeding their dogs “beef,” they picture muscle meat—maybe a lean steak or ground beef. But there’s a whole world of nutrient-dense cuts that often get overlooked: organ meats.

We get asked this a lot:
“Can dogs eat beef liver?”
“Is kidney safe?”
“What even is spleen?”

Let’s clear it up.

The Short Answer: Yes, Dogs Can—and Should—Eat Organ Meats.

Beef organs aren’t just safe for dogs; they’re incredibly good for them when given in the right amount. In the wild, canines naturally go for the organs first when they make a kill. Why? Because they know where the nutrition is. It's instinct.

At Earth & Tail, we lead with beef organs for a reason. They're packed with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that you just can’t replicate with processed kibble or conventional treats. And when sourced from healthy animals and dehydrated the right way, they're not only safe—they’re some of the most functional whole-food snacks you can give your dog.

Let’s break down what each organ offers.

Beef Liver

Liver is nature’s multivitamin. It’s rich in:

• Vitamin A (for vision, skin, and immune health)

• B vitamins (for energy and brain function)

• Iron (for red blood cell production)

• Copper and zinc (for immune and cellular health)

Tip: Liver is powerful. Too much can lead to vitamin A toxicity over time, so stick to it in moderation—ideally no more than 5% of your dog’s overall diet.

Beef Heart

Technically a muscle, but nutritionally closer to an organ. It’s loaded with:

• Taurine – crucial for heart function, especially in larger breeds

• CoQ10 – supports cardiovascular and immune health

• Iron, phosphorus, and B vitamins

Heart supports heart. Simple as that.

Beef Kidney

Kidney doesn’t get as much love, but it should. It contains:

• B12, selenium, and riboflavin

• Natural enzymes that aid in detox

• A strong amino acid profile for tissue repair and maintenance

Dogs with inflammation or skin issues often benefit from nutrient-rich organ support like kidney.

Beef Spleen

The underdog of the organ lineup. Spleen is:

• High in heme iron (the form dogs absorb best)

• A rich source of immune-supporting compounds

• Great for dogs prone to fatigue or anemia

It’s got a strong smell and taste—most dogs go crazy for it.

How Often Should You Feed Organs?

Organs should make up roughly 10% of your dog’s overall diet. Liver should stay around 5%, with other organs making up the rest. If you’re using them as treats (like our dehydrated single-ingredient options), think in small daily portions. A few pieces a day goes a long way.

These aren’t filler snacks. They’re functional, nutrient-loaded, and ideal for reward-based training or just as a daily health boost.

Why Source Matters

Not all organ treats are created equal. We source all of our beef organs from local California farms that raise their animals ethically—no hormones, no antibiotics, and processed in USDA-inspected facilities. Then we hand-slice and slow-dehydrate every batch to preserve the nutrients without needing preservatives.

That’s the Earth & Tail difference. Simple. Clean. Real.

Bottom Line

Can dogs eat beef organs? Absolutely. And they should—when sourced right and fed in moderation.

At Earth & Tail, we believe in feeding dogs the way nature intended. Our organ lineup—liver, heart, kidney, and spleen—isn’t just a product. It’s a return to real food.

Try one. Your dog’s body (and tail) will thank you.