Are Chicken Hearts Good for Dogs? Why They Make a Great Treat

August 25, 2025

Organ meats are often overlooked in canine nutrition. Yet, they are packed with some essential nutrients like B vitamins and iron. Lately, social media is full of people feeding their dogs raw bones and organs like chicken hearts. But should you do it?

The short answer to “are chicken hearts good for dogs?” is yes. They can help dogs live longer and healthier lives. But let’s talk about the long answer. As the interest in whole-food feeding grows, chicken hearts have become a popular topic among pet parents and nutrition experts.

What Are Chicken Hearts and Why Do Dogs Love Them?

Chicken hearts are the muscular organs full of nutrients. They have a long history in rural and southern cuisines where people often turn discarded cuts into incredible meals. These days, they have made an entrance into canine nutrition as well. Valued for their flavor, nutrients, and texture, they continue to grow in popularity. Besides being a healthy addition to canine nutrition, chicken hearts also help reduce food waste and complement a variety of freeze dried and raw meal options for your pup..

One cup of cooked chicken hearts contains:

268 calories
38.3g of protein
11.5g of fat
351mg of cholesterol
Vitamins including B3, B6, B2, and C
Minerals including iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and selenium

Dogs love chicken hearts because of their natural flavor and high protein content. A natural source of taurine, chicken hearts provide amino acids that support heart health. Whether served cooked or as freeze dried chicken hearts, these treats are a favorite among many pet parents.

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Hearts for Dogs

Diet plays a huge role in supporting dogs’ overall health and well-being. Chicken hearts offer several nutritious benefits, mainly by being a great source of lean protein. They’re especially beneficial when incorporated into freeze dried pet food formulas or used as high-reward treats during training. Here is a deeper look:

One of the key nutritional benefits is the high taurine content, an amino acid that supports heart function and helps regulate heart muscle contraction.
Packed with high-quality protein, chicken hearts support the overall body strength of dogs.
They are a good source of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids help support cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and improve blood circulation.
Chicken hearts provide plenty of zinc and iron, two minerals that help with improved blood flow.

If you’ve ever wondered, is beef liver good for dogs, or is venison good for dogs, the answer is yes—just like chicken hearts, they are nutrient-dense organ meats and protein options that support your dog’s health in moderation.

Potential Downsides Of Feeding Chicken Hearts

Moderation is key with any food, and the same applies to chicken hearts. Only give them as treats to dogs, not as full meals. While they’re nutritious, you should be cautious when feeding your dog too many organ meats, even ones as healthy as these.

Two potential downsides of chicken hearts are that they contain cholesterol and sodium. Dogs prone to obesity and obese dogs should stay away from chicken hearts. It is best that you consult with a veterinarian to make sure the treats you are feeding your pup are not doing more harm than good.

How Chicken Hearts Support Your Dog’s Health

Chicken hearts are rich in protein and some essential vitamins and minerals, improving your pup’s overall well-being. Let’s take a closer look at these health benefits.

High Protein Content

Chicken hearts contain a high amount of protein, making them a great source for dogs that need to build up or maintain muscle mass. With more than 20g of protein per 100g, chicken hearts help growing and adult dogs maintain and restore critical bodily functions. Protein is the key component of any well-balanced diet, especially for an energetic dog or developing puppy.

Aid in Growth and Development

Iron is a mineral essential for growth and development. It plays a role in hemoglobin formation, helping transport oxygen in the blood. Combined with high protein content, chicken hearts support better iron absorption.

Improved Red Blood Cell Production

Chicken hearts contain plenty of B Vitamins, mainly vitamin B12. This vitamin supports red blood cell production and neurological health.

Support Weight Management

Dogs that have reduced activity levels due to age or other factors are often prone to weight gain. Chicken hearts are low in calories while still providing plenty of nutrients, helping less active dogs manage their weight.

Help With Skin Health

Chicken hearts contain a small, yet valuable amount of vitamin A. While not as much as liver, for example, chicken hearts still contribute to improved skin health and immune function in dogs.

Improved Immunity

As a natural source of zinc, chicken hearts make it easier for the body to absorb essential nutrients. Zinc helps with overall immunity, but also contributes to better skin health.

How to Serve Chicken Hearts Safely

First and foremost, chicken hearts should be given mostly as healthy freeze-dried chicken hearts treats, not full meals for dogs. Because of their cholesterol content, pet owners should feed chicken hearts and organ meats in moderation. For active dogs, 10% of their calories should come from organ meat.

When looking to buy chicken hearts, look for companies that promise antibiotic-free and USA-sourced chicken meat, free from additives, by-products, grains, corn, and similar fillers.

Pet owners can serve chicken hearts as treats, food toppers, or as part of a larger meal. For dogs that have not tried chicken hearts before, start slowly, introducing them in small amounts. Many owners prefer freeze-dried options for added convenience and shelf life without losing nutritional value.

Can Chicken Hearts Replace a Complete Meal

No, chicken hearts are treats that do not replace a complete and balanced meal. The best way to serve them is as dog treats, an addition to a complete meal and diet. They can also be used as a freeze-dried topper.

Darwin’s Chicken Heart Products

In conclusion, chicken hearts are an excellent treat for dogs, offering a variety of nutritional benefits, including high-quality protein, taurine for heart health, and essential vitamins and minerals. While they should be served in moderation, they make a great addition to your dog's diet, whether as a high-reward treat, food topper, or part of a balanced meal. At Darwin’s, we provide premium, human-grade chicken heart treats that are both delicious and nutritious for your dog. Always consult with a veterinarian before introducing new foods to ensure your dog’s specific health needs are met.

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