Gizzards for Dogs: How Much to Feed, Benefits & More

Are gizzards for dogs a healthy addition to a raw diet or just a cheap filler?

I get this question surprisingly often, especially from newer raw feeders trying to figure out which cuts of meat actually belong in a balanced bowl.

Personally, I’ve been feeding raw since 2015 and began making my own raw meals in 2016. All four of my dogs — Missy, Buzz, Wally, and even Labrador puppy Pepper — have always loved gizzards as part of their raw meals.

Over the years I’ve also become a certified raw dog food nutrition specialist through Dogs Naturally Magazine and now work for German raw dog food company BARFER’S.

So let’s take a closer look at gizzards — what they are, why they can be useful in raw feeding, how much to feed, and where to source them.

Can Dogs Eat Gizzards?

Yes, dogs can eat gizzards. Chicken, turkey, and duck gizzards are safe for dogs and can be a nutritious addition to a balanced raw diet.

They’re naturally rich in protein, B vitamins, iron, zinc, potassium, and vitamin E, nutrients that support muscle function, metabolism, and overall health. Because gizzards are dense and slightly chewy, many dogs also find them more satisfying to eat than softer cuts of meat.

When fed as part of a balanced diet, gizzards are far more than a cheap filler — they’re a nutrient-dense ingredient that fits well into many raw feeding routines.

What Are Gizzards?

Gizzards are muscular digestive organs found mainly in birds such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese. Unlike secreting organs like the liver or kidney, gizzards function as a grinding stomach that helps birds break down food.

Because birds don’t have teeth, they swallow small stones or gravel that help grind food inside the gizzard before it moves further along the digestive tract. In other words, the gizzard acts like a powerful mechanical stomach.

In raw feeding, however, gizzards are usually classified as muscle meat rather than organ meat. That means they can be included as part of your dog’s regular meat portion in a balanced raw diet.

Chicken gizzards are the easiest to find and are usually the most affordable option at grocery stores and butcher shops.

The outside of a gizzard tends to be firm and muscular, while the inside is softer and more tender.

Gizzards vs. Giblets for Dogs

You may also hear the term giblets when you’re looking to learn more about poultry organs.

Giblets are simply a collection of edible poultry organs that usually include:

• liver
• heart
• gizzard

All three can be fed to dogs, but they belong to different feeding categories in raw diets.

Liver is considered a secreting organ, which means it’s fed in smaller amounts due to its high vitamin A and B content.

Hearts and gizzards, on the other hand, are generally counted as muscle meat.

This distinction is important when you’re building balanced raw meals.

Benefits of Gizzards for Dogs

Gizzards contain several B vitamins that support energy metabolism, cell growth, and nervous system health, including:

• niacin (B3)
• pantothenic acid (B5)
• folate (B9)
• cobalamin (B12)

These vitamins play an important role in red blood cell formation, immune function, and tissue repair.

Iron

Iron helps transport oxygen throughout the body and supports the production of healthy red blood cells.

Zinc

Zinc supports immune function, thyroid regulation, and healthy skin.

Magnesium

Magnesium contributes to muscle and nerve function while also helping the body utilize other nutrients.

Selenium

Selenium acts as an antioxidant and supports thyroid metabolism, DNA synthesis, and cellular protection.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus plays an important role in bone health and also supports kidney function and cellular energy production.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage and supports immune health.

Potassium

Potassium helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signaling, and muscle contractions throughout the body..

Chicken vs Turkey Gizzards: Nutritional Differences

Different animal sources naturally contain slightly different nutrient profiles.

For example, turkey gizzards are generally richer in several vitamins and minerals compared to chicken gizzards.

Chicken gizzards, however, contain slightly higher levels of:

• Vitamin E
• Potassium

These variations are one of the reasons why protein rotation is so important in raw feeding. Feeding a variety of meats helps balance nutrient intake over time.

Below is the nutrient profile per 100 grams (3 oz).

Raw Chicken Gizzards

Vitamin A — 19 mcg
Thiamin (B1) — 0.028 mg
Riboflavin (B2) — 0.231 mg
Niacin (B3) — 3.680 mg
Pantothenic Acid (B5) — 0.631 mg
Vitamin B6 — 0.112 mg
Vitamin B12 — 1.21 mcg
Folate — 5 mcg
Vitamin C — 3.7 mg
Vitamin E — 0.33 mg
Calcium — 11 mg
Iron — 2.49 mg
Magnesium — 15 mg
Phosphorus — 148 mg
Potassium — 237 mg
Selenium — 25.5 mcg
Zinc — 2.72 mg

Raw Turkey Gizzards

Vitamin A — 46 mcg
Thiamin — 0.061 mg
Riboflavin — 0.327 mg
Niacin — 6.233 mg
Pantothenic Acid — 0.914 mg
Vitamin B6 — 0.198 mg
Vitamin B12 — 3.61 mcg
Folate — 6 mcg
Vitamin C — 6.2 mg
Vitamin D — 0.5 mcg
Choline — 89.7 mg
Calcium — 16 mg
Iron — 2.78 mg
Magnesium — 19 mg
Phosphorus — 164 mg
Potassium — 185 mg
Selenium — 28.8 mcg
Zinc — 3.03 mg

How to Feed Gizzards to Dogs

There are several ways you can feed gizzards to your dog.

Raw Gizzards

Raw gizzards are commonly included in homemade raw dog food recipes and in many commercial raw dog food blends.

For example, several premade raw formulas contain gizzards as part of the muscle meat component.

Raw Paws Pet Food uses:

• chicken gizzards in their chicken blend
• duck gizzards in their duck blend
• turkey gizzards in their turkey blend

If you order from them, you can use my affiliate code K9Savings for 15% off their signature blends and other products.

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Cooked Gizzards

Dogs can also eat cooked gizzards.

Cooking does reduce some nutrients and means that you’ll have to feed more than if you fed them raw, but lightly cooked gizzards can still be a good option for dogs who eat home-cooked meals.

In some cases — such as dogs undergoing cancer treatment — cooked meats may be recommended instead of raw foods. Always follow your veterinarian’s guidance for medical diets.

For picky eaters, lightly searing gizzards can also make them more appealing.

Freeze-Dried, Air-Dried, or Dehydrated Gizzards

Another option is feeding gizzards as treats.

You can make your own dehydrated gizzard treats or purchase them from specialty pet retailers.

For example, I’ve made homemade batches of dehydrated giblets that included:

• beef liver
• ostrich gizzards
• ostrich hearts

Several companies also sell ready-made options.

Farm Hounds offers dehydrated:

• chicken gizzard sticks
• duck gizzard sticks
• turkey gizzard sticks

Roam Pet Treats sells dehydrated ostrich gizzards, while Raw Feeding Miami offers freeze-dried chicken giblets that include liver, heart, and gizzard.

How Much Gizzards Can a Dog Eat?

One of the most common questions I get is whether dogs can eat gizzards every day.

And the answer is yes, you can feed your dog chicken gizzards every day – just make sure they stay within their muscle meat allowance.

A practical guideline is:

15–20% of the daily muscle meat portion can come from gizzards.

For context, a typical balanced raw diet for an adult dog might look like this:

• 70% muscle meat
• 10% raw meaty bone
• 10% secreting organs
• 10% plant matter

Moderately active adult dogs typically eat about 2.5% of their target body weight per day.

Example Feeding Calculation

A 45 lb dog eating 2.5% of body weight consumes about 18 oz of food per day.

Of that:

70% is muscle meat = 12.6 oz

15–20% of that muscle meat portion could come from gizzards:

1.9–2.5 oz of gizzards per day

Want your own dog’s exact muscle meat allowance?

Where to Buy Raw Gizzards for Dogs

Chicken gizzards are widely available at grocery stores, butcher shops, and many raw dog food retailers.

However, sourcing from higher-quality farms can sometimes provide better nutrition and animal welfare standards.

Here are several raw feeding suppliers that sell gizzards.

Raw Paws Pet Food

Chicken gizzards (2 lbs)

Their gizzards come from chickens raised locally in Indiana without antibiotics, steroids, or added hormones.

Tip: Use my affiliate code K9Savings to save 15%.

Raw Feeding Miami

Chicken gizzards (2.5 lbs)
Turkey gizzards (2.5 lbs)
Duck gizzards (5 lbs)

Their poultry is sourced from Joyce Farms in North Carolina, where chickens are pasture-raised on small family farms.

Tip: Save 10% on your first order at RFM with my referral discount link.

My Pet Carnivore

Chicken gizzards (2 lbs)

Their poultry is raised without antibiotics, steroids, or denaturants.

Hare Today

Chicken gizzards
Turkey gizzards
Duck gizzards

Hare Today works with farmers who raise animals humanely and without antibiotics or added hormones.

BJ’s Raw Pet Food

Chicken gizzards (2 lbs)

Their meats come from free-range animals raised on local farms.

Bottom Line: Are Gizzards Good for Dogs?

Gizzards are a nutritious and affordable addition to a raw diet for dogs.

They provide high-quality protein along with important nutrients like B vitamins, iron, zinc, and selenium. Because they are classified as muscle meat in raw feeding, they can be used regularly as part of a balanced raw diet.

Whether you buy them from a raw dog food supplier or pick them up at the grocery store, gizzards are an easy way to add variety and nutritional value to your dog’s bowl.

If you want to learn more about how all the ingredients in a raw diet fit together, check out my guide to balanced homemade raw dog food.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gizzards for Dogs

Can dogs eat gizzards?

Yes, dogs can eat gizzards. In raw feeding, gizzards are typically classified as muscle meat, not secreting organs. They’re a nutrient-dense addition to a balanced diet and can be fed raw, cooked, or dehydrated depending on your dog’s needs.

Are gizzards organ meat or muscle meat?

Even though gizzards are technically organs, they are usually counted as muscle meat in raw feeding. That’s because they function more like a tough, muscular part of the digestive tract rather than a secreting organ like the liver or kidney.

How much gizzard can I feed my dog?

Gizzards should usually make up only part of your dog’s muscle meat portion, not the entire meal every day. A practical guideline is to keep gizzards at around 15 to 20 percent of the daily muscle meat allowance as part of a balanced raw diet.

Can dogs eat chicken gizzards every day?

Dogs can eat chicken gizzards regularly, but they should not be the only muscle meat source long term. Rotating different proteins and cuts helps create a more balanced nutrient intake over time.

Can dogs eat cooked gizzards?

Yes, dogs can eat cooked gizzards. Cooking makes them safe to feed, but it also reduces some nutrients compared to raw gizzards. For some dogs, especially picky eaters or dogs on a cooked diet, lightly cooked gizzards can still be a useful option.

Are chicken gizzards good for dogs?

Chicken gizzards can be a great addition to your dog’s diet because they provide protein along with nutrients like B vitamins, iron, selenium, phosphorus, and zinc. They’re also often affordable and easy to find.

Related Reading

• Raw hearts for dogs
• Raw lung for dogs
• Organ meat recipe for dogs
• What does balanced raw dog food consist of?

Barbara Rivers

Barbara Rivers is the founder of K9sOverCoffee and a raw feeding educator with over a decade of hands-on experience.

She has fed raw in the US and Europe since 2015, after her Boxer mix Missy’s cancer diagnosis led her to move away from processed kibble and commit to species-appropriate nutrition.

As a former professional dog walker, she developed deep insight into canine behavior, conditioning, and the essential link between proper exercise and long-term health.

Barbara completed online training with veterinarian Dr. Marion Smart and Labrador breeder Dana Scott and works for one of Germany’s leading raw dog food brands, BARFER’S.

In 2026–2027, she is completing a year-long raw nutrition certification for dogs and cats at THP School, founded by raw feeding pioneer Swanie Simon.

Through her blog and weekly newsletter, she provides clear, experience-based guidance to help dog owners feed raw safely and confidently.