we believe that what goes into your dog’s bowl should be just as important as what goes onto your plate. That’s why when it comes to formulating our raw dog food recipes, we pay special attention to every ingredient — especially organ meats. These power-packed components are essential for your dog’s health, but only when sourced, prepared, and handled with the highest standards.
In this blog, we’ll dive into why organ meats matter, how we ensure superior quality in every batch, and what pet parents need to know about feeding safe and nutritious organ meats to their dogs.
Understanding Organ Meats and Their Role
Organ meats, also known as offal, refer to the internal organs of animals. In raw feeding, the most commonly included organs are liver, kidneys, spleen, lung, pancreas, and heart. While the heart is technically a muscle meat, it’s often grouped with organs due to its nutrient content.
These organs are nutritional powerhouses, offering an unmatched range of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and healthy fats. They are essential for everything from immune system function to brain health, making them indispensable in a properly balanced raw diet.
Why Organ Meats Are Essential for Dogs
Organ meats are often referred to as “nature’s multivitamins,” and for good reason. The liver is especially rich in vitamin A, iron, copper, and various B vitamins. Kidneys provide important nutrients such as selenium, vitamin B12, and riboflavin. The heart, though technically a muscle, is loaded with taurine, an amino acid vital for heart and eye health.
When it comes to raw feeding, organ meats typically make up around 10% of a complete diet, yet their nutritional impact is far greater than that percentage would suggest. A small portion delivers concentrated nutrients that support healthy skin and coat, reproductive health, detoxification, and cognitive function.
The Risk of Low-Quality Organ Meats
Unfortunately, not all organ meats are created equal. Many pet food companies source their organs from aging, sick, or poorly treated animals. These low-quality organs may contain toxins, heavy metals, and pathogens that can harm your dog’s health. Improper storage and handling also lead to spoilage and contamination.
At Paw on Raw, we take a firm stance on this issue. We never compromise on organ meat quality because doing so would risk the health and wellbeing of your pet. Low-grade organs undermine the purpose of a raw diet, which is to nourish your dog with clean, bioavailable nutrients.
Our Commitment to Organ Meat Quality
We go the extra mile to ensure that every piece of organ meat in our meals is of the highest quality. First and foremost, all our organ meats are human-grade. That means they meet the same safety and quality standards as meat sold for human consumption. We avoid all feed-grade fillers and mystery meats.
Our ingredients are locally sourced from trusted Canadian farms and suppliers who raise animals ethically, without the use of unnecessary hormones or antibiotics. Each batch of organ meat is inspected to ensure it is fresh, safe, and nutritionally rich. We source from CFIA-approved facilities and maintain a strict cold chain environment from farm to delivery.
How We Use Organ Meats in Our Raw Meals
Our meal formulation follows a biologically appropriate raw feeding model, similar to what dogs would eat in the wild. Each recipe includes 80% muscle meat, 10% organ meat (half of which is liver), and 10% bone. We also rotate organ types from batch to batch to provide nutritional variety.
For example, one meal may contain liver and kidney, while another may include liver, spleen, and pancreas. This rotation ensures your dog receives a wide spectrum of essential nutrients and avoids developing imbalances or deficiencies.
Why Quality Matters to You as a Pet Parent
If you’re feeding your dog raw or even considering it, the quality of the ingredients matters more than ever. Using premium muscle cuts but low-grade organs defeats the purpose. Poor-quality organ meats can cause digestive upset, toxicity, and long-term health issues. Dogs are sensitive to spoilage, and improperly handled organs can introduce harmful bacteria.
A well-balanced raw diet relies heavily on the proper inclusion of organs in the right proportions. Excess vitamin A, copper, or other nutrients can be dangerous over time if not managed by professionals. At Paw on Raw, our formulas are carefully designed to maintain optimal balance while delivering the highest quality.
What Sets Paw on Raw Apart
Transparency is one of our core values. We clearly label every pack so you know exactly what’s going into your dog’s bowl. Our consistency in meal preparation means your dog receives the same high standard every time. We take accountability seriously, with traceable sourcing and transparent communication.
More importantly, we actively educate pet parents about raw feeding and organ meat quality. We believe that informed decisions lead to healthier pets.
Stories from Our Community
Many of our customers have seen visible improvements in their pets after switching to Paw on Raw. One customer from Toronto shared that her dog’s coat became shinier and energy levels improved dramatically within weeks. Another customer in Vancouver mentioned how Paw on Raw’s meals outperformed their DIY approach in both freshness and convenience.
These real-life transformations reflect the quality and care that go into our products.
Tips for Evaluating Organ Meat Quality at Home
If you prepare your own raw meals or source organs separately, keep these guidelines in mind:
Fresh organ meats should appear vibrant in color and should not have a foul smell. Dull, greyish meat or strong metallic odors are signs of spoilage. Always ask your supplier about the source and whether the meat is human-grade. Trust and transparency are key.
Final Thoughts
Organ meats are the cornerstone of a balanced raw diet. At Paw on Raw, we don’t treat them as filler — we treat them as vital contributors to your dog’s health. That’s why we never cut corners when it comes to sourcing, preparing, or including them in our meals.
Feeding raw is a commitment to your dog’s wellbeing, and choosing high-quality ingredients is an essential part of that promise. When you choose Paw on Raw, you’re choosing meals made with integrity, designed for optimal health, and backed by a community that cares.
To learn more or explore our full selection of raw meals, visit pawonraw.ca.
Have questions about raw feeding or organ meats? We’re always here to help — just reach out to our team!