Heart is a unique ingredient: though often grouped with organs, it's technically a muscle—the hardest-working muscle in the body. This distinction matters nutritionally, as heart provides excellent lean protein and is one of the richest natural sources of taurine.
Nutritional Profile
- High-quality lean protein: Complete amino acid profile
- Extremely high in taurine: Critical amino acid for heart function
- Rich in B vitamins: Especially B12, B6, and riboflavin
- CoQ10: Supports cellular energy production
- Iron and zinc: Essential minerals
- Lower fat than many meats: Lean muscle composition
- Collagen: For joint and connective tissue support
Why It's Used
Heart appears in dog food for important reasons:
- Natural taurine source: Taurine deficiency has been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
- Lean protein: High protein with moderate fat
- Nutrient density: More B vitamins and minerals than regular muscle meat
- Sustainability: Uses more of the animal, reducing waste
- Palatability: Dogs typically love the taste
The Taurine Connection
Taurine is an amino acid essential for:
- Heart muscle function
- Eye health
- Immune function
- Bile salt formation
Dogs can synthesize taurine from methionine and cysteine, but some dogs may benefit from dietary sources. Heart is the richest natural source of taurine.
Forms in Dog Food
- Fresh heart: Whole heart meat, often listed as "beef heart" or "chicken heart"
- Heart meal: Dried and concentrated
- Mixed organ blends: Combined with liver and other organs
Types of Heart
- Beef heart: Large, commonly available
- Chicken heart: Smaller, often used in smaller dog foods
- Lamb heart: Less common
- Turkey heart: Occasionally used
Considerations
Not an organ for regulatory purposes: Some consider heart a muscle meat, not an organ. This matters for "no by-products" claims—heart may or may not be included depending on the manufacturer's classification.
Named sources preferred: "Beef heart" or "chicken heart" is better than generic "heart" or "animal heart."
Quality ingredient: Heart is genuinely nutritious, not a filler or low-quality by-product.
Position in ingredient list: Can appear anywhere—as a primary protein or a supplemental nutrient source.
Best For
- Providing natural taurine for heart health
- Dogs on grain-free diets (extra taurine may be beneficial)
- Active dogs needing lean protein
- Recipes emphasizing whole-prey or ancestral nutrition
- Dogs who enjoy strong meat flavors