where to buy beef heart for dogs

Where to Buy Beef Heart for Dogs The Ultimate Guide

If you’re looking to add beef heart to your dog’s diet, you may be wondering where to source this nutritious organ meat. Beef heart is packed with protein, iron, B vitamins, zinc, and other nutrients that provide a range of health benefits for dogs. This article will explore the top places to buy beef heart for your canine companion.

Buying Beef Heart from Pet Food Companies

One of the easiest ways to incorporate beef heart into your dog’s meals is by purchasing pre-made raw dog food or treats containing beef heart from pet food companies. When buying any pet food product, always look for companies that source high-quality ingredients and are transparent about their sourcing, processing, and quality control practices.

Some popular pet food companies that offer beef heart products include

Farm Hounds – This company offers 100% freeze-dried beef heart treats that are made from grass-fed cattle in the USA. Their single-ingredient treats are free of fillers, additives, and preservatives.

Oma’s Pride – This raw pet food company provides frozen raw beef heart as well as freeze-dried beef heart treats. Their products are human-grade, made from grass-fed cattle, and processed in the USA.

Four Leaf Rover – They sell single-ingredient freeze-dried beef heart treats made from 100% grass-fed beef sourced from New Zealand and the USA. The treats are crafted in small batches with no additives.

When researching companies, look for ones that have strict quality control standards, source from reputable suppliers, and are transparent about their practices. This helps ensure the heart you’re feeding your dog is fresh, contaminant-free, and nutritionally optimal.

Purchasing Beef Heart from Your Local Butcher

Another good option is to check with local butchers in your area to see if they carry whole beef hearts for purchase. Many traditional butchers receive whole carcasses from beef cattle and can prepare cuts to order, including the heart.

The benefit of sourcing beef heart from a local butcher is you can ask questions directly to learn more about the source. Were the cattle grass-fed or conventionally raised? Were growth hormones used? Where were the cattle raised? Choosing local also means the beef heart is fresher.

When speaking to your butcher, request that the heart is trimmed of excess fat and prepared hygienically. Also, ask for the heart to be packaged in serving-size portions to freeze for later use. Having it portioned out makes for easier thawing and food prep.

Buying Beef Heart Online

Purchasing grass-fed beef heart online is another convenient option, especially if you have trouble finding it locally. There are several reputable online stores that ship frozen beef heart nationwide.

When buying beef heart online, look for the following:

• Grass-fed, pasture-raised source
• Hormone and antibiotic-free
• Humanely raised and processed
• Portioned into manageable sizes (e.g. 1 lb)
• Ships frozen with dry ice
• Good customer reviews

Some popular online stores to purchase beef heart include Butcher Box, Crowd Cow, US Wellness Meats, and Tendergrass Farms. Always check the website for sourcing info and specific shipping/handling details for frozen items.

What to Look for In Beef Heart for Dogs

To ensure you’re feeding your dog high-quality beef heart, keep the following tips in mind when sourcing:

• Grass-fed, pasture-raised source – this provides a healthier omega 3:6 ratio compared to grain-fed
• Organic or antibiotic-free – avoids antibiotic residues which can cause resistance
• Locally raised beef, when possible – reduces environmental impact of transport
• Untrimmed whole hearts – contains vital nutrients concentrated in the fat
• Fresh, raw hearts – cooking destroys nutrients and natural enzymes
• From animals older than 30 months – mature hearts are more dense with nutrients
• Safe handling verified by supplier – reduces risk of pathogens

How Much to Feed and Storing Beef Heart

Beef heart is very rich, so limit it to 10% or less of your dog’s total daily food intake. Introduce it slowly if your dog is not used to organ meats. Store fresh beef heart sealed in the fridge for 2-3 days, or freeze portioned hearts for 2-6 months. Thaw frozen hearts overnight in the fridge before feeding.

The Bottom Line

When sourced properly, beef heart is one of the most nourishing organ meats you can feed your dog. Look for high ethical standards in how the cattle are raised, as well as safe handling practices. Buying from trustworthy pet food companies, butchers, or online stores are good options. Choosing the freshest, highest quality beef heart will provide the max nutrition benefits for your canine companion.