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Feeding guide

Beef Bark

raw freeze dried beef dog treats

Providing organ meats like liver, heart, tongue, and kidney isn't just about "treating" a dog—it’s about honoring the whole animal and utilizing the "forgotten" parts that are actually the most nutrient-dense portions of the carcass. On the farm, we see these as nature’s multivitamins, far superior to the synthetic powders found in commercial dog treats.

By using raw freeze-drying, we lock in those living enzymes and vitamins that high-heat processing (like canning or baking) usually destroys.

1. Beef Liver: The "Nature's Multivitamin"

From a producer’s view, the liver is the gold standard. It is the storage site for the most critical fat-soluble vitamins.

  • Vitamin A (Retinol): Crucial for the "working dog" vision and immune defense.

  • Heme Iron: Highly bioavailable, ensuring your dog has the stamina for a full day of activity.

  • Copper & Zinc: These support healthy skin and a thick, weather-resistant coat, which is vital for dogs that spend time outdoors.

2. Beef Heart: The Muscle Fuel

Technically a muscle but classified as an organ, the heart is a powerhouse of energy-producing nutrients.

  • Taurine: Essential for cardiac health. Farmers value this because it keeps a dog’s "engine" running strong into their senior years.

  • CoQ10: A potent antioxidant that aids in energy metabolism and recovery after exercise.

  • Natural Phosphorus: Supports bone structure and cellular repair.

3. Beef Kidney: The Filter & Detoxifier

The kidney provides a unique set of nutrients that help keep a dog’s internal systems clean.

  • Selenium: A trace mineral that supports thyroid function and helps fight oxidative stress.

  • Vitamin B12: Vital for the nervous system and the production of red blood cells.

  • Diamine Oxidase (DAO): Interestingly, kidney is known to help dogs with seasonal allergies by helping them process histamines more effectively.

4. Beef Tongue: The Healthy Fat Source

While often overlooked, tongue is a dense, lean muscle that offers a different textural and nutritional profile.

  • Essential Fatty Acids: Higher in healthy fats than other muscle cuts, providing long-lasting energy.

  • Zinc & Potassium: Supports muscle function and helps prevent cramping in active dogs.

  • Palatability: From a farmer's eye, tongue is often the "reward" cut because of its rich flavor that even the pickiest dogs won't turn down.

Why "Freeze-Dried" Matters to the Farmer

When we freeze-dry these organs, we are essentially "pausing" the meat at its peak freshness.

  • Preservation: It removes moisture without heat, retaining 97% of the original nutrients and enzymes.

  • Bioavailability: Unlike synthetic supplements, these nutrients are "whole-food," meaning the dog's body recognizes and absorbs them instantly.

  • Sustainability: It respects the life of the steer by ensuring no part of the animal goes to waste, reflecting a true "nose-to-tail" philosophy.

How to feed

To get the portions right, we use the 80/10/10 rule (80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% secreting organ). When working with freeze-dried organs, remember they are highly concentrated—usually about 4 times more potent by weight than raw because the water has been removed.

Here is how to calculate the daily "sweet spot" for your dog.

1. Calculate Daily Total Intake

A typical adult dog eats about 2.5% of their body weight in raw food per day.

2. The 10% Organ Rule

Within that total, only 10% should be organs.

  • 5% Liver: (The "secreting" organ limit to avoid Vitamin A overdose).

  • 5% Other Organs: (Kidney or Spleen).

  • Note: Heart and Tongue are technically muscle meats. You can feed more of these, but because they are rich, we usually count them toward the "muscle" portion (the 80%).

Farmer’s Feeding Tips:

  • The "Poop Test": As a farmer, we watch the "output" to know if the "input" is right. If your dog’s stool gets loose or dark, you’re feeding too much liver/organ. Back off slightly until it firms up.

  • Richness Warning: Heart and tongue are very rich in fats and minerals. While they aren't "secreting organs," introducing them too fast can cause an upset stomach. Start with one piece a day.

  • Liver is the Limit: Never exceed 5-7% of the total diet with liver. It is so nutrient-dense that "more" is not "better" in this case.