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Ingredient file // Animal protein

Turkey Heart

Real turkey protein, no proven heart boost

Turkey heart is the muscular heart separated when turkeys are processed. It adds animal protein, fat and iron to dog food. Its name does not mean it protects a dog's heart; no feeding trial has tested that claim with turkey heart.

Role in the food Main nutrition
What it is
The muscular heart of a turkey, separated from other giblets and used as a named animal ingredient.
Made from
Hearts removed during turkey processing
Main job
Animal protein and fat
Typical amount
Not published
Watch for
Raw food bacteria and turkey allergies
Not the same as
Turkey liver

Straight answer

Is Turkey Heart safe for dogs?

Read it as meat, then check the diet

Turkey heart on a label means the maker used a named part of turkey. Read its place alongside the other animal ingredients, then check the food's nutritional adequacy statement. Keep a separate heart topper small. Treat promises of heart protection as unsupported.

Why it is in the food
Animal protein and fat

Our read // In our catalog

In 1 of every 65 foods we track

Share of foods that list it

2%

49 of the 3,204 foods with an ingredient list on file, from 20 brands. 16 frozen dog food, 11 freeze-dried dog food, 10 wet dog food.

Each square is 1% of the catalog

Where it sits on the label

Median position 4. In the top five of 32 foods, so it is usually a main ingredient.

Top five List position, heaviest first

Above the salt

97%

Almost always listed before the salt, so there is more of it than a pinch.

Price per lb

Foods with it $4.10
All foods $3.25

Median of the cheapest bag price across 6 priced foods, 26% above the catalog. The price is the food's, not the ingredient's.

Who leans on it

16%

of the foods that list it are from Wellness. 20 brands use it in total.

What it is

How it is made

Turkey processors remove each bird's internal organs and separate the heart during giblet harvest. Trimming and chilling turn that part of the bird into an ingredient that can also go to pet food makers.5,6,7

  1. 01 // Source Whole turkeys Processing starts with turkeys whose hearts are removed with the other internal organs.
  2. 02 // Process Giblets separated Workers separate hearts from the viscera during giblet harvest, alongside livers and gizzards.
  3. 03 // Process Trimmed and chilled The heart cap is removed during giblet preparation, and hearts go to an ice and water chiller.
  4. 04 // Output Turkey hearts Separated hearts arrive as a named animal ingredient for a pet food recipe.

What is in it

Composition, dry matter

65

% protein

Protein calculated from a USDA raw turkey heart record after removing its water. It is an ingredient value, not the protein level of a finished food.

Protein 65.4%4
Fat 29.1%4
Ash 3.9%4
Iron 145 mg/kg4

These are conversions from one USDA raw food record, not a published range of pet food batches. Removing fat during trimming changes the mix; cooking changes its water content.4,6

Why it is in the bag

Real meat, a main protein when listed high

  1. Main nutrition
  2. Supporting nutrient
  3. Does a job
  4. Mostly filler

Turkey heart is muscle meat that supplies animal protein and fat, not bulk. Ingredient lists are ordered by weight, so when it appears near the top of a list it is likely one of the food's main animal proteins. Raw heart is mostly water, so its protein share is smaller than a high spot suggests. Lower in a list, it is likely a minor meat next to larger ones.4,8

  1. 01

    Adds animal protein

    Heart contributes protein and fat. The raw ingredient is mostly water, so its weight on the ingredient list does not reveal how much heart protein remains in the finished food.4,8

  2. 02

    Uses an existing giblet

    Processors already separate and chill turkey hearts. Selling them for pet food gives that processing stream another market; the pet food industry lists turkey heart as an upcycled animal protein.5,7

How much No usual recipe percentage is published; a separate heart topper should stay within 10% of daily calories.9

Our read // The claims

What the evidence supports

Strong: controlled studies in dogs agree. Some: small or mixed dog data. Thin: mechanism or lab work only. None: nothing, or the evidence points the other way.

  1. Brands say

    Turkey heart adds real animal protein

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    The USDA raw record gives 16.7 g protein per 100 g, about 65% after removing water. Heart contributes animal protein, though the ingredient list does not say how much the finished recipe contains.4,8

  2. Brands say

    Turkey heart is a source of iron

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    The USDA raw record gives 3.7 mg iron per 100 g of heart. That supports the narrow claim that heart contains iron; the amount a dog eats depends on the recipe's undisclosed heart portion.4,8

  3. Brands say

    Turkey heart's taurine protects a dog's heart

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    An observational series followed 24 golden retrievers with taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy. They received both a diet change and taurine supplements. Turkey heart was neither tested for taurine nor fed as the treatment, so the ingredient claim has no direct support.1,2

  4. Brands say

    Its CoQ10 prevents heart disease in dogs

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    Tufts' cardiology guide says there are no definitive studies of CoQ10 for dogs with heart disease. It gives no CoQ10 amount for turkey heart, and no turkey heart feeding trial supports prevention.9

  5. Critics say

    Turkey heart is just filler

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    The USDA raw record contains 16.7 g protein and 7.44 g fat per 100 g. Heart supplies food energy and animal protein. Its actual contribution still depends on how much the maker uses.4

Straight answers

What owners ask

  1. Q01

    Is it just filler?

    No

    Heart is muscular tissue that supplies protein and fat. Its place on the ingredient list shows its weight relative to other ingredients when listed, but does not disclose its share of the finished food.4,6,8

  2. Q02

    Will it help my dog's heart?

    No proof

    The golden retriever study changed diets and gave taurine supplements together. It did not test turkey heart. The heart health claim needs evidence from dogs fed a measured amount of this ingredient.1,2

  3. Q03

    Can hearts be the whole meal?

    No

    A heart by itself is not a complete diet. Choose a food whose adequacy statement says it is complete and balanced, or keep a separate heart topper within the treat allowance.9

Who uses it

Brands, best sellers and the company it keeps

Top brands, by foods that list it

  1. Wellness 8 / 118
  2. Nulo 5 / 117
  3. Smallbatch 4 / 23
  4. Instinct 4 / 98
  5. Tucker's 3 / 25
  6. Dr. Marty 3 / 6
  7. Raw Bistro 3 / 7
  8. Lotus 3 / 32
  9. Viva Raw 2 / 8
  10. Bones & Co 2 / 9

Foods that list it / all the brand's recipes we track.

Plus 10 more brands.

Usually listed with, share of the foods that list it

  1. Turkey Liver 90%
  2. Turkey 86%
  3. Flaxseed 35%
  4. Turkey Gizzard 24%
  5. Carrots 24%
  6. Broccoli 20%
  7. Sweet Potatoes 20%
  8. Ground Turkey Bone 20%
  9. Green Beans 18%
  10. Chicken 16%
  11. Cranberries 14%
  12. Butternut Squash 14%

On the shelf

Foods that list Turkey Heart

49 foods in our catalog list it, highest on the label first.

Tucker’s Boost Turkey Butter Grain-Free Dog Food TopperTucker'sTucker’s Boost Turkey Butter Grain-Free Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 1 on the labelTruDog Raw Turkey Meal Bites Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog FoodTruDogTruDog Raw Turkey Meal Bites Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 2 on the labelBones & Co Cage-Free Turkey Raw - The Bones & Co. Freeze-Dried Dog FoodBones & CoBones & Co Cage-Free Turkey Raw - The Bones & Co. Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 2 on the labelBones & Co Cage-Free Turkey Raw - The Bones & Co. Frozen Dog FoodBones & CoBones & Co Cage-Free Turkey Raw - The Bones & Co. Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 2 on the labelNulo Raw Turkey & Salmon Recipe with Strawberries Freeze-Dried Dog FoodNuloNulo Raw Turkey & Salmon Recipe with Strawberries Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 2 on the labelVital Essentials Entree Turkey Mini Patties Freeze-Dried Dog FoodVital EssentialsVital Essentials Entree Turkey Mini Patties Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 2 on the labelTucker’s Patties Turkey-Pumpkin Raw Diet Frozen Dog FoodTucker'sTucker’s Patties Turkey-Pumpkin Raw Diet Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 2 on the labelNulo MedalSeries Tasty Toppers Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food TopperNuloNulo MedalSeries Tasty Toppers Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 2 on the labelLotus Free Range Turkey Recipe Raw Frozen Dog FoodLotusLotus Free Range Turkey Recipe Raw Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 2 on the labelLotus Free Range Turkey Recipe Raw Frozen Dog FoodLotusLotus Free Range Turkey Recipe Raw Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 2 on the labelInstinct Raw Signature Patties Real Duck Recipe Frozen Dog FoodInstinctInstinct Raw Signature Patties Real Duck Recipe Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 2 on the labelInstinct Raw Signature Bites Real Duck Recipe Frozen Dog FoodInstinctInstinct Raw Signature Bites Real Duck Recipe Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 2 on the label
Show 37 more
Lotus Free Range Turkey Recipe Raw Frozen Dog FoodLotusLotus Free Range Turkey Recipe Raw Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 2 on the labelViva Raw Pure Puppy Recipe Frozen Dog FoodViva RawViva Raw Pure Puppy Recipe Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 3 on the labelAnnamaet Turkey Raw Freeze-Dried Dog FoodAnnamaetAnnamaet Turkey Raw Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 3 on the labelViva Raw Complete Diet Turkey Frozen Dog FoodViva RawViva Raw Complete Diet Turkey Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 3 on the labelDarwin’s Natural Pet Products Intelligent Design for Dogs Joint Support Grain-Free Frozen Dog FoodDarwin's Natural Pet ProductsDarwin’s Natural Pet Products Intelligent Design for Dogs Joint Support Grain-Free Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 3 on the labelAnswers Pet Food Detailed Mighty Raw Turkey Frozen Dog FoodAnswers Pet FoodAnswers Pet Food Detailed Mighty Raw Turkey Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 3 on the labelNulo Raw Turkey Recipe with Cranberries Freeze-Dried Dog FoodNuloNulo Raw Turkey Recipe with Cranberries Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 4 on the labelAnswers Pet Food Straight Simply Protein Turkey Grain-Free Dog Food TopperAnswers Pet FoodAnswers Pet Food Straight Simply Protein Turkey Grain-Free Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 4 on the labelRaw Bistro Lamb Grind with Turkey - Gently Cooked Frozen Dog FoodRaw BistroRaw Bistro Lamb Grind with Turkey - Gently Cooked Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 4 on the labelRaw Bistro Turkey Entree 4 Pack Frozen Dog FoodRaw BistroRaw Bistro Turkey Entree 4 Pack Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 4 on the labelRaw Bistro Turkey Entree 6 Pack Frozen Dog FoodRaw BistroRaw Bistro Turkey Entree 6 Pack Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 4 on the labelTucker’s Boost Turkey Broth Dog Food TopperTucker'sTucker’s Boost Turkey Broth Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 4 on the labelSmallbatch Turkey Sliders Freeze-Dried Dog FoodSmallbatchSmallbatch Turkey Sliders Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 4 on the labelInstinct Raw Boost RawBoost+ Mixers Tranquility Recipe Dog Food TopperInstinctInstinct Raw Boost RawBoost+ Mixers Tranquility Recipe Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 4 on the labelStella & Chewy’s Marie’s Magical Dinner Dust Duck Duck Goose Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food TopperStella & Chewy'sStella & Chewy’s Marie’s Magical Dinner Dust Duck Duck Goose Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 4 on the labelSmallbatch Freeze-Dried Turkey Small Bites Freeze-Dried Dog FoodSmallbatchSmallbatch Freeze-Dried Turkey Small Bites Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 5 on the labelSmallbatch Raw Turkey Sliders Frozen Dog FoodSmallbatchSmallbatch Raw Turkey Sliders Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 5 on the labelSmallbatch Lightly Cooked Turkey Frozen Dog FoodSmallbatchSmallbatch Lightly Cooked Turkey Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 5 on the labelDave’s Pet Food 95% Premium Meats Turkey & Chicken For Dogs / Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodDave's Pet FoodDave’s Pet Food 95% Premium Meats Turkey & Chicken For Dogs / Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 5 on the labelWellness Complete Health Turkey & Sweet Potato Wet Dog FoodWellnessWellness Complete Health Turkey & Sweet Potato Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 5 on the labelWellness Core Turkey & Chicken Liver Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWellnessWellness Core Turkey & Chicken Liver Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 6 on the labelDr. Marty Nature’s Blend Healthy Growth Freeze-Dried Dog FoodDr. MartyDr. Marty Nature’s Blend Healthy Growth Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 7 on the labelDr. Marty Nature’s Blend Active Vitality Freeze-Dried Dog FoodDr. MartyDr. Marty Nature’s Blend Active Vitality Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 7 on the labelDr. Marty Nature’s Blend Small Breed Freeze-Dried Dog FoodDr. MartyDr. Marty Nature’s Blend Small Breed Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 7 on the labelAuthority Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Entree Adult Dog Wet Dog FoodAuthorityAuthority Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Entree Adult Dog Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 7 on the labelPure Balance Pro+ Performance Turkey & Chicken Recipe Cuts in Gravy Can Wet Dog FoodPure BalancePure Balance Pro+ Performance Turkey & Chicken Recipe Cuts in Gravy Can Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 7 on the labelWellness Complete Health Turkey & Duck Wet Dog FoodWellnessWellness Complete Health Turkey & Duck Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 8 on the labelNulo FreeStyle Paté Adult Trim Turkey & Cod Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodNuloNulo FreeStyle Paté Adult Trim Turkey & Cod Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 9 on the labelInstinct Raw Boost Mixers Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog Food TopperInstinctInstinct Raw Boost Mixers Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 9 on the labelOrijen Original Pâté with Liver Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodOrijenOrijen Original Pâté with Liver Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelNulo FreeStyle Paté Lamb & Lentils Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodNuloNulo FreeStyle Paté Lamb & Lentils Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelWellness Core RawRev Wholesome Grains Small Breed + 100% Raw Turkey Dry Dog FoodWellnessWellness Core RawRev Wholesome Grains Small Breed + 100% Raw Turkey Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 10 on the labelWellness Core RawRev Wholesome Grains Original + 100% Raw Turkey Dry Dog FoodWellnessWellness Core RawRev Wholesome Grains Original + 100% Raw Turkey Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 10 on the labelWellness Core Wholesome Grains Original Dry Dog FoodWellnessWellness Core Wholesome Grains Original Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 10 on the labelWellness Core Reduced Fat Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodWellnessWellness Core Reduced Fat Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 11 on the labelWellness CORE+ Large Breed Chicken & Turkey Recipe Dry Dog FoodWellnessWellness CORE+ Large Breed Chicken & Turkey Recipe Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 12 on the labelOrijen Original Stew Recipe with Chicken, Turkey & Eggs Wet Dog FoodOrijenOrijen Original Stew Recipe with Chicken, Turkey & Eggs Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 17 on the label

Sources

What we read

Checked October 1, 2026.

  1. 1 Taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers fed commercial diets PLOS ONE, 2018 // Journal
  2. 2 Correction: Taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers fed commercial diets PLOS ONE, 2018 // Journal
  3. 3 Extensive protein hydrolyzation is indispensable to prevent IgE-mediated poultry allergen recognition in dogs and cats BMC Veterinary Research, 2017 // Journal
  4. 4 Turkey, heart, all classes, raw USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 28, 2016 // Government
  5. 5 Poultry Slaughter Inspection Training Participant Notebook USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, 2021 // Government
  6. 6 US Trade Descriptions for Turkey USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, 2002 // Government
  7. 7 Pet Food Production and Ingredient Analysis Pet Food Institute, 2025 // Industry
  8. 8 What’s in the Ingredients List? AAFCO, n.d. // Regulator
  9. 9 Heart Disease - Nutrition Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, n.d. // University
  10. 10 Tips for Safe Handling of Pet Food and Treats U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2024 // Government
An ingredient on its own tells you very little. What matters is how much of it there is and where it sits in the list. That is why we weigh the top five rather than reacting to any single name further down. Back to the wiki

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