When it comes to raw feeding, some parts of the animal are easy to find—muscle meats, livers, and hearts are fairly common. But others, like spleen, are harder to source. You won’t see spleen sitting in a grocery store meat case, yet this often-overlooked organ plays an important role in your pet’s nutrition.
What is the Spleen?
The spleen is an odd but vital organ. In the body, it manages blood health by:
- Filtering and storing blood
- Helping to regulate blood volume
- Creating red blood cells
Because of its role, spleen is a very dark, gelatinous organ—distinct from other organs you may be more familiar with.
Spleen in a Raw Diet
Spleen is classified as an organ in raw feeding and counts toward the organ portion of a homemade raw diet. Like other organs, it’s extremely nutrient-dense. That richness means a little goes a long way. If your carnivore consumes a lot of spleen at once, don’t be surprised to see some loose stools—it’s a sign of just how potent this organ can be.
All of our whole ground raw offerings already include spleen from the specific animal. But if you’re looking to boost spleen specifically, we offer lamb, goat, and beef spleen separately. And as always, we encourage feeding a variety of proteins and organs from a variety of different species to give your pet the most balanced nutrition possible.
Holistic Perspective: Like Cures Like
In holistic traditions, the principle of “like cures like” applies to diet. Feeding spleen nourishes your pet’s own spleen. This makes sense biologically, since a spleen contains the very nutrients needed to support spleen health across species. By adding spleen to your carnivore’s diet, you’re offering targeted nourishment not only for their spleen, but for the whole body.
Feeding Ideas
- As an organ portion: Include spleen as part of your balanced organ rotation.
- As a topper or treat: Add a little to your pet’s regular meals for an extra nutrient boost.
- DIY dehydrated treats: Spread ground spleen thinly on a parchment-lined pan and bake low and slow until fully dry. Break into bite-sized pieces for a nutrient-rich treat.
Final Thoughts
Spleen may not be the most glamorous organ, but it’s one worth including in your carnivore’s raw diet. Packed with nutrients, spleen supports blood health and offers holistic nourishment. Whether you use it in balanced meals, occasional toppers, or as homemade treats, this odd little organ has a big impact.
