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If you’re looking to level up your dog’s raw meals, red meat—especially grass-fed beef—is a powerful place to start. Today, I picked up beef tongue, beef liver, and beef heart, which are nutrient-dense, affordable (when sourced wisely), and highly beneficial for dogs of all ages. Even better? These cuts are often overlooked by humans, making them easier to source from local farms and homesteaders.
Let’s dig into why grass-fed beef matters, how to source it locally, and how to turn these organs into a simple, nourishing raw recipe your dog will love.
Raw Beef Recipe for Dogs
Featuring Beef Tongue, Heart, and Liver
Ingredients for DIY Grind
5 lbs beef tongue
4 lbs beef heart
3.8 lbs beef liver
1 oz eggshell powder
1 oz canned boiled oysters
28 g dried, raw sunflower seeds (ground)
15 g dried kelp
2.1 lb green leafy greens (collard greens, bok choy, kale)
Feed in Daily Meals
250 g chicken eggs (5 large eggs)
3 oz canned salmon
Portion according to your dog’s size, age, and activity level, and rotate proteins throughout the month.
This is an NRC-formulated recipe for my dog, Bella, a 3-year-old, 50 lb spayed female. It’s designed to be part of a rotational diet.
Why Feed Red Meat to Dogs?
Red meat has been a foundational protein in canine diets for thousands of years. When sourced responsibly, beef offers dogs:
Highly bioavailable protein to support muscle maintenance and repair
Iron and zinc for immune health, oxygen transport, and skin integrity
B vitamins (especially B12) for energy metabolism and nervous system support
Taurine-rich organs (heart, tongue) to support cardiovascular health
Beef also provides variety. Rotating proteins helps reduce the risk of nutrient gaps and food sensitivities while keeping meals interesting (because dogs like options too).
Why Grass-Fed Beef Is Better
Grass-fed beef isn’t just a buzzword—it’s nutritionally different.
Compared to conventionally raised beef, grass-fed beef typically contains:
Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids
More conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), linked to anti-inflammatory benefits
A better omega-6 to omega-3 balance
Fewer residues from antibiotics and growth hormones
For dogs, this means cleaner fat, better inflammatory balance, and a protein source that aligns more closely with how their ancestors ate.
The Power of Beef Organs
Organ meats are where raw feeding really shines.
Beef Heart
Technically a muscle meat (or muscular organ)
Rich in taurine, CoQ10, iron, and B vitamins
Supports heart health and muscle function
Beef Liver
A true nutritional powerhouse
High in vitamin A, copper, iron, folate, and choline
Should be fed in controlled amounts—but absolutely belongs in the bowl
Beef Tongue
A fatty, flavorful muscle meat
Great source of zinc, iron, selenium, and B vitamins
Excellent for dogs needing extra calories or picky eaters
Together, these cuts deliver balanced amino acids, essential micronutrients, and species-appropriate nourishment.
How to Source Grass-Fed Beef Locally
You don’t need a fancy boutique pet store to find high-quality beef. Some of the best sources are closer than you think:
Local Raw Feeding Co-Ops
Many communities have buying groups that purchase bulk meat directly from farms. These co-ops often have access to organs, trim, and bones at excellent prices.
Homesteaders & Small Farms
Farmers raising cattle for personal use or local sale often have surplus organs they don’t eat themselves. A polite conversation can go a long way.
Farmers Markets & Farm Stands
Ask vendors if they sell organ meats, soup bones, or trim—even if it’s not displayed. Many keep it frozen or process it on request.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for the Organs
Here’s something many people don’t realize: some homesteaders don’t keep the organs at all. When you meet a farmer—whether in person or in a local community group—ask what they do with the organs after processing. You can request the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, bones for bone broth, and any other parts you’d like. This keeps waste out of the landfill and turns overlooked cuts into valuable nutrition for your dog. Truly, nothing needs to go to waste.
A Win for Everyone
Feeding grass-fed beef—especially organs like tongue, heart, and liver—is one of the simplest ways to add real, functional nutrition to your dog’s bowl. It supports muscle health, immunity, energy, and longevity while honoring the whole animal.
And when you source locally? You’re not just feeding your dog better—you’re supporting farmers, reducing waste, and reconnecting with where food actually comes from.
That’s a win for everyone.
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