Can I Give My Cat Chicken Gizzards?

Your cat’s ancestors had to make do with whatever they could catch to eat. That may have meant eating bugs, rodents or raiding the barnyard. They didn’t have the luxury of dressing their kill, picking and choosing the parts they preferred. They ate just about everything, including bones, muscle, flesh and organs. If you want to give your cat chicken gizzards, it’s a safe treat, though she may turn her nose up at it.

What and how to feed a cat is subject to a great deal of debate, reflected in the pet food aisle of your local pet store. Canned versus kibble, homemade versus commercial, raw versus cooked -- there’s an opinion on every method. While it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your cat -- and you should discuss the options with your vet -- it’s OK to give your cat chicken gizzards once in a while. Chicken gizzards may provide your kitty a welcome treat a couple of times a week. If you choose to feed your cat raw chicken gizzards, Wilmington (Delaware) Animal Hospital recommends freezing the organ for several days to kill the organisms Toxoplasma gondii and Neosporum caninum. Otherwise, you can lightly steam your cat’s special treat. If this is her first experience with chicken gizzards, try cutting it up into fine pieces and mixing a teaspoon or two into her normal food -- a method that’s especially suited for a cat who enjoys canned food. She may appreciate the treat. Chicken gizzards are great for a cat’s teeth, removing plaque and working to strengthen her teeth and gums.