Ingredient
Turkey Heart
What is Turkey Heart?
Turkey heart is an organ meat obtained from turkeys, commonly used in both human and pet food products. It is usually harvested during poultry processing and can be sold fresh, frozen, or dehydrated.
Turkey heart is valued for its rich protein content and high levels of essential nutrients like taurine, vitamins B6 and B12, zinc, iron, and copper. It is often included in pet food formulations for its nutritional benefits, particularly for pets that are obligate carnivores, such as cats.
On a label, seeing turkey heart indicates a source of animal protein and nutrients, reflecting a possible emphasis on protein-rich ingredients in the formulation.
Commonly found in: pet food, dehydrated treats, protein-rich diets
Benefits
- Rich in taurine, which is essential for cats.
- High in protein and essential nutrients like zinc and iron.
Turkey heart is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for consumption in the United States.
Research supports the use of organ meats like turkey heart in providing essential nutrients and high-quality proteins.
As an animal-derived ingredient, turkey heart is not suitable for a vegan diet.
Sources: GRAS Notices
Scout's take
Turkey Heart is a nutrient-dense organ meat rich in taurine, B vitamins, and bioavailable protein — essential for obligate carnivores like cats.
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