Chicken gizzard is a favourite in many Kenyan kitchens — and plenty of dogs and cats love it just as much. It is a firm, meaty part of the chicken that makes a satisfying, protein-rich treat.
Here is what gizzard offers, how freeze-dried gizzard compares with fresh, and how to keep portions sensible.
Key Takeaways
- Gizzard is a muscle, not an organ meat like liver.
- It is naturally high in protein and relatively low in fat.
- Freeze-dried gizzard is more concentrated than fresh, so smaller portions go further.
- Treats, including gizzard, should stay under 10% of daily calories.
- Gizzard is a treat or topper, not a complete diet on its own.
What Is Chicken Gizzard?
The gizzard is a small, very muscular part of a chicken’s digestive system that grinds food. Because it is a hard-working muscle, it is dense and slightly chewy — quite different from soft organ meats such as liver. Gizzards are usually sold together with the heart.
Chicken Gizzard Nutrition
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrient database, 100 g of cooked, simmered chicken gizzard provides about:
| Nutrient (per 100 g, cooked) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Energy | 154 kcal |
| Protein | 30.4 g |
| Fat | about 2.7 g |
That makes gizzard a lean, high-protein choice. If you want to know why protein matters, read why protein matters in your dog’s diet.
Fresh vs freeze-dried
These figures are for cooked gizzard, which still contains a lot of water. Freeze-drying removes most of the water, so the protein and calories are more concentrated per gram. A few grams of freeze-dried gizzard go a long way — always use the feeding guide on the pack rather than fresh-gizzard figures.
Why Pets Enjoy Gizzard
- Texture. Its firm, chewy texture gives dogs something to work on.
- Flavour. It is all chicken, with nothing added.
- Lean protein. It is lower in fat than many table scraps.
- Variety. It makes a good change from liver or chicken meat.
How Much Gizzard Should You Feed?
Like all treats, gizzard should make up less than 10% of your pet’s daily calories (WSAVA guidance on feeding treats to dogs; WSAVA guidance on feeding treats to cats). The right amount depends on your pet’s size, age and activity level.
- Start with a small piece and see how your pet gets on.
- Count gizzard together with any other treats given that day.
- Cut or break pieces to suit your pet’s size and chewing ability.
- If you give treats often, slightly reduce your pet’s main meal.
For a practical guide to portions, see how many treats you can give your dog per day.
🐾 Quick Tip For small dogs and cats, break freeze-dried gizzard into small pieces. You get several rewards from one piece.
Gizzard for Training
Small gizzard pieces make good training rewards because they are meaty and easy to carry. Keep the pieces tiny, reward immediately, and count them as part of the daily treat allowance.
Preparing Gizzard at Home
If you cook fresh gizzard for your pet, keep it simple:
- Buy from a trusted supplier and keep it chilled.
- Wash hands, boards and knives after handling raw chicken.
- Cook it plain — no salt, onion, garlic, stock cubes or spices.
- Let it cool, then cut it into pieces that suit your pet.
- Refrigerate leftovers and use them within a day or two.
Gizzard and Liver: What’s the Difference?
| Gizzard | Liver | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Muscle | Organ |
| Texture | Firm and chewy | Soft and rich |
| Best for | Chewing and everyday treats | High-value training rewards |
| Portion | Small pieces | Smaller pieces — very rich |
Learn more in our chicken liver guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chicken gizzard a complete meal? No. Gizzard is a nutritious treat or topper, but it does not provide everything a dog or cat needs. Feed it alongside a complete and balanced diet.
Can cats eat chicken gizzard? Yes. Break freeze-dried gizzard into small pieces suitable for a cat and keep portions within the 10% guideline.
Can puppies and kittens have gizzard? Young pets have their own nutritional needs. See when puppies can start eating treats, and keep pieces small.
Can I feed gizzard every day? Yes, in small amounts that stay within your pet’s daily treat allowance.
Try it: Savanna™ Chicken Gizzard is freeze-dried chicken gizzard and nothing else.
Continue Learning
- Chicken Liver for Dogs: Benefits, Risks & How Much to Feed
- How Many Treats Can I Give My Dog Per Day?
- Why Protein Matters in Your Dog’s Diet
- Are Single-Ingredient Dog Treats Better?
Nutrient figures: USDA National Nutrient Database (chicken gizzard, cooked, simmered). Treat allowances: WSAVA guidance on feeding treats. This article is educational and not a substitute for individualised veterinary advice.