Freeze-Dried Turkey Liver

Liver is very rich in vitamin A, so a little goes a long way. Small amounts add nutrients and flavor.

Freeze-dried turkey liver is turkey liver dried at very low temperature, which keeps it close to raw. Liver holds a lot of vitamin A. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that vitamin A toxicity can occur when growing kittens are fed a diet high in liver, and that it is more common in cats than dogs. Cat foods use liver in small amounts. For a cat with a medical condition, ask your veterinarian.

Source: merckvetmanual.com

Turkey liver adds vitamin A, vitamin B12, iron and folate in a small amount, plus a strong flavor that makes food more appealing. Freeze-drying removes the water so the liver stays shelf stable while staying close to its raw state. It is usually one of the minor ingredients on the label.

Kittens eat liver as part of many balanced foods, but the amount matters. The Merck Veterinary Manual says vitamin A toxicity can occur when growing kittens are fed a diet high in liver, causing bony changes in the neck vertebrae. A complete kitten food controls vitamin A levels. Ask your veterinarian before adding liver treats on top of a kitten's regular diet.

Source: merckvetmanual.com

Cats cannot make vitamin A from plants. The Merck Veterinary Manual explains that cats cannot convert beta-carotene to vitamin A because they lack the intestinal enzyme needed, so they need a preformed source such as liver, fish oil or synthetic vitamin A. AAFCO nutrient profiles set a minimum vitamin A level for cat food.

Source: merckvetmanual.com

Pettings gives freeze-dried turkey liver 5 out of 5 and lists it as a named animal protein. It appears on 1 of the 149 dry cat foods we list. The score reflects only this ingredient. Each food's page shows how it scores overall.