4 Dog Treats Made with Liver: You can Start Making Now

Liver is a powerhouse ingredient when it comes to feeding your dog. It’s packed with essential nutrients like vitamins A, B12, and iron, and it can do wonders for your dog’s overall health.

In this article, we’ll explore four simple yet delicious dog treats made with liver that are easy to prepare and perfect for keeping your furry friend happy and healthy.

By using liver as the main ingredient, you can create nutritious, high-protein treats that your dog will love.

Why You Should Make Liver-Based Dog Treats

Before diving into the recipes, let’s discuss the value of liver as an ingredient for dog treats. Liver is one of the most nutrient-dense organ meats, and it offers an array of benefits for dogs.

It’s a great source of protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, which are crucial for maintaining your dog’s health. Whether your dog is a puppy, adult, or senior, liver treats can help with:

• Improved skin and coat health: The vitamins and minerals in liver promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
• Boosted energy levels: The high-quality protein in liver can give your dog an energy boost.
• Stronger immune system: Liver contains high amounts of Vitamin A and B12, both of which are important for immune health.
• Enhanced digestion: The protein and other nutrients support your dog’s digestive system.

Now that we know why liver is such a great choice for your dog’s diet, let’s move on to the recipes!

Recipe 1: Homemade Liver Training Treats

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Tools Needed

• Food processor or blender
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients Needed

• 1 cup of beef or chicken liver (fresh or frozen)
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (for added texture and flavor)
• 1/2 cup oat flour (or regular flour for non-grain-free option)

How to Make Step by Step

Step One: Prepare the Liver

First, rinse the liver thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities. Pat it dry with a paper towel. If you’re using frozen liver, allow it to thaw completely. Once dry, cut the liver into smaller pieces to make it easier to blend.

Step Two: Blend the Ingredients

Place the liver, egg, coconut oil, and oat flour into a food processor or blender. Blend until the mixture becomes a smooth, sticky dough. The consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape when you scoop it.

Step Three: Shape the Treats

Once the mixture is ready, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a teaspoon or your hands, scoop out small portions of the dough and shape them into small balls or flat discs. These treats should be about the size of a marble to make them easy to use for training.

Step Four: Bake the Treats

Place the shaped treats onto the baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them as the baking time may vary depending on the size of the treats. They are done when they are firm to the touch and slightly golden brown on the edges.

Feeding Size

These treats are small, making them perfect for training or as a daily snack. Offer one or two treats at a time based on your dog’s size and needs.

Storage Tips

Store the liver treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer shelf life.

Nutrition Values Estimated

Recipe 2: Liver and Sweet Potato Biscuits

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Tools Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Food processor or blender
• Rolling pin (optional)
• Cookie cutters

Ingredients Needed

• 1/2 cup beef or chicken liver (cooked and chopped)
• 1 cup cooked sweet potato (mashed)
• 1 egg
• 2 cups whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour if needed)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (for extra moisture)

How to Make Step by Step

Step One: Prepare the Liver and Sweet Potato

Cook the liver by boiling or pan-frying it until it is fully cooked. Then, chop it into small pieces. Peel and cook the sweet potato until soft, then mash it with a fork or potato masher.

Step Two: Mix the Ingredients

In a food processor, combine the cooked liver, mashed sweet potato, egg, coconut oil, and flour. Pulse until the mixture forms a dough. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour until it’s manageable.

Step Three: Roll and Cut the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes or simply slice the dough into squares if you prefer quicker results.

Step Four: Bake the Biscuits

Place the biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow them to cool completely before serving.

Feeding Size

These biscuits are larger, so you can serve 1-2 per day for small dogs and up to 3 for larger dogs.

Storage Tips

Store the biscuits in an airtight container for up to 10 days. You can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Values Estimated

Recipe 3: Liver and Carrot Popsicles

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours (freezing time)

Tools Needed

• Popsicle molds or ice cube tray
• Blender or food processor

Ingredients Needed

• 1/2 cup beef or chicken liver (cooked and chopped)
• 1/2 cup carrots (chopped)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional for texture)

How to Make Step by Step

Step One: Prepare the Liver and Carrots

Boil the liver and carrots until tender. Once cooked, allow the liver to cool before chopping it into smaller pieces.

Step Two: Blend the Ingredients

In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped liver, carrots, chicken broth, and coconut oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step Three: Pour Into Molds

Pour the liver and carrot mixture into popsicle molds or an ice cube tray. Make sure the molds are filled evenly.

Step Four: Freeze the Treats

Place the molds into the freezer and let them freeze for 4-6 hours or overnight. Once frozen solid, you can remove the popsicles from the molds.

Feeding Size

Serve one popsicle at a time for larger dogs, or break them into smaller pieces for smaller dogs.

Storage Tips

Store the popsicles in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Values Estimated

Recipe 4: Liver Dog Chews

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-4 hours

Tools Needed

• Dehydrator or oven
• Baking sheet (if using oven)

Ingredients Needed

• 1 cup beef or chicken liver (sliced thin)

How to Make Step by Step

Step One: Slice the Liver

Slice the liver into thin strips, about 1/8-inch thick. The thinner the slices, the quicker they will dry.

Step Two: Dry the Liver

If using a dehydrator, place the liver strips on the dehydrator trays and set the temperature to 160°F (71°C). Dry the liver for 3-4 hours until they become firm and crispy. If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can bake the liver in the oven at 200°F (93°C) for 3-4 hours.

Step Three: Cool and Serve

Allow the liver chews to cool completely before serving them to your dog.

Feeding Size

These chews are best served as an occasional treat. Limit to one per day, depending on your dog’s size.

Storage Tips

Store the chews in an airtight container for up to 1 month. They can also be refrigerated for longer shelf life.

Nutrition Values Estimated

Safety Precautions for this Recipe

Portion control:  Liver is nutrient-dense, so it should be given in moderation. Overfeeding can cause vitamin A toxicity.

• Allergies: Always ensure your dog is not allergic to any of the ingredients before preparing these treats.
• Storage: Ensure the treats are stored properly to avoid bacterial contamination. Refrigerate or freeze treats that won’t be consumed quickly.

Ingredients to Avoid for this Recipe

• Onions and garlic: Both are toxic to dogs and should never be included in any treat recipe.
• Artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol): These are harmful to dogs, so always double-check ingredients for anything that could be dangerous.
• Chocolate: Avoid any recipe containing chocolate as it’s toxic to dogs.

Understanding Making the Recipe: How to Balance the Nutrients

When preparing liver-based treats, it’s important to balance the high protein content of the liver with other ingredients that provide fiber, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. 

Ingredients like sweet potatoes, carrots, and oats provide balance, while coconut oil can add healthy fats for a shiny coat and extra energy. 

Always keep the proportions in mind to avoid nutrient imbalances. You also want to ensure that treats are not too high in fat, as this could lead to obesity over time.

1. Can I use liver from other animals for these treats?

Yes, you can use liver from any type of meat, including chicken, beef, turkey, or lamb. Just make sure it’s fresh and free of additives.

2. How can I make these treats for a dog with allergies?

You can easily swap ingredients to accommodate specific dietary needs. Use a different flour, such as rice flour for grain-sensitive dogs, and ensure all meats and broths are free of preservatives.

3. Can I make liver treats in large batches?

Absolutely! These recipes can be made in bulk. Just be sure to store them properly by freezing or refrigerating them to maintain their freshness.

Final Thoughts

Making your own liver-based dog treats is a simple, rewarding way to show your pet how much you care. Not only do they love the taste, but you also get the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what’s in their treats.

So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and treat your dog to something special today!