4 Healthy Liver Dog Treats Recipe

liver dog treats are full of nutrients like iron, protein, and vitamins, liver is not only a tasty snack but also a great boost to your dog’s health.

Whether you’re looking to add variety to your pup’s diet, create training treats, or just treat them to something special, these liver dog treat recipes will be a hit.

I’ll walk you through a series of simple, nutritious, and tasty liver dog treat recipes that you can easily make at home. Let’s dive into the benefits of liver dog treats before we jump into the recipes themselves.

Benefits of Liver Dog Treats

Liver is packed with benefits that contribute to your dog’s overall health. Here are a few reasons why liver dog treats are an excellent choice for your pup:

• Nutrient-Rich: Liver is loaded with essential nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, riboflavin, and iron, all of which help maintain your dog’s skin, eyes, coat, and immune system.
• Rich in Protein: The high protein content in liver aids in building muscle and supports overall growth and vitality for dogs of all ages.
• Supports Liver Health: Ironically, feeding your dog liver can promote healthy liver function. The nutrients in liver help detoxify the body and support metabolism.
• Tasty and Aromatic: Liver has a strong, savory flavor that dogs find irresistible, making it ideal for training or just as a special treat.
• Boosts Energy: The high concentration of vitamins and minerals in liver can also provide a healthy energy boost, which is especially beneficial for active dogs.

Now that we know why liver treats are so beneficial, let’s dive into the recipes!

Recipe 1: Baked Liver Dog Treats

Prep time & Cook Time

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

Ingredients Needed

• 1 cup beef or chicken liver (pureed)
• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tbsp dried parsley (optional)

How to Make Step by Step

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Liver: Place the liver in a blender or food processor. Blend until you get a smooth puree. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse it less.
3. Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the liver puree, whole wheat flour, egg, and water. Add dried parsley if you’re using it for extra flavor. Mix everything together until you form a dough. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour until it’s manageable.
4. Roll the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about ¼-inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut the dough into small, bite-sized pieces.
5. Bake the Treats: Place the treats onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each one. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges become golden and crispy.
6. Cool and Serve: Once done, remove the treats from the oven and allow them to cool completely before serving them to your dog.

Feeding Size

These treats are great for training or just as an occasional snack. Feed small dogs 1-2 treats at a time and larger dogs up to 4-5, depending on their size and dietary needs.

Storage Tips

Once cooled, store the treats in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Values Calculated

Recipe 2: Liver and Sweet Potato Dog Treats

Prep time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed

• 1 cup beef or chicken liver (pureed)
• 1 medium sweet potato, cooked and mashed
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp olive oil

How to Make Step by Step

1. Cook the Sweet Potato: Start by boiling or baking the sweet potato until it is soft. Mash it with a fork once it’s cooled down.
2. Prepare the Liver: Puree the liver in a food processor until smooth. You can also finely chop it if you prefer a chunkier texture.
3. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, liver puree, oat flour, egg, and olive oil. Mix until everything is well combined and a dough forms.
4. Roll and Cut: Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut the dough into shapes that are appropriate for your dog.
5. Bake the Treats: Place the cut treats onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the treats are firm and slightly browned.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the treats to cool before serving them to your dog. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Feeding Size

These treats are perfect for medium and large dogs. For small dogs, break the treats into smaller pieces. A good serving size is 1-2 treats per day for small dogs and 3-4 for larger dogs.

Storage Tips

Store the treats in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for 1-2 months.

Nutrition Values Calculated

Recipe 3: Freeze-Dried Liver Treats

Prep time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)

Ingredients Needed

• 1 lb beef or chicken liver (fresh)

How to Make Step by Step

1. Prepare the Liver: Wash the liver thoroughly to remove any impurities. Pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Slice the Liver: Cut the liver into small pieces or thin slices. Make sure the pieces are small enough to be a convenient treat size for your dog.
3. Freeze the Liver: Place the liver slices onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, until the liver is fully frozen.
4. Store and Serve: Once frozen, transfer the liver pieces into an airtight container or freezer bag. You can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply thaw before serving or give them to your dog straight from the freezer as a cool, chewy treat.

Feeding Size

These freeze-dried treats are great for training or as an occasional snack. They are quite nutrient-dense, so limit the number of pieces you give to your dog based on its size and activity level.

Storage Tips

Keep these treats in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. If you are serving them straight from the freezer, there’s no need to thaw them; just give them to your dog as a cold snack.

Nutrition Values Calculated

Recipe 4: Air Fryer Liver Dog Treats

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes

Ingredients Needed

• 1 lb fresh beef or chicken liver
• Coconut oil in a spray bottle

How to Make (Step by Step)

1. Prepare the Liver:
   • Rinse the liver under cold water to remove any excess blood.
   • Pat it dry with paper towels.
   • Cut the liver into small, bite-sized pieces, ensuring they’re uniform for even cooking.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   • Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Let it preheat for about 3 minutes.
3. Lightly Oil the Basket:
   • Spray the air fryer basket with coconut oil to prevent sticking.
4. Arrange the Liver Pieces:
   • Place the liver pieces in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
5. Cook the Liver:
   • Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
   • The liver should be firm and have a slightly crispy exterior.
6. Cool Completely:
   • Remove the liver treats from the air fryer and let them cool before serving.

Feeding Size

• Small dogs: 1-2 pieces per day
• Medium dogs: 2-3 pieces per day
• Large dogs: 3-4 pieces per day
  (Treats should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.)

Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the treats in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Values (per ounce)

• Calories: ~50
• Protein: ~7g
• Fat: ~2g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
  (Values are approximate and vary depending on the type of liver used.)

How Long Do Homemade Liver Treats Last?

Homemade liver dog treats can last up to a week at room temperature, stored in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to two weeks, or freeze them for up to three months. Be sure to check the treats regularly for any signs of mold or spoilage, especially if you’ve added moist ingredients like sweet potatoes.

Can You Use Other Types of Liver for Dog Treats?

Yes! You can use chicken, beef, lamb, or even pork liver to make these treats. Different types of liver can provide varied flavors and textures, but the basic recipe remains the same. Just make sure to thoroughly cook or freeze the liver to kill any potential bacteria.

Can These Liver Treats Be Used for Training?

Absolutely! Liver treats are perfect for training because they’re packed with flavor and

nutrients that keep your dog motivated. Their strong smell also makes them irresistible, which is perfect for getting your dog’s attention during training sessions.

Final Thoughts

Liver dog treats are a fantastic, nutrient-packed way to treat your dog. Whether baked, freeze-dried, or combined with other ingredients like sweet potatoes, these treats are easy to make, full of flavor, and good for your dog’s health.

Now that you know how to prepare them, go ahead and spoil your pup with these delicious homemade treats. Don’t forget to try out different variations to see which your dog loves most!