If you’re looking for a healthy, nutrient-packed treat for your dog, you’ve come to the right place! Homemade treats are a fantastic way to show your dog how much you care, and beef liver is one of the best ingredients you can use.
It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, offering benefits for your dog’s overall health. In this article, we’ll dive into the beef liver dog treat recipe and guide you step-by-step on how to make them with ease.
Plus, I’ll explain the benefits of these treats and how to customize them to suit your dog’s taste preferences.
Benefits of Beef Liver for Dogs
Beef liver is packed with nutrients that offer several health benefits for your dog:
- Rich in Protein: Liver is an excellent source of protein, which supports muscle growth and maintenance, as well as a strong immune system.
- Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: Beef liver contains essential vitamins such as A, B12, and folate, as well as minerals like iron, copper, and zinc, all of which promote healthy skin, vision, and a strong immune system.
- Boosts Energy: The rich nutrients in beef liver can help improve your dog’s energy levels, making it a great treat for active dogs.
- Supports Liver Health: Ironically, feeding your dog beef liver can support their own liver health, as it contains high levels of antioxidants.
These nutrients make beef liver an excellent addition to your dog’s diet when given in moderation. Now, let’s get into the recipes!
Recipe 1: Beef Liver Bites
Prep time & Cook Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
Ingredients Needed
- 1 pound of beef liver
- Coconut oil spray (for greasing)
- 1 cup of oat flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon of dried parsley (optional)
How to Make Step by Step
Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray it with coconut oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Rinse the beef liver under cool water to remove any residual blood or impurities. Cut the liver into small chunks and place them into a food processor. Pulse the liver until it reaches a fine, ground texture. If you don’t have a food processor, you can also chop the liver finely by hand or use a blender.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef liver, oat flour, egg, and parsley (if using). Mix everything thoroughly until it forms a dough-like consistency.
Step 4: Scoop out small portions of the dough and roll them into bite-sized balls or use cookie cutters for fun shapes. Place each piece onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
Step 5: Bake the liver bites in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. Check at the 30-minute mark, as oven temperatures may vary. The treats are done when they are firm to the touch and slightly browned on the outside.
Step 6: Allow the treats to cool completely before serving them to your dog.
Feeding Size
- For small dogs: 1-2 bites per treat session
- For medium dogs: 3-4 bites per treat session
- For large dogs: 5-6 bites per treat session
Be sure to adjust the quantity based on your dog’s size and overall daily calorie intake.
Storage Tips
Store these treats in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Values Calculated
| Nutrient | Amount per treat (1 bite) |
| Calories | 35 |
| Protein | 6 grams |
| Fat | 1 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 1 gram |
| Fiber | 0 grams |
| Vitamin A | 1,500 IU |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Recipe 2: Beef Liver and Sweet Potato Chews
Prep time & Cook Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 2 hours
Ingredients Needed
- 1 pound beef liver
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and sliced
- Coconut oil spray (for greasing)
- 1 tablespoon turmeric (optional for extra anti-inflammatory properties)
How to Make Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray the parchment paper with coconut oil.
Step 2: Slice the beef liver into thin strips about 1/4-inch thick. You can also freeze the liver for 20-30 minutes beforehand to make slicing easier.
Step 3: Arrange the liver strips on the baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap. If you’re using sweet potatoes, slice them into thin rounds or strips about the same thickness as the liver. Arrange them on a separate part of the baking sheet.
Step 4: If you’d like to add turmeric for an extra anti-inflammatory boost, sprinkle it over the sweet potato slices. This is optional, but the benefits of turmeric are numerous!
Step 5: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 2 hours, flipping the liver and sweet potato slices halfway through. Keep an eye on them as oven temperatures vary, and make sure they don’t burn.
Step 6: Once they are fully dried and firm, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely.
Feeding Size
- For small dogs: 1-2 pieces per treat session
- For medium dogs: 2-3 pieces per treat session
- For large dogs: 3-4 pieces per treat session
Storage Tips
Store these chews in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze them for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Values Calculated
| Nutrient | Amount per chew (1 piece) |
| Calories | 45 |
| Protein | 7 grams |
| Fat | 2 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 5 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Vitamin A | 1,000 IU |
| Potassium | 200 mg |
Recipe 3: Beef Liver Dog Biscuit
Prep time & Cook Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients Needed
- 1 pound beef liver
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup flaxseed meal
- 1/4 cup water
- Coconut oil spray (for greasing)
How to Make Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with coconut oil spray.
Step 2: Rinse the beef liver and cut it into small pieces. Place the liver into a food processor and pulse until it’s finely ground. If you don’t have a food processor, you can chop it finely or use a blender.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef liver, whole wheat flour, flaxseed meal, and water. Stir the ingredients until they form a dough-like consistency.
Step 4: Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes, or simply slice the dough into squares with a knife.
Step 5: Place the cut-out shapes on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced out evenly. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 6: Let the biscuits cool completely before serving them to your dog.
Feeding Size
- For small dogs: 1 biscuit per treat session
- For medium dogs: 2 biscuits per treat session
- For large dogs: 3-4 biscuits per treat session
Storage Tips
These dog biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Values Calculated
| Nutrient | Amount per biscuit (1 piece) |
| Calories | 50 |
| Protein | 7 grams |
| Fat | 2 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 6 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Omega-3 | 100 mg |
Can I feed my dog beef liver every day?
While beef liver is incredibly nutritious, it should be fed in moderation. Too much liver can lead to vitamin A toxicity, so it’s best to give it as an occasional treat, not a daily one.
How long do homemade beef liver treats last?
The shelf life of homemade beef liver treats depends on how they are stored. When kept in an airtight container, they typically last about a week at room temperature, up to 3 weeks if refrigerated, or up to 3 months when frozen.
Is beef liver safe for puppies?
Yes, beef liver can be safe for puppies as long as it’s introduced in small amounts. Make sure the treats are appropriately sized for their age and weight.
What are the best ways to serve beef liver to my dog?
You can serve beef liver in many forms: as bites, chews, biscuits, or even as part of a homemade dog
food recipe. Just remember to cut it into manageable pieces based on your dog’s size.
Final Thoughts
Homemade dog treats are a great way to ensure your dog gets the healthiest ingredients, and beef liver is one of the best choices for your furry friend.
By following these simple recipes, you’ll not only be treating your dog to something delicious but also nourishing their health with every bite.
Ready to treat your dog to some homemade love? Try these recipes today and watch your pup enjoy their tasty, nutritious snacks!
