If you’re looking to spoil your furry friend with a healthy, homemade snack, liver dog treats are an excellent option. Packed with essential nutrients, liver treats are both tasty and beneficial for dogs.
In this article, you will learn how to make simple, nutritious liver dog treats with the added benefit of coconut oil spray. These treats will have your pup wagging their tail for more.
Why Make Liver Dog Treats?
Liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat, offering an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and protein for your dog. When made into treats, it becomes a great way to provide your dog with a boost of nutrients in a tasty form.
Liver contains essential nutrients such as vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, and zinc, all of which contribute to maintaining your dog’s overall health.
Benefits of Liver Dog Treats:
- Rich in Nutrients: Liver is high in vitamin A, B12, iron, and essential fatty acids that support your dog’s immune system, vision, and energy levels.
- High Protein: Liver provides a protein-packed treat to fuel your dog’s muscle growth and repair.
- Great for Skin and Coat: The high fat content in liver can contribute to shiny fur and healthy skin.
- Natural and Wholesome: Homemade liver treats avoid artificial preservatives and additives often found in store-bought treats.
Now that you know the benefits, let’s dive into how to make these delicious liver treats that your dog will love.
Recipe 1: Baked Liver Dog Treats with Coconut Oil
Prep Time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 lb beef or chicken liver (fresh or frozen)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour for sensitive dogs)
- 1/4 cup oats (optional)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- Coconut oil spray (for greasing the baking tray)
How to Make Step by Step:
- Prepare the Liver:
- Begin by thoroughly rinsing the liver to remove any excess blood or impurities. If you’re using frozen liver, make sure it’s fully thawed before proceeding.
- Cut the liver into smaller chunks to make it easier to blend or process.
- Blend the Liver:
- Place the liver chunks into a food processor and blend until smooth. The texture should resemble a thick paste.
- If you don’t have a food processor, you can also finely chop the liver and mash it with a fork, though a food processor makes the process much easier.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the egg and beat it lightly. Add the blended liver to the egg mixture and stir to combine.
- Slowly add the flour and oats (if using) into the mixture, stirring until everything is well incorporated. You should have a thick dough-like consistency.
- Prepare the Baking Tray:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray the baking sheet or tray with coconut oil spray to prevent sticking. You can also line the tray with parchment paper for an easier cleanup.
- Shape the Treats:
- Using your hands, form the dough into small balls or flatten it into a thin sheet, depending on how you want to cut your treats. You can also use cookie cutters for fun shapes.
- For a more uniform shape, roll out the dough and cut it into squares or strips with a knife.
- Bake the Treats:
- Place the shaped treats onto the greased baking tray and bake for about 45-60 minutes, depending on the thickness of your treats.
- Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn. You want them to be crispy and dry but not overdone.
- Cool and Store:
- Allow the treats to cool completely on a wire rack before serving them to your dog. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also refrigerate them for a longer shelf life.
Feeding Size:
- Offer these liver treats as an occasional snack or training reward. Be mindful of your dog’s size—smaller dogs will need smaller portions, while larger dogs can have a few more.
Storage Tips:
- These treats can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature, or you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life by up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.
Nutrition Values Calculated (per treat):
- Calories: 25-30
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sodium: 30mg
Recipe 2: Dehydrated Liver Dog Treats
Prep Time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (depending on dehydrator or oven)
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 lb beef liver (fresh or frozen)
- Coconut oil spray (for greasing)
How to Make Step by Step:
- Prepare the Liver:
- Rinse the liver thoroughly and remove any excess blood or veins. If you’re using frozen liver, allow it to thaw completely.
- Slice the liver into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. You can also use a sharp knife to cut the liver into bite-sized cubes if you prefer smaller treats.
- Spray the Dehydrator Trays:
- If you’re using a dehydrator, lightly spray the trays with coconut oil to prevent sticking. If you’re using the oven, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the Liver:
- Lay the sliced liver strips or cubes evenly on the dehydrator trays or the baking sheet. Make sure there is space between each piece to allow for airflow and even drying.
- Dehydrate the Liver:
- In a dehydrator: Set the temperature to 145°F (63°C) and let it dehydrate for 4-6 hours. Check the liver periodically to ensure it’s drying evenly and not becoming too tough or burnt.
- In the oven: Set your oven to the lowest possible temperature (usually around 170°F or 75°C). Place the tray in the oven and leave the door slightly ajar for air circulation. It will take 4-6 hours, depending on the thickness of the liver.
- Cool and Store:
- Once the liver has dried and become crispy, remove it from the dehydrator or oven and let it cool. Store the treats in an airtight container for up to a week or refrigerate for up to two weeks. For long-term storage, freeze them for up to three months.
Feeding Size:
- These dehydrated liver treats can be broken into smaller pieces, making them a great training tool for dogs of all sizes.
Storage Tips:
- Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be refrigerated for longer shelf life. If you choose to freeze them, they will last up to three months.
Nutrition Values Calculated (per treat):
- Calories: 10-15
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 15mg
How often can I give my dog liver treats?
Liver treats are nutrient-dense, so it’s best to give them to your dog in moderation. These treats are best as an occasional snack or used for training, rather than an everyday snack. Depending on your dog’s size and activity level, one or two small liver treats per day is a good amount.
Can I use liver from other animals?
Yes, you can make liver treats from different types of animals, such as chicken, beef, or lamb liver. All of these are great choices as they offer similar nutritional benefits. However, ensure the liver is fresh and properly handled to avoid any contamination.
What if my dog is allergic to certain ingredients?
If your dog has sensitivities to grains or certain ingredients, you can adjust the recipe to meet their needs. For example, you can use gluten-free flour, eliminate oats, or substitute with alternative oils such as olive oil if your dog is sensitive to coconut oil.
How long will these treats last?
Homemade liver treats typically last 1-2 weeks when stored properly at room temperature or refrigerated. If you want to extend the shelf life, freezing them is an excellent option, and they can last up to three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
Liver dog treats are not only a delicious way to treat your dog, but they also offer significant health benefits packed with essential nutrients. Whether you bake them or dehydrate them, making homemade liver treats is easy and rewarding.
So, why not give it a try today and treat your dog to a healthy, nutritious snack? Your pup will thank you!
