Best Homemade Liver Dog Treats Recipe - Spoiled Hounds (2024)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

These homemade liver dog treats are the perfect training treat. They are made with chicken liver and are good for your dog’s health.

These are really healthy for your pup, but they won’t know it! They will just think you are sharing something tasty because you love them. Keep reading and learn all about how nutritious they are and how to make them for your fur baby.

Best Homemade Liver Dog Treats Recipe - Spoiled Hounds (1)

FYI – This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table Of Contents

  1. Why These Liver Dog Treats Are the Best
  2. Benefits of Liver
  3. Liver Dog Treats Recipe Ingredients
  4. Ingredient Substitutions
  5. Best Liver for Dog Treats
  6. Serving Size
  7. Equipment Needed
  8. How to Make Liver Dog Treats
  9. How to Store Baked Dog Treats
  10. Can you eat these liver dog treats?
  11. More Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
  12. Liver Dog Treats

Why These Liver Dog Treats Are the Best

Your dog will love these liver treats! And you won’t mind making them because they are so easy! They might not be very appetizing for you, but they are a healthy treat for your pup.

And talk about treats dogs will get excited about. Just watch your dog’s tail wag when you are making these treats.

These DIY liver dog treats are made with wholesome, nutritious ingredients so they are actually good for your dog. Your pup will think they are eating a treat, but you will know they are eating nourishing food.

Want to know what is so healthy about them? It’s mainly the liver in these all-natural dog treats. Organ meats are so much better for dogs than any second-class protein such as beans or other vegetables.

Eggs, oats, and coconut oil are also very nutritious ingredients.

These dog treats with liver are high in protein and loaded with vitamins and minerals. They are a good source of iron and essential fatty acids.

Plus, you can crumble smaller pieces up and put them on your dog’s dry dog food!

If you enjoy baking healthy homemade treats for your dog, then this recipe is for you!

Benefits of Liver

Liver has an exceptional nutritional profile. It’s a nutrient-dense protein and one of the healthiest foods for dogs. These are some of the nutrients found in chicken liver:

  • Vitamin A: Is important for normal vision, immune function and reproduction. It also helps organs function properly.
  • Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system and reduces inflammation and oxidation.
  • Riboflavin (B2):Is important for cellular development and function. It also helps turn food into energy.
  • Folate (B9):An essential nutrient that plays a role in cell growth.
  • Iron:An essential nutrient that helps carry oxygen around the body. The iron is the kind most easily absorbed (heme iron).
  • Copper: Acts like a key to activate a number of enzymes, which then help regulate energy production, iron metabolism, and brain function.
  • Choline:Is important for brain development and liver function.

Read more about chicken liver nutrition and beef liver nutrition.

Liver Dog Treats Recipe Ingredients

The quantity of the ingredients and the step-by-step directions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. First, I want to share some additional information about the ingredients I used in these baked dog liver treats.

Here’s a list of what you need to make these tasty dog treats. Use organic ingredients if you want to make organic liver treats for dogs.

  • Liver – Not only is it full of fatty acids, but it is a good source of iron and protein too.
  • Oatmeal – This has the healthy fiber your dog needs to encourage healthy digestion.
  • Eggs – Another great protein source and it binds the ingredients together, so it is really important.
  • Coconut Oil – A healthy fat that is good for your dog’s coat and skin.
Best Homemade Liver Dog Treats Recipe - Spoiled Hounds (2)

Ingredient Substitutions

Do you want to use flour instead of oatmeal? You can use all-purpose or whole wheat flour. Note you will need to use less flour than oats.

Use 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose or whole wheat flour instead of the 2 cups of oatmeal.

Best Liver for Dog Treats

Wondering what is the best liver to use when making dog treats? Well, really any liver works. Chicken and beef liver are most commonly found in local grocery stores. You can also use:

  • Deer Liver
  • Duck Liver
  • Lamb Liver
  • Pork Liver

Read more about different types of liver and dogs.

Serving Size

How many homemade dog treats should you give your dog at once? That depends on what else your furry friend ate that day. This might be a healthier treat, but it is still a treat.

It isn’t high in sugar or calories, but it is still a “sometimes” treat that you should give to them in moderation.

Treats should not be a dog’s main source of calories. They should be something given to dogs as a reward or for training purposes.

Dogs shouldn’t overeat and consume too many calories on a daily basis. For this reason, I suggest only giving your spoiled hound a couple of these high-protein liver treats per day.

Always take your dog’s health into consideration before giving them any new treats. Consult with your veterinarian if needed. Also, dogs can have or develop food allergies. Start with small pieces and observe your dog afterward.

Tip: You can crumble up these treats to use as dog food toppers. Yup! Just break them up into small pieces and add them to your dog’s food.

Equipment Needed

You probably have most of the kitchen items you need to make these homemade chicken liver dog treats. You can use any regular silicone candy mold but a dog paw print mold gives these treats a fun look.

How to Make Liver Dog Treats

These are the recipe steps and photos of the process for this healthy dog treats recipe. I hope they help show you how to make your own liver treats for dogs.

You can scroll down to the bottom of this article for a printable recipe card.

  1. Place oatmeal in a blender. Pulse to grind the oats into flour.
Best Homemade Liver Dog Treats Recipe - Spoiled Hounds (3)
  1. Add liver, eggs, and coconut oil on top of the blended oats in the blender. Blend until well combined and it is a liquid.
Best Homemade Liver Dog Treats Recipe - Spoiled Hounds (4)
  1. Place the silicone mold on a baking sheet for stability. Pour the mixture into the mold.
Best Homemade Liver Dog Treats Recipe - Spoiled Hounds (5)
  1. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Best Homemade Liver Dog Treats Recipe - Spoiled Hounds (6)

If you do not have a silicone mold, you can use a greased rimmed baking sheet and pour the mixture into the baking sheet. After baking, cool it to room temperature then cut it into squares.

Tip: Wear kitchen gloves if you are concerned about food safety when handling fresh liver.

How to Store Baked Dog Treats

I recommend storing the DIY dog treats in a container for dog treats. You can also store them in sealed treat bags or a large zip-top plastic bag.

A dog treat jar is good to use so the treats are not mistaken for human treats. Here are some cute ones on Amazon:

Can you eat these liver dog treats?

Yep, you sure can eat these treats. All of the ingredients are safe for human consumption. But I’m certain you won’t enjoy them. They’re quite tasty for dogs but for humans, well, not so much.

📌 Pin this to save and share 📌

Best Homemade Liver Dog Treats Recipe - Spoiled Hounds (7)

More Homemade Dog Treat Recipes

Want to make more treats for your dog? Here are some different types of dog treats to make:

  • 3 Ingredient Dog Treats
  • Apple Dog Treats
  • Banana Dog Treats
  • Blueberry Dog Treats
  • Chicken Dog Treats
  • Dog Treats for Bad Breath
  • Oatmeal Dog Treats
  • Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits
  • Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Treats
  • Satin Balls for Dogs

Find more easy dog treat recipes here on Spoiled Hounds!

Want to get the best store-bought dog treats instead of making homemade ones? Check out these favorite dog treats on my Amazon dog treats ideas list.

Best Homemade Liver Dog Treats Recipe - Spoiled Hounds (8)

Print Pin

4.78 from 22 votes

Liver Dog Treats

Homemade liver dog treats are a tasty treat to make for your dog.

Course Dog Treats

Cuisine Pet

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 90

Calories 12kcal

Author Renee Dobbs

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Uncooked Oatmeal
  • 1 pound Chicken Liver
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Melted Coconut Oil

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.

  • Place oatmeal in a blender. Pulse to grind the oats into flour.

  • Add liver, eggs, and coconut oil on top of the blended oats in the blender.

  • Blend until well combined and a liquid forms.

  • Place silicone cookie/candy molds on a baking sheet for stability. Pour the mixture into the molds.

  • Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

If you do not have silicone molds, you can use a greased rimmed baking sheet and pour the mixture as a layer into the baking sheet. After baking, cool it to room temperature then cut it into squares.

If you want to use flour instead of oatmeal, you can use 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose or whole wheat flour.

Or you can use 2 cups of oat flour instead of grinding oatmeal into oat flour.

This recipe makes 90 to 100 treats using 1.5-inch mini dog bone molds.

Nutrition

Calories: 12kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 17mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 564IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

Best Homemade Liver Dog Treats Recipe - Spoiled Hounds (2024)

FAQs

Can dogs get sick from too many liver treats? ›

In small amounts liver is good for your dog, but if the liver intake is too high it can cause nutritional problems because liver has a high content of vitamin A. Consumption of this vitamin in large amounts can lead to vitamin A toxicity, or hypervitaminosis A.

What can I mix with liver for my dog? ›

Add oats to the bowl of a food processor; pulse until finely chopped, 10 to 15 seconds. Transfer oats to a large bowl and mix in flour. Place livers in the food processor and process until smooth, 10 to 15 seconds. Add eggs and blend until well combined, about 10 seconds.

How to make high value dog treats at home? ›

How to:
  1. Preheat your oven to 170°C.
  2. Dice the lamb liver.
  3. Puree the whole eggs with lamb liver in the food processor.
  4. Mix eggs and liver with the dry ingredients. ...
  5. Pour the mixture into the baking molds.
  6. Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown and firm.
  7. Let the dog treats cool before it's time for dog training.
Mar 30, 2024

How often can dogs have liver treats? ›

If your dog likes liver treats, do not give it more than a couple of pieces a week, especially if the treats are dehydrated.

What is the best liver for dogs? ›

By contrast, raw beef liver is soft and easy to chew, making it ideal for dogs. Plus, since it's already in its most natural state, raw beef liver contains all of the nutrients your dog needs for optimal health.

Are eggs good for dogs with liver disease? ›

Good proteins to feed for liver disease are eggs for the most bioavailable protein and choline content, poultry and a little fish such as sardines, salmon and cod. Other proteins to include would be lean meats such as venison, ostrich and kangaroo.

Should you cook liver before giving it to dogs? ›

Liver is good for dogs to eat and can be fed every day in small amounts. Liver should be cooked to decrease the risk of infection or food-borne illness. How much liver you can give your dog depends on their size and health profile. A rough guideline is 2-3 ounces (about 85.05 g) of liver a day for a 50-pound dog.

What is the healthiest way to cook liver for dogs? ›

Pop it in a pot of boiling water and simmer for about 15 minutes until tender, pan-fry it over low-medium heat, or place it on a baking sheet and cook in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 375 degrees. When preparing liver for your dog, avoid adding butter, oil, salt or any other spices.

Is it cheaper to buy or make dog treats? ›

Cost: Store-bought treats can be more expensive than homemade treats, especially if you choose premium brands. Quality Control: Some store-bought treats contain low-quality ingredients, preservatives, and artificial colors and flavors that can be harmful to your dog.

Why are homemade dog treats better than store bought? ›

Commercial pet treats have a longer shelf life due to the addition of preservatives. However, this often means sacrificing the freshness of the ingredients. Homemade pet treats, on the other hand, are prepared with fresh, whole foods, ensuring that your pet receives the maximum nutritional benefit from every bite.

How do you make a long shelf life for dog treats? ›

Airtight containers are ideal for storing homemade dog treats. But, as above, make sure your dog treats are completely dry. Expel as much air as possible from the likes of ziplock bags and other deflatable storage containers as air equals moisture which in turn equals mould.

What happens if a dog eats too many liver treats? ›

Over time, this can result in vitamin A toxicity, which can cause various health issues, including joint pain, bone deformities, and gastrointestinal problems. Always feed liver treats in moderation and consult with your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed too many.

What are the healthiest dog treats? ›

11 Healthy, Natural Treats for Dogs in Your Kitchen
  • Watermelon. ...
  • Cooked Sweet Potatoes. ...
  • Bananas. ...
  • Broccoli. ...
  • Cooked Squash. ...
  • Strawberries. ...
  • Blueberries. ...
  • You Should Know… When trying out new treats for your dog, it's always best to start with small portions and see how your dog's GI tract responds.

Can liver treats cause diarrhea in dogs? ›

On the whole, dried liver treats for dogs have a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals that all dogs need. Giving daily in small amounts will assist your dog to have a very healthy, long and happy life. e.g. 10 grams for a 10-kilogram dog per day is recommended. Too much liver can cause diarrhea.

What happens if you give a dog too many dog treats? ›

Giving your dog too many snacks is definitely the way to put unhealthy weight on your dog that it does not need. Weight issues often lead to additional health issues. Finally, keep in mind that when it comes to treats, less is better. Try not to let your dog trick you into giving him more than he should have.

Can liver treat upset dogs' stomach? ›

Dog Veterinarian: Craig R. Liver treats are particularly rich in fat and protein and may be too much for the GI tract in cases of larger ingestion. If he's having a lot of diarrhea, the major risk is for dehydration which will result in lethargy and not wanting to eat.

Is it okay to feed dogs liver everyday? ›

The biggest risk of feeding liver to your pooch is if they receive too much vitamin A. Vitamin A toxicity can lead to distressing symptoms such as stomach issues, nervous system problems, or in the long term, bone growth dysfunction. So long as you don't feed your dog liver every day, they shouldn't have any issues.

Can dog treats cause liver problems? ›

A few health-related issues that have been linked to synthetic preservatives in dog treats include liver damage, cancer, cell damage, damage to the circulatory and nervous systems, and even poisoning.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dan Stracke

Last Updated:

Views: 6347

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dan Stracke

Birthday: 1992-08-25

Address: 2253 Brown Springs, East Alla, OH 38634-0309

Phone: +398735162064

Job: Investor Government Associate

Hobby: Shopping, LARPing, Scrapbooking, Surfing, Slacklining, Dance, Glassblowing

Introduction: My name is Dan Stracke, I am a homely, gleaming, glamorous, inquisitive, homely, gorgeous, light person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.