If you’re looking for nutrient-rich, tasty treats that your pup will go wild for, you’ve come to the right place. Liver is a powerhouse ingredient—packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals that help support your dog’s overall health.
Plus, making your own treats means you control exactly what goes into them. In this post, we’re sharing 8 creative recipes for DIY homemade liver dog treats that are not only healthy but also delicious enough to make your dog’s tail wag with excitement.
Recipe 1: Classic Liver Treats
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pure liver (choose beef, chicken, or lamb based on your dog’s preference)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup oat flour (or whole wheat flour if your dog isn’t sensitive to gluten)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Blend the Liver: Cut the liver into small pieces and place them in a food processor. Blend until you have a smooth liver paste.
- Mix in Egg & Flour: Transfer the liver paste to a bowl. Add the egg and gradually stir in the oat flour until a thick, workable dough forms.
- Shape the Treats: Scoop out small portions (about 1 teaspoon each) and roll them into balls or press them into small patty shapes on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes. The low temperature will slowly dehydrate the treats without cooking them too harshly, preserving the liver’s nutrients.
- Cool & Store: Allow the treats to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Health Benefits
These classic treats are loaded with high-quality protein and essential vitamins that support muscle development and overall vitality. They’re an excellent, all-natural snack for rewarding good behavior.
Recipe 2: Crunchy Baked Liver Bites
Ingredients
- 8 ounces finely chopped liver (chicken or beef work well)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, for its anti-inflammatory benefits)
- A pinch of salt (optional and minimal; consult your vet if your dog is on a low-sodium diet)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- Prepare the Mixture: In a bowl, combine the finely chopped liver with olive oil, turmeric, and a tiny pinch of salt. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Spread & Bake: Spread the liver mixture in a thin, even layer over the prepared baking sheet. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to flatten it to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Bake Slowly: Bake for about 2 to 2.5 hours until the mixture becomes dry and slightly crispy. The slow bake process helps to dehydrate the liver while maintaining its flavor.
- Cool & Cut: Remove from the oven and let it cool. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the liver slab into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator, or dehydrate further for longer storage.
Health Benefits
These crunchy bites not only provide a satisfying texture that can help clean your dog’s teeth but also deliver concentrated nutrition. Turmeric adds a natural anti-inflammatory boost, making these treats a smart choice for active dogs.
Recipe 3: Liver and Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato (cooked and cooled)
- 1/3 cup oat flour
- 6 ounces pure liver (chicken or beef)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Blend the Liver: Process the liver in a food processor until it forms a smooth paste.
- Mix with Sweet Potato: In a large bowl, combine the liver paste with the mashed sweet potato. Stir well until fully incorporated.
- Add Flour: Gradually mix in the oat flour until a firm, pliable dough is formed. The dough should be sticky enough to hold together but not too wet.
- Shape the Treats: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut into shapes—bones, squares, or small rounds work well.
- Bake: Place the shapes on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges begin to darken slightly.
- Cool & Store: Allow the treats to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Health Benefits
Combining liver with sweet potato not only creates a naturally sweet and savory flavor but also delivers the benefits of complex carbohydrates and vitamins. The sweet potato adds fiber and beta-carotene, while the liver remains a robust source of protein and essential nutrients.
Recipe 4: Liver and Oat Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pure liver (chicken or beef), processed into a smooth puree
- 1 cup rolled oats (or process some of the oats into a coarse oat flour, leaving a bit of texture)
- 1 large egg
- 1-2 tablespoons water (optional, to adjust dough consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Process the Liver: Cut the liver into small pieces and blend in a food processor until smooth.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the liver puree with the egg. Gradually add the rolled oats (or the mixture of oat flour and whole oats), stirring until a sticky, well-incorporated dough forms. If the dough feels too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time.
- Shape the Treats: Scoop out small portions (about 1 teaspoon each) and roll them into balls, or spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet and cut into bite-sized squares after baking.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. The low temperature helps to dehydrate the treats slowly while preserving the nutritional integrity of the liver.
- Cool & Store: Once baked, allow the treats to cool on a wire rack. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Health Benefits
- Liver: Delivers high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals essential for muscle growth and overall vitality.
- Oats: Provide fiber that aids in digestion and contributes to a feeling of fullness, helping to maintain your pet’s digestive health and weight management.
- Egg: Acts as a natural binder while adding extra protein and nutrients.
Recipe 5: Liver and Carrot Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pure liver (chicken or beef), blended into a smooth paste
- 1/2 cup freshly grated carrots
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gluten-free option)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Process: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Process the liver in a food processor until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the liver paste with the grated carrots. Slowly add the flour until a dough forms that holds together without being overly dry.
- Shape the Treats: Form small balls or press the mixture into a thin layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If forming patties, aim for uniform, bite-sized pieces.
- Bake or Dehydrate:
- Baking: Place in the oven for 30-40 minutes until the edges are slightly crisp.
- Dehydrating Option: For a chewier texture, consider placing the treats in a food dehydrator at 150°F (65°C) for 4-6 hours.
- Cool & Store: Let the treats cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Health Benefits
- Carrots: Provide antioxidants, vitamins, and a crunch that can help clean your dog’s teeth.
- Liver: Offers a nutrient-dense protein source that supports energy and overall health.
- Flour: Binds the ingredients while contributing a bit of fiber to aid digestion.
Recipe 6: Liver and Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 6 ounces pure liver (chicken or beef), processed into a smooth paste
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (ensure it’s xylitol-free)
- 1/4 cup oat flour (adjust more if needed)
- 1 small egg (optional, for extra binding)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Process: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Process the liver until you have a smooth paste.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the liver paste with natural peanut butter. If using, whisk in the egg.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the oat flour until the mixture reaches a thick, dough-like consistency that is easy to shape. You may adjust the flour amount slightly depending on the moisture level.
- Shape the Treats: Form the mixture into small balls or press into a lined baking dish to create a slab that can later be cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes until the treats are set. For a firmer texture, you can let them cool in the oven with the door slightly open.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the treats to cool completely on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Health Benefits
- Peanut Butter: Provides a flavor that dogs love along with healthy fats and protein.
- Liver: Remains the nutritional powerhouse in this recipe, offering essential vitamins.
- Oat Flour: Helps bind the ingredients and adds a slight fiber boost for improved digestion.
Recipe 7: Liver Jerky Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 8 ounces liver (chicken, beef, or lamb), sliced very thinly (about 1/8-inch thick)
- Optional: A pinch of chopped fresh parsley (dog-safe herb for added flavor and breath-freshening benefits)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 175°F (80°C) if you do not have a dehydrator. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the Liver: Using a sharp knife, slice the liver as thinly as possible to ensure even drying. The thinner the slices, the crisper the jerky.
- Optional Seasoning: If desired, lightly sprinkle the chopped parsley over the liver slices for an extra boost of freshness.
- Arrange & Dry: Lay the liver slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or on dehydrator trays. Make sure the slices do not overlap.
- Dry the Liver: Place in the oven or dehydrator and dry for 2 to 3 hours. Check periodically until the liver jerky is dry yet still slightly pliable (a perfect jerky texture).
- Cool & Store: Remove the liver jerky from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, break into bite-sized pieces and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Health Benefits
Liver jerky is a naturally rich source of protein and essential vitamins. Its chewy texture not only satisfies your dog’s desire to chew but also helps keep their teeth clean and gums healthy.
Recipe 8: Herb-Infused Liver Delights
Ingredients
- 8 ounces liver (chicken, beef, or lamb), sliced thinly
- Homemade, salt-free, garlic-free chicken or beef bouillon:
- 1 cup water
- Bone scraps (chicken or beef)
- A pinch of dog-safe herbs (such as rosemary or thyme)
- Herb and Spice Mix:
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 175°F (80°C) or prepare your food dehydrator according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Line a baking sheet or dehydrator tray with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Bouillon
- In a small saucepan, combine the water and bone scraps. Add a pinch of rosemary or thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes to create a flavorful, dog-safe bouillon. Strain the liquid to remove any solid pieces.
- Soak the Liver
- Place the thinly sliced liver in a shallow dish. Pour the cooled bouillon over the liver slices, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Let the liver marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to absorb the flavors.
- Season with Herbs and Spices
- Remove the liver slices from the bouillon and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Gently rub each slice with the herb and spice mix (rosemary, thyme, and turmeric) to coat evenly.
- Arrange & Dry
- Lay the seasoned liver slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or dehydrator tray.
- Make sure the slices do not overlap to ensure even drying.
- Dehydrate the Liver
- Place in the oven or dehydrator and dry for 2 to 3 hours. Check periodically until the liver is dry yet still slightly pliable, achieving a perfect jerky texture.
- Cool & Store
- Remove the liver jerky from the oven or dehydrator and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, break into bite-sized pieces and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Health Benefits
- Liver: A nutritional powerhouse, liver provides high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and vitamins A, D, and all the Bs, supporting overall health and vitality.
- Rosemary and Thyme: These herbs are known for their natural antioxidant properties, which can help support immune function and digestion.
- Turmeric: Adds anti-inflammatory benefits, which can be particularly beneficial for dogs with joint issues.
Conclusion: Enjoy 8 DIY Homemade Liver Dog Treats for a Healthier, Happier Pup
Making these 8 DIY Homemade Liver Dog Treats is a fantastic way to ensure your furry friend gets high-quality, nutrient-packed snacks made right at home. From classic liver treats to crunchy jerky and dehydrated options, each recipe is designed to satisfy your dog’s taste buds while delivering essential vitamins and protein for optimal health.
We hope these recipes inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and tailor the treats to your pup’s preferences. Remember, making treats at home means you control every ingredient, ensuring that your dog enjoys only the best.
For more innovative pet recipes, health tips, and DIY projects, visit Sweet Purrfections—your go-to blog for healthy recipes and care tips for dogs and cats. We’d love to see photos of your creations and hear about your pup’s reaction, so be sure to share your experiences in the comments!
Happy treat-making and here’s to many tail-wagging moments!
Meet Sean, a fintech whiz with a penchant for pet purrs and blockchain buzz. After a decade of fintech feats, Sean’s tech talents leaped from ledger lines to litter lines, driven by a passion for pets and a vision for a more connected pet care community. With three critter companions as co-pilots, Sean launched this blog to share a treasury of pet-friendly tech tips and tales.
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