Unlock the Secret to Irresistible Canine Delights! While the aroma of beef liver treats might not win any human awards, it’s a symphony of delight for our four-legged friends. These treats are more than just tempting; they’re the ideal high-value training reward your dog craves.
Discover the magic of homemade beef liver treats with our exclusive recipes, crafted to perfection.
Dehydrated Beef Liver Jerky for Dogs
Dehydrated beef jerky is ideal for dog owners who want longer-lasting homemade dog treats. The process of dehydration removes the water content of the beef liver.
This prevents the growth of dangerous food contaminants like yeast and bacteria, greatly increasing the shelf life of the organ meat.
What you need:
- 1 pound beef liver
How to make this beef liver treats for dogs:
- Preheat the oven to its lowest heat setting available.
- Use parchment paper to line the baking sheet.
- Rinse the beef liver and pat dry using a paper towel.
- Slice the beef liver into 1-inch strips.
- Place them on the lined baking sheet. Make sure none of the liver slices overlap to ensure proper removal of moisture during the dehydration process.
- Bake the beef liver slices for 3–4 hours if you want a chewy jerky. If you prefer extra crispy jerkies, bake them for 5–7 hours.
- Turn the liver slices every 2 hours, so both sides are evenly cooked.
- Turn off the oven, but leave its door slightly open. Let these dried liver treats for dogs stay inside until they cool down to room temperature for added crunchiness.
Notes for these dog liver treats:
- There is no need to rinse the beef liver if there is only minimal blood in the package.
- Dried liver treats can be stored in the fridge for 3–5 days. When placed in a freezer, it can last much longer, which is around 6 months.
- If you cannot find beef liver, any type of liver, like chicken liver is a suitable substitute.
Soft Beef Liver Dog Chews
Soft beef liver chews are great training treats for pooches with fragile teeth, like senior dogs.
What you need:
- 1 tablespoon ground chia seeds
- 3 tablespoons water
- 3/4 cup beef liver
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
How to make this beef liver treats for dogs:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a small bowl, mix the ground chia seeds with water. Let it sit for around 30 seconds.
- Put all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until it has a puree-like consistency.
- Pour the mixture into a silicone mold of your choice. Remove any excess.
- Bake these soft liver treats for dogs for at least 15–20 minutes.
- Remove the treats from the oven and let them fully cool down.
Notes for these dog liver treats:
- You can use a baking tray if you do not own a silicone mold. Spread the mixture evenly before baking. Once done, cut the treats into small pieces while they are warm out of the oven.
- When stored in a ziplock bag in the fridge, these homemade liver treats for dogs can last for a month. Or you can keep them in the freezer for 6 months.
Beef Liver Cake for Dogs
The beef liver cake is a good option if you want to bake a cake for your pooch with no frills. Its strong scent is more than enough to entice him to eat.
What you need:
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup garbanzo flour
- 1 pound beef liver
- 3 eggs
How to make this beef liver treats for dogs:
- Preheat the oven to 356 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place all the ingredients in a blender or food processor except for the garbanzo flour. Blend them until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a large bowl and add the flour. Stir thoroughly until it has a thick and sticky consistency.
- Transfer the mixture to the lined baking sheet.
- Gently tap the baking sheet on a smooth surface to ensure that the mixture is evenly distributed.
- Bake the beef liver cake for dogs for 30–45 minutes.
- Take it out of the oven. While still warm, cut the liver cake into 1-inch squares.
- Allow these liver dog treats to cool down completely before serving.
Notes for these dog liver treats:
- Never skip lining the baking sheet with parchment paper since the liver cake does not produce much grease. Or else removing it whole will be difficult.
- The liver cake for dogs can last for 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. If placed in the freezer, it can stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Treats for Dogs
Are freeze-dried beef liver treats good for dogs? Freeze-drying beef liver treats help retain most of their nutrients for a long time. These tasty treats will provide your dog with real vitamins and minerals.
However, some commercially-made freeze-dried beef liver dog treats may contain added unhealthy ingredients for your pooch. Making them at home will give you more control over what ingredients to use.
What you need:
- 1 pound beef liver
How to make this beef liver treats for dogs:
- Cover a baking sheet with foil.
- Pour water into a large pot until half full. Bring to a boil.
- Add the liver to the pot and allow it to simmer for 35–45 minutes.
- Turn off the heat. Use a colander or a strainer to separate the beef liver from the water.
- Transfer the beef liver to a large bowl and let it cool completely.
- Cut the beef liver into 1-inch cubes. Place them on the foil-covered baking sheet.
- Let the beef liver cubes stay in the freezer for 5–6 days. If moisture remains, freeze them for another 3 days.
Notes for these dog liver treats:
- Do not throw out the beef liver. It can be used as an ingredient for other homemade dog treats. You can also heat and mix it with your dog’s food if he is a picky eater.
- Freeze-dried liver dog treats can last for 1 week when placed in the fridge and 2–3 months in the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Liver Treats for Dogs
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Are liver treats good for dogs?
Liver treats are good for dogs when fed in moderation. They are an extra source of protein and minerals like copper, iron, and zinc. High levels of vitamins A, B, and D can also be found in liver dog treats.
All of these nutrients work together to help maintain proper body function in canines. These include their eyes, immune system, digestive tract, and reproductive organs.
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Can dogs have liver treats every day?
No, it is a bad idea to feed your dog liver treats daily. Due to its high nutritional profile, excessive consumption can cause a nutritional imbalance.
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What happens if a dog eats too many liver treats?
In mild cases, overeating liver treats can lead to gastrointestinal upset. A more dangerous side effect is hypervitaminosis A.
This condition occurs when dogs have high levels of vitamin A in their system. Affected canines will suffer from dull coats, abnormal weight loss, and joint pains.
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How much liver can I give my dog?
Restricting your dog’s consumption of liver treats prevents unwanted adverse reactions.
Small breeds can have no more than 1–2 liver treats per week. Medium dogs are fine with eating 4 liver treats a week. Large dog breeds can have up to 5–6 liver treats weekly.