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You’re browsing through the dog treat options at the store, noticing the usual ingredients like chicken, rice, and mystery “byproducts.” Then you see the price tag – $15 for a small bag that your dog will finish quickly.
However, in the meat section, you can find one of the most nutritious options for your dog at around $3 per pound. Despite its unappealing appearance, chicken liver is a nutritional powerhouse that outshines those expensive boutique treats.
Packed with high-quality protein, vitamins A and B, and iron, chicken liver is like a multivitamin in meat form, and most dogs absolutely love it.
Why Chicken Liver Is Beneficial for Dogs
Chicken liver isn’t just delicious; it’s a nutritional powerhouse. This organ meat provides high-quality protein while remaining low in fat, making it a great addition to your dog’s diet in moderation.
The vitamin and mineral content is impressive:
Vitamin A maintains your dog’s coat, skin, vision, and immune system. B vitamins (pyridoxine, cobalamin, riboflavin, thiamine) support energy production, metabolism, and cell health. Iron aids in red blood cell production and various bodily functions.
In addition to these nutrients, chicken liver also offers vitamins K and D, along with minerals like copper, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. It’s essentially a multivitamin in meat form.
Chicken Liver vs. Beef Liver: Which Is Better?
Both chicken and beef liver are excellent choices, but there are slight differences to consider.
Per 100-gram serving:
- Chicken liver: 119 calories, 16.9g protein, 4.83g total fat, 1.56g saturated fat
- Beef liver: 133 calories, 20.35g protein, 3.54g total fat, 1.33g saturated fat
Beef liver has a slight edge in protein content, while chicken liver contains more iron and calcium. Since liver is typically a small part of your dog’s diet, both options work well. The choice between the two depends on your dog’s needs and any potential allergies. When unsure, consult your vet.
Preparing Chicken Liver for Your Dog
Follow the golden rule: keep it simple. Avoid butter, oil, salt, herbs, or spices when preparing chicken liver for your dog, as they do not need these seasonings and some ingredients can be harmful to them.
Easy Cooking Methods
Roasted Liver: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking tray with foil, lightly grease it with olive oil spray, slice the liver into even pieces, and bake for 20-30 minutes until cooked. Let it cool before serving.
Boiled Liver: Simmer the liver in boiling water for about 15 minutes until tender. Let it cool and serve as-is or mix it into your dog’s regular food.
Homemade Treat Recipes That Your Dog Will Love
Liver Treat Bites
These treats are perfect for making in advance and having them ready for the week.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose unbleached flour
- ½ pound chicken liver, rinsed and trimmed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
Instructions: Preheat your oven to 325°F, grease a 9-inch square baking dish, pulse oats in a food processor, process liver, eggs, and oil, mix liver mixture with oats and flour, bake, cool, and cut into pieces.
Liver Meatballs
If your dog enjoys meatballs, they’ll love this recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken liver
- 1 egg
- ½ cup coconut flour
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions: Brown liver in a skillet, process liver, egg, yeast, and oil, mix with flour, roll into meatballs, bake, and let cool before serving.
Important Note on Moderation
Dog healthy Treats