Can Dogs Eat Liver?

Yes, dogs can eat liver in moderation.

Liver can come from a variety of sources such as pork, beef, chicken, lamb, and duck. It is an organ essential for digestion, regulating the blood’s chemical levels and removing toxic substances. When eaten, liver is a great source of iron, copper, vitamin A, and B vitamins. It can be integrated into your dog’s diet to help support his digestion, eyesight, heart, kidneys, and reproductive organs. Plus, it can also improve his strength, endurance, and brain function.  

Due to their price and availability, chicken and beef liver are the most popular choices for dogs. Chicken liver is great for dogs that need a higher amount of protein, selenium, and iron. However, beef liver is a better option as it contains less fat and calories but has more copper, B vitamins, and vitamin A.

How to feed liver to your dog: Consult with your veterinarian before adding liver to your canine pet’s diet. Consider your dog’s age, size, weight, activity level, as well as his food allergies and intolerances. It is advisable to limit organ meat to about 5% of your dog’s daily diet. 

Thaw frozen liver, rinse it, and cook it without oils or seasonings. Adding salt, butter, herbs, and spices may do your dog more harm than good. In addition, refrain from giving him raw liver as these may have bacteria and pathogens that can cause poisoning.    

Here are three ideas for liver treats your dog will love:

1. Opt for commercially sold dog food containing liver chunks. 
2. Use a food processor to whip up baked liver dog treats. 
3. Try whipping up this chicken liver vegetable stew recipe.

In summary: Cooked and unflavoured animal liver should only be given to your dog in moderation. When too much liver is consumed, it can lead to vitamin A toxicity called hypervitaminosis A. This condition can lead to health complications such as bone deformities or spurs, weight loss, weakened muscles, and gastrointestinal problems.  

Aside from animal liver, discover which human-grade meat your pet dog can safely consume under our “can dogs eat” category. 

References: 

Wikipedia: Liver (food)

Can My Dog Eat Liver?

A Quick Guide To Cooking Liver For Dogs