Can Dogs Eat Liver? How to Feed Liver to Your Dog

It is safe to feed your dog cooked liver on occasion. Duck, goose, chicken, calf, and beef liver are common kinds of liver that dogs enjoy. When feeding liver to your dog for the first time, monitor how your dog reacts to the food (checking their stool and activity after snacking on this treat) to ensure that it agrees with your dog’s stomach. Feed your dog liver in small amounts—liver is high in vitamin A, and too much can be toxic to your dog.

Other organ meats such as chicken heart, tripe, or kidney are also healthy for your dog in moderation. Many dog treats and pet foods contain organ supplements.

There are many benefits to giving your dog some small pieces of chicken, beef, or lamb liver. Some of the nutrients and benefits include:

1. 1. Protein: Lean proteins like liver can promote weight loss by burning more fat and ensuring strong muscle and bone development. In general, liver has fewer calories than muscle meats.
2. 2. Low fat: A lower fat content is another one of the main benefits of liver, further assisting with your dog’s weight control.
3. 3. Essential fatty acids: Liver contains essential fatty acids, which can help keep your dog’s coat healthy.
4. 4. Phosphorus: Organ meats are high in absorbable phosphorus. This essential nutrient can help support your dog’s kidney function.
5. 5. Vitamin A: Liver is jam-packed with vitamin A, an antioxidant that can help maintain eyesight, strengthen the heart and kidneys, support reproductive organs, and boost the immune system. Too much liver over time can lead to vitamin A poisoning, so it’s vital to feed your dog liver in small quantities.

Consult your veterinarian if you have doubts about your dog’s food intake or diet.

Liver is fine for dogs to enjoy now and then. Follow these precautions when preparing and feeding liver to your pet:

1. 1. Stick with cooked liver. Raw liver is not as safe for dogs, so be sure to cook the food first. Raw meat may contain parasites, so the safest way to feed your dog this food is by boiling or steaming it. Avoid sautéeing the liver—oils and seasonings may upset your dog’s stomach.
2. 2. Cut the liver into small pieces. Large chunks of liver can be a choking hazard, so be sure to cut it into smaller pieces so your dog can safely enjoy this treat. You can also introduce it by mixing it with your dog's kibble.
3. 3. Wait for the liver to cool. Letting this food cool down first ensures your dog does not burn their tongue.
4. 4. Only feed liver occasionally. You should not feed your dog liver every day; instead, use liver morsels as occasional reward or training treats to give them a taste of some yummy human food. Liver can be good for a dog’s diet, but too much can lead to an overdose of vitamin A.
5. 5. Seek out organic liver when available. Organic, grass-fed meats are less likely to contain pesticides, which can lead to digestive system problems for your dog. Stick to organic liver when possible to protect your dog’s health.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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