Liver Dog Food

A bowl of Homemade Liver Dog Food is full of whole ingredients that your pup can smell – and will probably beg for!

Whether this is your first time cooking organ meats for your furry friend, or you’re looking for something new to cook for your dog, this is the perfect recipe. You can see the nutrition in the colorful ingredients. And watching your pup gobble it up is one of the best feelings!

Why You and Your Dog Will Love Homemade Dog Food with Liver

It feels so good to cook real food for your fur baby – especially when you know how much they enjoy it and how good it is for them.

This meal contains essential nutrients that will support the health of your canine companion.

This recipe is so easy to make that it’s a great way to learn how to make your own dog food. Yes, it really is that easy. It’s also easy to customize and change. You can make it in the Instant Pot or the Crock Pot.

The aroma and flavor are what will get your dog’s tail wagging! As you scoop it into their bowl, just watch how happy and excited it makes them!

Benefits of Liver for Dogs

Is liver really good for dogs? Yes, in moderation, it’s a fantastic choice to share with your pet. This organ meat is full of low-fat proteins. It doesn’t have nearly the same amount of fat as steak. And it’s full of other vital nutrients too.

Liver contains:

• Healthy Fats
• Iron
• Vitamin A
• Copper
• Zinc
• Phosphorus,
• B Vitamins

Read more about dogs and liver.

Important Note About Dogs Eating Liver

Pet owners, please pay close attention to this warning. As good as liver might be for dogs, control how much of it you let them eat each week.

Too much liver can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Give this food only once or twice per week.

This homemade dog food is best to give occasionally or on special occasions – like a doggy birthday dinner. If you want to make a bunch of it, freeze the leftovers instead of letting them eat it all in the same week.

Disclaimer

Please note that I am not a veterinarian or canine nutritionist. Before starting your dog on homemade food, consult with your veterinarian to ensure it meets their specific dietary needs. This liver dog food recipe is nutritious but is not intended to be a complete meal replacement. It lacks certain essential vitamins and nutrients that dogs require for a balanced diet.

Transitioning to homemade food will likely necessitate additional nutrient supplements. Always speak with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate foods and supplements for your dog’s breed, weight, age, and health requirements.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to make this recipe with some info on each. The exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below.

• Chicken Liver – The star of the dish!
• Quinoa – A nutritious seed with protein and fiber.
• Carrots – Loaded with beta-carotene for eye health.
• Spinach – A leafy green packed with vitamins and minerals.
• Water – The cooking liquid

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

You can customize this recipe with simple swaps or additions if your dog has special dietary needs, taste preferences (picky eaters), or food allergies. Here are some ideas for ingredient swaps:

• Liver – Use beef liver or lamb liver.
• Quinoa – Use brown rice or barley.
• Carrots – Use sweet potato, pumpkin, or butternut squash.
• Spinach – Use broccoli, green beans, or peas.
• Fats – Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.

How to Make Liver Dog Food

Slow Cooker Method

1. Cut the liver into small pieces. Peel and slice the carrots.
2. Put the quinoa and water in the slow cooker. Place liver and carrots on top.
3. Put the lid on and set it to low for 3 hours. After 3 hours, stir it well. If the water isn’t mostly absorbed, let it cook for additional 20-minute increments.
4. Stir in spinach.
5. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Instant Pot Method

1. Cut the liver into small pieces. Peel and cut the carrots into slices.
2. Thaw the spinach according to the package instructions. Drain the spinach.
3. Place the quinoa and water in the Instant Pot. Place liver and carrots on top.
4. Secure the lid and set the pot to manual, high for 20 minutes. Once the cooking cycle has finished, allow it to naturally release the pressure for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in spinach. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Serving Size

How much homemade food you give your dog can vary depending on many factors including the dog’s size, activity level, and breed. An active breed needs more food. A small dog needs less food than a large dog. A good guide is 1 cup for every 20 pounds of body weight.

Also, when adding new foods to your dog’s diet, start with small amounts to ensure your dog has no allergic or adverse reactions.

How to Store Homemade Dog Food and How Long It Lasts

Place the cooled food in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will last up to 4 days.

For longer storage, place individual portions in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight.

You can serve it cold or warmed slightly in the microwave. Do not heat it until it is hot.

Can people eat this homemade liver dog food?

Yes, absolutely! Everything in this dish is safe for human consumption. However, it is not seasoned so folks might want to season their serving with salt and pepper.

More Dog Food Recipes

• Ground Beef and Rice Dog Food
• Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Dog Food
• Instant Pot Lamb Dog Food
• Salmon and Rice Dog Food
• Turkey and Pumpkin Dog Food

Find lots of easy dog food recipes and dog treat recipes right here on Spoiled Hounds!