Is Beef Liver Good For Dogs? Health Benefits & Serving Guide

Beef liver is gaining popularity as a nutrient-dense food to add to the human diet. For people who follow paleo or primal diets, experts encourage adding organ meat when possible. Not everyone enjoys the flavor of liver, heart or other offal (organ meats). Dogs have been eating it for many years. Learn about why beef liver is such a healthy addition to any pup’s diet. Who knows, maybe by the end of this article you’ll be racing to the butcher for some beef liver for both of your dinners tonight!

Can Dogs Eat Beef Liver?

Yes, dogs can eat beef liver, and in fact, it’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can add to their diet. Beef liver is rich in protein, vitamins, and essential minerals that support everything from digestion to immune function. Many commercial dog foods and treats include liver as an ingredient because of its nutritional value and palatability. However, like any food, beef liver should be fed in moderation to ensure a balanced diet.

Beef liver is an excellent source of vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function. It also contains B vitamins (such as B12, riboflavin, and folate), which help with energy production, red blood cell formation, and overall metabolism. Additionally, beef liver is packed with iron, which supports oxygen transport in the blood, and zinc, which plays a crucial role in immune health, wound healing, and enzyme function.

While beef liver is highly beneficial, it’s important to feed it in moderation. Too much liver can lead to vitamin A toxicity, which may cause symptoms like bone deformities, joint pain, digestive upset, and weight loss. A general rule of thumb is to keep organ meats like liver to no more than 5-10% of your dog’s total diet.

When serving beef liver to your dog, always cook it thoroughly to kill any potential bacteria or parasites. Avoid seasoning it with salt, garlic, onions, or spices, as these can be harmful to dogs. You can boil, bake, or dehydrate liver for a tasty and nutritious treat. If you’re introducing liver to your dog’s diet for the first time, start with small portions and monitor for any digestive issues.

Overall, beef liver is a highly nutritious and beneficial food for dogs when served in the right amounts. Whether fed as an occasional treat or included in their regular meals, it can provide a boost of essential nutrients that contribute to your pup’s overall health and well-being.

4 Health Benefits of Beef Liver For Dogs

1. Rich in nutrients

Most importantly, beef liver is a good source of vitamin A, iron, copper, phosphorus, and zinc as well as B vitamins and essential fatty acids. If you have recently rescued a dog who was malnourished, finding a way to incorporate beef liver into your dog’s diet could be a game-changer for getting them back to health. The same goes for your pup if they have been sick or injured. Consult your vet about adding beef liver to their diet to help them get back to good health quickly.

2. Benefits the liver

Liver for your pup’s liver… easy to remember right? To understand why you might want to look into Traditional Chinese Medicine. In TCM, they believe liver may be used in case of what is called “blood deficiency” or “essence deficiency”. Even if Chinese medicine is not your area of expertise since you now know that liver has such a great nutritional profile it is easy to understand how it might help your dog if they are anemic, fatigued or suffering from a general malaise.

3. Boosts energy

Liver is not only a good source of protein but it also is loaded with vitamin B12. This combination helps keep your pup full of energy. If your dog likes to run or hike with you consider some liver as a snack to keep the energy up!

4. Great source of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids

These fatty acids not only promote a fully functioning immune system but they also help keep your pup’s skin and coat looking healthy and shiny. Like in humans, great skin and healthy hair starts with what you’re eating. The same is true for your pup. Liver is a great food to add to your dog’s diet if they get sick easily or if their skin or coat is looking dull.

How To Safely Serve Beef Liver To Your Dog

Beef liver is a key ingredient in Ollie’s Beef recipe. In addition to beef heart and other cuts of beef, it is mixed with vegetables like sweet potato and peas and fruit like blueberries as well as vitamins and minerals to keep your pup healthy. Not only is this recipe delicious, but it is also great nutrition to keep your best friend healthy.

If your pup’s food does not contain beef liver, try using treats made with this nutritious ingredient. Many treats on the market contain beef liver like these BIXBI beef liver jerky treats. If you love to cook for your pup, you can also make your own delicious beef liver treats. You can make beef liver jerky at home by following this easy recipe. If your pup is more gourmet try these recipes including a muffin and truffle with liver as the star ingredient. However you choose to serve it up, chances are your pup will be begging for more.

Another delicious way to serve beef liver is to grind it with other cuts of beef and cooked like an extra delicious hamburger (a little cheese optional)! This method also works well for adding some beef liver to your diet, if you don’t enjoy the taste either. Remember not to overcook it, as heat is the #1 killer of the nutrients in beef liver. If you keep the seasonings to a minimum, like skipping the garlic or too much salt, you can make these to share with the whole family! Remember to keep the dog serving size appropriate to their size and needs!

Potential Risks of Feeding Beef Liver To Your Dog

Like anything, too much of a good thing can be bad. You will want to ensure that while your dog is eating an adequate serving of beef liver to get all of the amazing health benefits, you aren’t giving them too much.

If you overfeed beef liver to your pup, they could get:

Hypervitaminosis A

This condition, also called vitamin A toxicity can be found in dogs who eat too much liver or who eat liver in conjunction with vitamin A supplements. Symptoms include deformed bones including extra bone growth in the elbows and spine, anorexia and weight loss. If you suspect your pup has hypervitaminosis A, consult your veterinarian. If left untreated this can be deadly. To prevent this, ensure you are feeding an appropriate amount of liver for your dog’s size and dietary needs and not overfeeding vitamin A.

Too much iron

While iron is important, you don’t want your pup to have too much. Too much iron can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, internal bleeding or even seizures if your pup has enough iron.

Even if your pup doesn’t suffer from one of these two conditions, liver is a rich food and should be added to your dog’s diet slowly. Consult your vet about how much liver is right for your dog. This delicious and inexpensive treat has many health benefits when fed correctly. Allow your pup to enjoy it safely.

Nutritional Value of Beef Liver for Dogs

Beef liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can add to your dog’s diet. It’s packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and high-quality protein that support overall health. Unlike muscle meat, liver provides concentrated amounts of nutrients that are vital for your dog’s growth, energy levels, and immune function.

Here’s a breakdown of the key nutrients found in beef liver and how they benefit your pup:

• Protein – Supports muscle growth, repair, and overall body function. Beef liver is a lean protein source that helps dogs maintain strength and energy.
• Vitamin A – Plays a crucial role in vision, immune function, and skin health. Liver contains high levels of vitamin A, which helps protect against infections and supports healthy cell growth.
• B Vitamins (B12, Riboflavin, Niacin, and Folate) – These vitamins aid in energy production, brain function, and red blood cell formation. Vitamin B12, in particular, is essential for nerve function and overall vitality.
• Iron – Supports oxygen transport in the blood, preventing anemia and keeping your dog active and energized. Liver provides heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body.
• Zinc – Helps with immune function, wound healing, and skin health. Zinc is also important for maintaining a shiny coat and healthy paw pads.
• Copper – Essential for bone and joint health, copper works with iron to form red blood cells and prevent deficiencies.
• Phosphorus – Works alongside calcium to support strong bones and teeth. It also plays a role in energy metabolism.
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids – These healthy fats help reduce inflammation, promote brain function, and support heart health.

Because beef liver is so nutrient-dense, a little goes a long way. Too much can lead to an excess of certain vitamins, particularly vitamin A, which can be harmful in large amounts. For this reason, liver should make up no more than 5-10% of your dog’s total diet to maintain a proper balance of nutrients.

By incorporating beef liver into your dog’s diet in moderation, you can provide them with a powerful nutritional boost that supports everything from their immune system to their energy levels. Whether served as a treat or mixed into their meals, this superfood can be a great addition to a well-rounded diet.

Beef Liver Serving Size for Dogs

While beef liver is a powerhouse of nutrition, portion control is key to keeping your pup healthy. Feeding too much liver can lead to vitamin A toxicity, which may cause joint pain, bone abnormalities, digestive issues, and weight loss over time. To ensure your dog gets the benefits of beef liver without the risks, it’s important to follow proper serving guidelines.

A good rule of thumb is that liver should make up no more than 5-10% of your dog’s total diet. Here’s a general serving size guide based on your dog’s weight:

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): ½ to 1 ounce of liver per week
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 1 to 2.5 ounces of liver per week
• Large dogs (50-100 lbs): 2.5 to 5 ounces of liver per week
• Giant breeds (100+ lbs): Up to 6 ounces of liver per week

If you’re introducing beef liver to your dog for the first time, start with a small portion (about half of the recommended serving size) and gradually increase it while monitoring for any digestive upset. Some dogs may be more sensitive to rich foods and can experience loose stools if they eat too much liver at once.

The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie.com.