Beef Liver Jerky for Dogs
These beef liver jerky treats for dogs are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals that support your dog’s overall health. Liver is packed with essential nutrients like iron, vitamin A, and B vitamins, making it a powerhouse ingredient for homemade dog treats.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for more information.
Why Beef Liver?
Beef liver is a superfood for dogs, promoting healthy skin, digestion, and energy levels. It’s also a great option for picky eaters due to its rich flavor. Liver is one of the most nutrient-dense organ meats, packed with:
✅ High-Quality Protein – Supports muscle growth and overall health.
✅ Vitamin A – Essential for vision, skin, and immune function.
✅ B Vitamins (B12, B2, B6, B9) – Help with energy, metabolism, and red blood cell production.
✅ Iron & Zinc – Support healthy blood circulation and immune defense.
Alternative Proteins
If your dog has a sensitivity to beef or you want to switch things up, you can use:
- Chicken liver – Milder in flavor and lower in fat.
- Turkey liver – A lean alternative, great for dogs with sensitivities.
- Pork liver – Richer in taste, but should be fed in small amounts.
- Lean muscle meats – Such as chicken breast, beef heart, or venison for a different texture.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef liver (or another protein option)
How To Make Liver Jerky For Dogs
We baked our liver jerky treats but they can be made in a dehydrator or air fryer. The instructions for these are in the recipe card below.
Wash the liver, rinse and dry.
Thinly slice.
Place on a baking tray.
Bake until dried and chewy.
Recipe Tips
✅ For Chewier Jerky – Slice the liver thicker and reduce drying time slightly.
✅ For Crispier Jerky – Slice thin and extend drying time. Leave the oven or air fryer door slightly open for better air circulation.
Storage Guidelines for Beef Liver Jerky Treats
To keep your homemade beef liver jerky treats fresh and safe for your pup, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. Transfer treats from the freezer to the fridge and let them thaw overnight.
Serving Size & Recommendations for Beef Liver Jerky Treats
Since liver is nutrient-dense and high in vitamin A, it’s important to feed it in moderation to avoid overconsumption, which can lead to vitamin A toxicity over time. General serving guidelines are:
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs) → ½ to 1 small strip per day
- Medium dogs (20-50 lbs) → 1-2 small strips per day
- Large dogs (50+ lbs) → 2-3 small strips per day
For puppies or dogs new to liver treats, start with a small amount (half a strip) and observe how they react before increasing the portion.
Feeding Tips
✅ Use as a Training Treat – Cut into small pieces for high-value rewards.
✅ Mix with Meals – Crumble over kibble for added nutrition.
✅ Moderation is Key – Liver should make up no more than 5% of your dog’s total diet to prevent excessive vitamin A intake.
More Liver Dog Treats
Try these other liver treat for dog recipes. They are great for training!
Beef Liver Jerky For Dogs
Need Metric Measurements?
Use the button options below to toggle between US cups and Metric grams.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef liver
Instructions
Oven Method (Low & Slow Baking)
- Rinse and pat the liver dry. Slice it into thin strips (about ¼ inch thick). Freezing for 30 minutes beforehand makes slicing easier.
- Set your oven to 170°F (or the lowest setting).
- Place the liver strips in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 3 to 4 hours.
- Flip halfway through until fully dried with a chewy jerky texture.
- Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Dehydrator Method
- Slice the liver into thin, uniform strips.
- Lay the liver strips on dehydrator trays in a single layer.
- Dehydrate at 130-140°F for 6-8 hours (depending on thickness).
- The jerky should be firm and dry, not sticky.
- Let cool before storing in an airtight container.
Air Fryer Method
- Slice the liver into thin strips.
- Set to 160-170°F (or the lowest setting).
- Place liver strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Flip every 30 minutes until fully dried. If your air fryer doesn’t go that low, cook at 200°F for 1-2 hours, checking frequently.
- Let cool before storing.
Notes
Estimated Yield for 1 Pound of Beef Liver:
- Thin slices (¼ inch): About 30-50 small strips
- Thicker slices (½ inch): Around 15-25 larger strips
Serving Breakdown:
🐶 Small dogs: ~30-50 servings🐕 Medium dogs: ~15-25 servings
🐕🦺 Large dogs: ~10-15 servings If using as training treats, you can cut them into smaller pieces, which increases the number of servings.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.