Homemade Chicken Liver Meatballs For Dogs (Healthy & Easy Recipe)
These homemade chicken liver meatballs for dogs are a nutritious and budget-friendly way to treat your pup. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, they’re packed with protein, vitamins, and flavour that dogs love. Chicken liver is especially rich in essential nutrients like vitamin A and iron, making these meatballs a great occasional treat when fed in moderation.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy training reward or a homemade alternative to store-bought treats, this easy homemade treat recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for batch cooking and freezing.
If your dogs enjoy homemade meatballs, have a look through our recipe collection of meatballs for dogs.
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WHAT IS IN THIS POST
Can Dogs Eat Chicken Liver?
Chicken liver is rich in protein, iron, and vitamins like A and B12, making it a nutritious addition to a dog’s diet. However, because it’s very high in vitamin A, feeding too much can lead to toxicity over time.
Guidelines:
- Serve cooked (boiled or baked, no seasoning)
- Offer in small portions (about 5–10% of your dog’s diet)
- Feed occasionally, not daily for most dogs
Avoid:
Seasoned or fried liver
Raw liver (due to bacteria risk)
How Much Chicken Liver Can A Dog Eat?
Chicken liver should make up no more than 5–10% of your dog’s total diet.
Simple portion guide
- Small dogs (under 10 kg): 1–2 small pieces (about 10–20g), 1–2 times per week
- Medium dogs (10–25 kg): 20–40g, 1–3 times per week
- Large dogs (25+ kg): 40–70g, up to 2–3 times per week
Important notes
- Feed cooked, plain (no seasoning, oils, or onions)
- Too much can cause vitamin A toxicity over time
- Introduce slowly to avoid digestive upset
Rule of thumb: think of chicken liver as a nutrient-dense treat or topper, not a main meal.
For a full guide on feeding liver safely, see our complete guide to chicken liver for dogs.
Ingredients
These simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create soft, nutrient-rich meatballs your dog will love.
Chicken livers
The star of the recipe, chicken livers are packed with high-quality protein, iron, and essential vitamins like A and B12. They add a rich flavour that most dogs find irresistible, while supporting overall health when fed in moderation.
Spinach (defrosted)
Spinach provides a boost of fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants. Using it defrosted (and well-drained) helps blend it smoothly into the mixture, adding nutrients without overpowering the taste.
Egg
Egg acts as a natural binder to hold the meatballs together. It also adds extra protein, healthy fats, and important nutrients that support your dog’s skin and coat.
Coconut flour
A grain-free alternative to traditional flour, coconut flour helps absorb moisture and gives the meatballs structure. It’s high in fibre, so a little goes a long way.
Nutritional yeast
This dog-safe ingredient adds a cheesy, savoury flavour that enhances taste without any dairy. It’s also a good source of B vitamins, which support energy and overall wellbeing.
Olive oil
A small amount of olive oil adds healthy fats that support skin and coat health, while also helping keep the meatballs moist and tender.
How To Make Chicken Liver Meatballs For Dogs
Before you make the meatballs, the chicken liver must be cooked first. They are then blended with the other ingredients and baked. Unlike chicken meatballs for humans, these chicken meatballs are not seasoned. Salt and pepper are not suitable for dogs digestion.
Blended cooked chicken livers
Add to a bowl with spinach, nutritional yeast, egg and coconut flour
Mix and form into balls.
Place on a baking sheet and bake until firm.
Recipe Tips
Drain the spinach well – Excess moisture can make the mixture too wet and hard to shape
Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes – Coconut flour absorbs moisture over time, helping firm up the mix.
Don’t overbake – Overcooking can make them dry; aim for just cooked through but still moist.
Wet your hands – This makes shaping the meatballs much easier and less sticky (I wear gloves).
Recipe Variations
Here are some easy, dog-friendly variations you can use to adapt your chicken liver meatballs:
Protein swaps or additions
- Chicken liver + ground chicken or turkey – Milds out the strong liver flavour for picky dogs
- Beef or lamb liver – A richer alternative (use the same amounts)
- Sardines (in water) – Replace part of the liver for an omega-3 boost
Veggie variations
- Pumpkin purée – Great for digestion and a popular flavour with dogs
- Grated carrot – Adds natural sweetness and crunch
- Sweet potato (mashed) – Makes the meatballs softer and more filling
- Zucchini (grated and drained) – A low-calorie, hydrating option
Flour alternatives
- Oat flour – A gentle, budget-friendly option
- Chickpea flour – Adds extra protein and structure
- Ground flaxseed – Works as a binder and adds healthy fats
Boosters & extras
- Turmeric (a pinch) – Anti-inflammatory benefits (add with a little black pepper)
- Parsley (fresh, chopped) – Helps freshen breath
- Blueberries (mashed) – Adds antioxidants for a functional treat twist
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days Freeze in batches – Store for up to 2–3 months and defrost as needed
Serving Tips
- Start with small portions, especially if your dog isn’t used to liver.
- Use as a treat, topper, or training reward rather than a full meal.
- Break into smaller pieces for smaller dogs or training sessions.
FAQs
No, chicken liver should only be fed in moderation. Too much can lead to excess vitamin A intake, so it’s best given as an occasional treat.
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
The mixture may be too wet. Add a little more flour or chill the mixture before shaping.
Yes, nutritional yeast is optional. It adds flavor and nutrients, but the recipe will still work without it.
Yes, in small amounts. Because liver is rich, feed sparingly and introduce slowly to avoid digestive upset.
Absolutely! Simply make smaller, bite-sized portions or flatten the mixture and cut into small pieces after baking.
MORE CHICKEN LIVER DOG RECIPES
BEEF LIVER DOG TREATS
If you want to make a dog treat with beef liver, try these recipes.
Chicken Liver Meatballs for Dogs
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Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken livers
- 1 cup spinach defrosted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse the chicken livers and pat them dry.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan or skillet on a medium heat and add the chicken livers. Cook until they are completely brown.
- Place the cooked chicken livers in a food processor and add the egg, spinach and nutritional yeast. Blitz until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a large bowl and add the coconut flour. Mix until you have a firm mixture.
- Use a medium cookie scoop to make balls or use your hands.
- Place the meatballs on a parchment paper lined baking tray and bake at 180C/350F degrees for 20 minutes until firm and golden.
- Cool and serve as a treat or topper.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.
Like your liver recipes for my dog because he is a picky eater
Delighted he enjoys it!
My pugs love this. I don’t have coconut flour, so i used ground flaxseed mixed with oatmeal flour. Thank you for the wonderful recipe.
I love the swap! Great choice! Delighted your lovely pugs are enjoying the recipe!
My dog LOVES these, I make a bunch of minis to use as training treats.
Delighted to hear! Thank you for sharing!