Finding wholesome, budget friendly treats for our dogs can feel like a never ending quest. Reading long ingredient lists, sorting through confusing labels, and worrying about hidden preservatives can leave any pet parent feeling unsure. And with store bought treats often costing a small fortune, making your own becomes an appealing if not essential solution.
That’s why this homemade liver jerky has become such a reliable go to. It’s naturally rich in protein and nutrients, incredibly cost effective, and made with just one simple ingredient. You get full control over what your dog is eating, and your pup gets a fresh, flavorful treat you can feel confident serving. Prepare a large batch over the weekend, and you’ll have weeks’ worth of healthy snacks ready to grab.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Liver Jerky for Dogs
Budget friendly:
These treats cost far less than premium jerky sold in pet stores, and you only need one ingredient to make them.
Nutrient rich:
Liver is naturally packed with protein, essential vitamins, and minerals great for your dog’s overall health without any added preservatives.
Simple and fast:
From slicing to drying, you can prepare a full batch in under an hour.
Total ingredient control:
No fillers, no artificial anything just pure, wholesome liver.
Choosing the Best Beef Liver
Most grocery stores and butchers carry beef liver, and both fresh and frozen options work well. If you’re using frozen liver, thaw it completely in the refrigerator before slicing. Grass fed liver has a slightly higher nutritional profile, but conventional beef liver is still an excellent, dog friendly choice. Look for pieces with a deep reddish brown color and no strong odor.
Substitution Options
If beef liver isn’t available or your dog prefers something different, you can safely swap in other types:
- Chicken liver: Smaller and milder; dries faster, so reduce drying time by about one-third.
- Turkey liver: Easy to find and budget-friendly.
- Pork liver: A mild flavor that many dogs enjoy.
Important: Always choose fresh liver from a trusted source, and avoid wild game liver due to parasite risks. When in doubt, check with your vet before trying a new type of organ meat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Slicing too thick:
Thick slices dry unevenly and may spoil. Aim for thin, even strips about ¼ inch thick. Partially freezing the liver beforehand makes slicing easier.
Incorrect temperature:
Drying below 145°F may not be food-safe, while temperatures above 165°F can cook the liver instead of dehydrating it. A steady 160°F gives the best results.
Rushing the drying:
The jerky should be firm, totally dry, and break cleanly. If any areas feel spongy or soft, keep drying to prevent mold.
Improper storage:
Always store jerky in airtight containers and check for any unusual smell or appearance before serving.
How to Serve Liver Jerky
Serve liver jerky as a treat not a meal replacement and introduce it gradually, especially for dogs who haven’t had liver before. These nutrient-dense strips are great for training, rewards, or mixing into kibble. If you’re using them alongside meals, reduce your dog’s regular portion slightly to account for the added calories.
Storage
Room Temperature (up to 2 weeks):
Let the jerky cool completely, then store in an airtight container such as a mason jar or zip top bag. Make sure the jerky is thoroughly dried to avoid mold.
Refrigerator (3–4 weeks):
Keep in an airtight container for extended freshness especially useful in humid climates.
Freezer (up to 6 months):
Freeze in a sealed, freezer safe bag or container. Dogs often enjoy the frozen texture, too!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 40–50 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Nutrition (entire batch)
- Calories: 800–900
- Protein: 100–110 g
- Fat: 40–50 g
- Carbs: 0–5 g
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef liver (fresh or fully thawed)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Slice the Liver
Place the liver in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm it up.
Slice into even ¼-inch strips.
Step 3: Boil to Pre-Cook
Place the strips in a pot of water and bring to a boil.
Cook for about 5 minutes, until no longer pink.
This step helps tenderize and partially cook the liver.
Step 4: Cool and Dry
Drain the liver and rinse under cold water.
Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Step 5: Bake the Jerky
Arrange strips in a single layer on your baking sheet.
Bake for 20–30 minutes, or until dried completely.
Keep an eye on them to avoid over-drying.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Let the jerky cool fully.
Store in an airtight container according to the storage tips above.
Savory Homemade Liver Jerky for Dogs
Finding wholesome, budget friendly treats for our dogs can feel like a never ending quest. Reading long ingredient lists, sorting through confusing labels, and worrying about hidden preservatives can leave any pet parent feeling unsure. And with store bought treats often costing a small fortune, making your own becomes an appealing if not essential solution.
That’s why this homemade liver jerky has become such a reliable go to. It’s naturally rich in protein and nutrients, incredibly cost effective, and made with just one simple ingredient. You get full control over what your dog is eating, and your pup gets a fresh, flavorful treat you can feel confident serving. Prepare a large batch over the weekend, and you’ll have weeks’ worth of healthy snacks ready to grab.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef liver (fresh or fully thawed)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°F.Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Slice the Liver
Place the liver in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm it up.Slice into even ¼-inch strips.
Step 3: Boil to Pre-Cook
Place the strips in a pot of water and bring to a boil.Cook for about 5 minutes, until no longer pink.This step helps tenderize and partially cook the liver.
Step 4: Cool and Dry
Drain the liver and rinse under cold water.Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Step 5: Bake the Jerky
Arrange strips in a single layer on your baking sheet.Bake for 20–30 minutes, or until dried completely.Keep an eye on them to avoid over-drying.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Let the jerky cool fully.Store in an airtight container according to the storage tips above.
Notes
Most grocery stores and butchers carry beef liver, and both fresh and frozen options work well. If you’re using frozen liver, thaw it completely in the refrigerator before slicing. Grass fed liver has a slightly higher nutritional profile, but conventional beef liver is still an excellent, dog friendly choice. Look for pieces with a deep reddish brown color and no strong odor.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 900Total Fat: 50gCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 110g