Liver Dog Treats: Healthy, Homemade Snacks Your Pup Will Love

Homemade liver dog treats are one of the simplest and healthiest rewards you can make for your pup. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and protein, dried liver provides a tasty boost without fillers, preservatives, or mystery ingredients. Best of all, making them at home is quick, affordable, and ensures you know exactly what’s in every bite.

✅ Quick Answer: How do you make liver dog treats at home?
Slice fresh beef or chicken liver, place it on dehydrator trays, and dry at 160°F until it passes the “snap test.” Homemade liver treats are nutrient-rich, preservative-free, and store well for months in airtight containers.

Your dog will love the rich flavor, and you’ll feel good knowing you’re giving a nutrient-dense snack that supports energy, immunity, and overall health. Let’s dive into how to make liver dog treats the safe and easy way.

Cartoon golden retriever sitting in a kitchen beside a dehydrator tray of liver snacks with a speech bubble that says “Made Safe for Your Pup.”

Why Liver Is the Superfood Your Dog Will Beg For

Here are some of the main health benefits of feeding your best friend (dog!!!) dehydrated liver dog treats:

A pile of Dehydrated Beef Liver Dog TreatsA Pile of Ready-to-Eat Dehydrated Beef Liver Doggie Treats!
  • Packed with Nutrients: Dehydrated liver is a nutrient-dense treat that dogs love. The drying process intensifies its rich, meaty flavor, making it even more irresistible.
  • Loaded with Essential Vitamins: Liver is high in Vitamin A (for vision and immunity), B vitamins (for energy and metabolism), iron (for oxygen circulation), copper (for bone health), and Coenzyme Q10 (for cellular energy). Unlike supplements, these nutrients are easier for your dog to absorb in treat form.
  • Supports Overall Health: Liver contains Vitamin D (for strong bones), Vitamin E and Selenium (powerful antioxidants), and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids (for a shiny coat and skin health).

(Heck, I think I need to start eating liver...)

How to Make Liver Dog Treats Your Pup Can’t Resist

Kylee loves these liver dog jerky treatsKylee loves liver dog jerky treats!

If you're tired of mass-produced treats filled with mystery ingredients, these easy-to-make beef liver jerky treats are a perfect alternative.

Make them right in your kitchen with an electric dehydrator. Donna says: "It's not imported, it's not full of God-knows-what. It has no preservatives. No added color, or fillers.

It has ONE (as in '1') ingredient. You gotta love '1'."

Don’t Take Chances When Dehydrating Meat

If you’re drying plain, cooked turkey (or any cooked meat), always set your dehydrator to 160°F — it’s the safe zone that kills bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli.

👉 If you’re making jerky from raw meat, it must be properly marinated using salt and/or curing ingredients that help inhibit bacterial growth. The spices and acids act as preservatives — but it still needs to be dehydrated at 160°F.

⚠️ Never try dehydrating raw, unseasoned turkey or ground meat without first cooking it — that’s a serious safety risk.

Don’t Take Chances When Dehydrating Meat

If you’re drying plain, cooked turkey (or any cooked meat), always set your dehydrator to 160°F — it’s the safe zone that kills bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli.

👉 If you’re making jerky from raw meat, it must be properly marinated using salt and/or curing ingredients that help inhibit bacterial growth. The spices and acids act as preservatives — but it still needs to be dehydrated at 160°F.

⚠️ Never try dehydrating raw, unseasoned turkey or ground meat without first cooking it — that’s a serious safety risk.

💡 Tip: Outside the U.S.? Most dehydrating temps here are listed in Fahrenheit — use our quick converter to see the Celsius equivalent for your machine.

What Happens to Liver When You Dehydrate It?

Dehydrating liver creates a softer yet concentrated texture, making it easy for dogs to chew and digest.

Plus, dehydrated liver treats last for months—far longer than fresh liver! The dehydration process also preserves nutrients better than cooking alone, so you can stock up on these delicious, healthy snacks.

Of course, moderation is key—both for dogs and humans. But overall, homemade dehydrated liver dog treats provide an exceptionally nutritious, protein-packed reward.

"If we measured our affection toward others
by how many nicknames we bestow upon them,
our pets would be the most loved."

— Carrie Brownstein

"If we measured our affection
toward others by how many
nicknames we bestow upon
them, our pets would
be the most loved."

— Carrie Brownstein


Raw liver for Donna's Dog Jerky treatsRaw Liver for Donna's Dog Jerky

Skip the Knife: The Easiest Way to Prep Liver Treats

Donna says: "As a change from chicken for my dogs, I use beef liver. They love these liver dog treats. The nice thing about beef liver is you don't have to slice it!"

Donna added: "For me, that's a good thing as sharp knives and I don't go well together!"

TIP: Spray the dehydrator trays with non-stick spray before laying the liver on them.

The “Snap Test”: How to Know Your Liver Treats Are Done

The same "doneness" test applies here as on Donna’s chicken pet jerky page:

  • Bend the liver. If it snaps, it’s done.
  • If it only bends, there’s still too much moisture—keep dehydrating and check every 12 to 18 hours.

Take note: On rare occasions, meat can go bad. One time Donna forgot to turn on the dehydrator… another time she tried dehydrating treats in her shed in winter—didn’t work! 😅

The Sniff Test: If it smells bad, toss it. Our pets deserve the best!

Fun Break: The Strange Shapes You’ll See in Dried Liver


Dehydrated Liver for Dog Jerky TreatsDehydrated Liver for Donna's Dog Jerky Treats

Is it just me?

Can you see a hand with a finger pointing (top piece)?

How about a man with a sword and shield (center, right)? 

And the bottom piece—a Halloween scene with a cat with a huge tail, and another smaller cat to its right, catching a fish!

I swear, dehydrated liver is the Rorschach test of the dog treat world. 🤣



How to Make Your Own Dehydrated Dog Food at Home

Get your hands on this eBook today.
Be prepared for lots of wagging tails
and plenty of face lickings.

Learn how to Make Your Own Dog Food

Read how to make NUTRITIOUS dog food here.

How to Make
Your Own
Dehydrated Dog Food
at Home

Learn how to Make Your Own Dog Food

Get your hands on
this eBook today.
Be prepared for lots
of wagging tails
and plenty of face lickings.
Read how to make
NUTRITIOUS dog food here.



Power Up Liver Treats With Glucosamine or Mint

Stiff Joints Eased, and Fresh Breath too!

For Donna’s senior dog, Kylee (a fabulous 12-year-young German Shepherd), she opens a glucosamine chondroitin capsule and sprinkles it on the raw liver before drying.

When the liver dries, it’s a joint supplement and a treat—all in one!

Got a pup with bad breath? Sprinkle the raw meat with a bit of mint leaves for fresher kisses! Just keep it natural for your dog’s health.

Two dogs, Molley and Kylee, ask their owner: Is the jerky done yet?Is the jerky done yet? beg Molley and Kylee

"Molley and Kylee love our dog treats!"
— Donna K. and Jenna

"Molley and Kylee love our dog treats!"
— Donna K. and Jenna


Next Up: How to Make Chicken Jerky Treats for Dogs

Check out Donna’s Chicken Jerky for Dogs—click below to see how to make these tasty snacks!

Fully dehydrated Chicken - dog jerky treatsDonna's CHICKEN Pet Jerky

Check out Donna's CHICKEN jerky dog treats

If you don't have time to make your own treats,
take a look at Donna's Etsy store
and buy 'em ready-made!

Your pup will love these treats, and you’ll love knowing they’re healthy and homemade. Happy dehydrating! 

→ A happy pet starts with a safe home — see these smart decor tips for pet-friendly kitchens Check out these pet-hazard tips.

Liver Dog Treats: Your Top Questions Answered

What type of liver is best for dog treats?

Beef and chicken liver are most common. Both are rich in nutrients, though beef liver tends to have a stronger flavor while chicken liver is milder and easier to chew for smaller dogs.

How long do homemade liver dog treats last?

Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, dehydrated liver treats can last up to 3 months. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 6 months.

Are liver treats safe for all dogs?

Yes, in moderation. Because liver is high in vitamin A and iron, limit servings to small pieces a few times per week, especially for smaller dogs.

Can I bake liver instead of dehydrating it?

Yes. Baking at a low temperature (around 200°F) until dry and brittle is a good alternative if you don’t have a dehydrator. Just make sure the treats are fully dried before storing.

Making your own liver dog treats is an easy way to keep tails wagging while giving your pup a nutrient-packed snack you can trust.

While you’re here, don’t forget to grab your free 5 Dried Food Recipes You'll Actually Love PDF below — from hearty carrot soup and minestrone to split pea soup, spicy beef jerky, and even sweet banana cinnamon rolls. They’re a tasty bonus for you while your pup enjoys their new favorite treats!

Grab 5 Dried Food Recipes You'll Actually Love

5 Easy Dried Food Recipes free PDF

Here's where you can get your copy of our all new
5 Dried Food Recipes (That Actually Taste Great)
They're my all-time favorite easy dried food meals!

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