By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Ask any dog trainer what gets the best attention in a busy park and many will say liver treats. Liver is rich, smelly and packed with nutrients, and most dogs adore it. It can be a healthy part of a dog's diet, but liver is a case where more is not better. Fed in large amounts it can cause vitamin A toxicity, and in Australia raw offal from sheep carries a specific parasite risk.
Key takeaways
- Liver is nutritious: a source of vitamin A, iron, copper, zinc and B vitamins.
- Too much liver over time can cause vitamin A toxicity, which affects bones and joints.
- Keep liver to a small share of the diet, especially if your dog already eats a complete commercial food.
- Never feed raw sheep, goat or kangaroo offal to dogs in Australia because of the hydatid tapeworm.
- Dogs with copper storage disease or certain liver conditions should avoid liver.
- Related: kidney and dogs, raw bones and dogs, vitamins and supplements.
Why dogs love liver, and what it offers
Liver is the body's storage organ for several vitamins and minerals. A small piece of beef, lamb or chicken liver provides:
- Vitamin A, for vision, skin and immunity
- Iron and copper, for healthy red blood cells
- B vitamins, including B12 and folate
- High-quality protein
That is why liver features in many raw and home-prepared diets, and why freeze-dried liver is a favourite training treat.
The vitamin A problem
Vitamin A is fat soluble, so excess is stored rather than flushed out. Dogs fed large amounts of liver over weeks or months can develop hypervitaminosis A. Signs include:
- Stiffness and reluctance to move
- Bony growths along the spine, particularly the neck, causing pain
- Lameness
- Weight loss and poor appetite
- Dry skin and coat changes
Puppies are more sensitive because their bones are still growing. Vitamin A toxicity has also been reported in dogs given cod liver oil supplements on top of a balanced diet.
How much liver is safe?
There is no single figure that suits every dog. As a general guide used by many veterinary nutritionists, liver and other secreting organs should make up a small share of the total diet, often around 5 percent for home-prepared diets. If your dog eats a complete commercial food, liver should be an occasional treat rather than a daily side dish, because the food already contains the vitamin A your dog needs.
For training, think thumbnail-sized pieces or smaller, and count them in your dog's daily food allowance. If you are planning a home-prepared or raw diet, a vet or board-certified veterinary nutritionist can help balance it. The healthy dog weight guide can help you keep treats in check.
Raw versus cooked liver
Cooked liver (boiled, baked or pan-cooked with no oil, onion, garlic or salt) kills most bacteria and is the simplest option for most households.
Raw liver carries risks of Salmonella, Campylobacter and E. coli. These can make dogs ill and can spread to people, especially children, older adults and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Hydatid risk in Australia. The hydatid tapeworm (Echinococcus granulosus) forms cysts in the organs, especially liver and lungs, of sheep, goats, cattle, kangaroos and wallabies. Dogs become infected by eating raw infected offal. Infected dogs then shed eggs in their faeces, which can cause serious hydatid disease in people. Never feed raw offal from these animals to dogs. Cook offal thoroughly, and keep dogs in rural areas wormed against tapeworm as your vet advises.
Dogs that should avoid liver
- Copper storage disease. Breeds including Bedlington Terriers, Labradors, Dobermanns, West Highland White Terriers and Dalmatians can accumulate copper in the liver. Liver is high in copper, so these dogs may need a copper-restricted diet.
- Some liver diseases. Your vet may recommend a specific diet.
- Dogs with bladder stones. Organ meats are high in purines, which may be an issue for urate stones, including in Dalmatians.
- Sensitive stomachs. Rich liver can cause loose stools, especially when introduced quickly.
Signs your dog has had too much
If your dog raided a tray of liver treats, expect diarrhoea, possible vomiting and a sore tummy. This is usually short lived. Long-term overfeeding is more subtle, showing as stiffness, neck pain or reluctance to move.
When to call a vet
Call your vet if your dog has repeated vomiting or diarrhoea after eating liver, stops eating, or seems weak. Book a check if your dog has been fed liver regularly and develops neck pain, stiffness or lameness. Seek prompt care if your dog has eaten raw sheep or kangaroo offal on a farm, so your vet can advise on worming.
FAQ
Is chicken liver or beef liver better for dogs?
Both are nutritious. Chicken liver is milder and smaller, which suits small dogs and training. Beef liver is denser. Either should be fed in moderation.
Can puppies eat liver?
Small amounts as treats are usually fine, but puppies are more sensitive to excess vitamin A. A complete puppy food already covers their needs.
Are freeze-dried liver treats safe?
They are a popular, low-mess option. Check the label for single-ingredient products and keep portions small.
Can I give my dog liverwurst or pâté?
These often contain onion, garlic, salt and spices. Choose plain cooked liver instead.
Talk with a vet
If you are adding liver to your dog's diet or planning a raw or home-cooked menu, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you balance it safely. Speak with a Dial A Vet vet.
References
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Nutritional requirements and related diseases of small animals.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, 2006.
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee. Raw meat-based diets for pets.
- Jenkins DJ, et al. Hydatid disease: a continuing public health concern in Australia. Communicable Diseases Intelligence, 2005.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.
