Chicken livers 

Chicken liver has been valued for centuries as a highly nutritious food and is still considered a delicacy in some cultures. In canine nutrition,  liver remains one of the most nutrient-dense animal ingredients, providing concentrated amounts of protein, vitamins and minerals that support growth, repair and overall health. Some people might want to avoid feeding liver to their dogs because of its role in detoxification, but although the role of the liver is to filter toxins, it doesn’t store them. It does, however, store essential nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, K, copper and iron.

Commercial foods often contain hydrolysed liver as a flavour enhancer: liver and other organ meats are among the most palatable ingredients for dogs due to their rich, distinct aroma. Dogs’ food preferences begin with smell and studies consistently show a distinct preference for liver over muscle meats,  probably due to the powerful and attractive aroma created by a complex profile of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In controlled studies, such highly palatable ingredients are often used to encourage food consumption in dogs that are ill or have a poor appetite.

Dogs also respond positively to the richness of flavour and nutrient load. Scientific studies confirm that whole liver is a highly concentrated source of essential nutrients, including iron and  zinc. Compared with ordinary muscle meat, liver is strikingly rich in vitamin A, copper, B vitamins and iron, hence its power as both a nutrient source and a motivator for dogs.

Main Nutrients

Protein
Chicken liver is rich in high-quality, easily digestible protein. Protein supplies essential amino acids that are vital for muscle growth, repair and maintenance in dogs. It also supports the production of enzymes, hormones and antibodies that are key to immune function and overall vitality.

Fat
Liver contains moderate levels of fat, which provides a concentrated source of energy for dogs. These fats also aid the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K.

Choline
An important nutrient found in abundance in chicken liver, choline supports liver function, fat metabolism and brain health. It also plays a role in maintaining healthy cell membranes and neurotransmitter activity.

Main Vitamins

Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision, supporting the immune system and promoting skin integrity. It is also involved in cell differentiation and growth, making it vital for the proper development of tissues and organs in puppies and active dogs. As an antioxidant, vitamin A helps protect against oxidative stress and safeguard cells from damage. Dogs can convert vitamin A from foods rich in beta-carotene, such as carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkin, while preformed vitamin A is found in animal sources like liver and eggs.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the body utilise energy from fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It plays a crucial role in the breakdown of these macronutrients into usable energy by acting as a coenzyme in the electron transport chain. Vitamin B2 acts as an antioxidant, supports healthy skin and coat, contributes to normal vision and is vital for maintaining a healthy nervous system.

Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin that is crucial for protein metabolism, supporting the use of amino acids for energy and growth. It contributes to neurotransmitter synthesis, supporting mood and cognitive health. Vitamin B6 also contributes to the creation of haemoglobin, supports immune function and a range of metabolic processes. Food sources include poultry, fish, liver, bananas and whole grains.

Vitamin B9 (Folate)
Vitamin B9 is a water-soluble vitamin. Whilst dogs can synthesise some folate, dietary intake is crucial for overall health. It is essential for DNA synthesis and repair, cell division and the production of red blood cells which carry oxygen throughout the body. Folate is involved in the breakdown and utilisation of amino acids, ensuring efficient protein synthesis. It is vital for maintaining a healthy brain and nervous system function.

Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin with wide-ranging functions in canine health. It supports digestion, nutrient absorption and appetite, and is required for DNA synthesis and normal cell growth. B12 is also essential in the production of red blood cells that transport oxygen and nutrients through the body, including to the brain, and for the health of nerve cells and the nervous system. As dogs cannot produce vitamin B12, they must obtain it through dietary sources.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a central role in bone, muscle and immune health. It supports the absorption and retention of calcium and phosphorus, minerals that are vital for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, contributes to muscle function and helps regulate immune cell activity, reducing inflammation and supporting the body’s defences.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. By reducing oxidative stress, it helps maintain healthy immune function and supports the body’s natural defences against infection and disease. Vitamin E also plays a role in maintaining healthy skin and coat, supports muscle function and contributes to overall cellular and neurological health.

Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in blood clotting, supporting healing and preventing excessive bleeding. It also supports bone health by regulating calcium and driving protein synthesis needed to maintain bone density. Whilst dogs can synthesise some vitamin K in a healthy gut, dietary intake ensures adequate levels, particularly if absorption is compromised.

   

Main Minerals

Iron
Iron is a vital trace mineral for dogs, essential for producing red blood cells. Adequate iron intake supports energy metabolism and prevents anaemia in dogs. It is an essential component of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the bloodstream, and myoglobin, which stores oxygen in muscle tissue, thus supporting energy levels, stamina and overall vitality.

Phosphorus
Phosphorus is a major mineral that works closely with calcium to build and maintain strong bones and teeth, with its metabolism regulated in part by vitamin D. It is also a structural component of DNA and RNA and is central to the body’s energy systems through its role in ATP, the molecule that stores and transfers energy in cells. Many proteins and sugars in the body are phosphorylated, reflecting phosphorus’s wide involvement in metabolism.

Copper
Copper is a vital trace mineral essential for muscular and skeletal health, red blood cell formation and proper iron absorption and utilisation (although excessive intake can disrupt iron metabolism). Copper supports bone, collagen and connective tissue development, maintains blood vessel and nerve health and is crucial for immune function. At the cellular level, copper is a cofactor for critical enzymes involved in energy production, collagen synthesis, tissue strength and antioxidant defence.

Zinc
Dogs must obtain zinc as an essential nutrient through their diet; this vital trace mineral supports numerous enzymatic processes and plays an important role in protein and DNA synthesis, cell growth and tissue repair. It is also essential for immune system function, wound healing and metabolic rate regulation. Zinc is critical for healthy skin and a shiny coat, supporting keratin and collagen production, and contributes to taste and smell by supporting zinc-dependent proteins and enzymes that maintain taste buds and olfactory function.

Selenium
Selenium is an essential trace mineral in the canine diet, contributing to powerful antioxidant functions, particularly through its role in the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase. Working closely with vitamin E, it protects cells from oxidative damage and supports a healthy immune system. Selenium is also critical for thyroid hormone metabolism, which regulates growth, development and energy balance.

 

Benefits – Key Takeaways

Immune Support
Vitamin A maintains healthy mucous membranes, while antioxidants such as vitamins E and C (present in small amounts), selenium, zinc and copper reduce oxidative stress and strengthen immune defences. These nutrients help protect cells from damage and support the body’s natural resilience against infection and disease.

Energy & Vitality
High-quality protein and bioavailable iron support stamina, oxygen transport and overall vitality – especially important for active and working dogs.

Skin & Coat Health
Vitamin A, zinc, copper and vitamin E contribute to a glossy coat and healthy skin. Copper also supports natural coat pigmentation.

Bone & Joint Health
Phosphorus, magnesium and vitamin D work together to maintain strong bones, support muscle contraction and repair. Calcium is also present, although in small amounts, hence the recommendations to limit consumption of liver to avoid imbalance.

Cognitive Support
B-vitamins, particularly B6, B12 and choline, are essential for neurological function, cognitive development and maintaining a healthy nervous system.

Blood Health
Iron, copper, vitamin B12 and folate all play key roles in red blood cell formation and oxygen transport, reducing the risk of anaemia and supporting overall health.

A Note of Caution

Chicken liver is exceptionally nutrient-dense, particularly in vitamin A. Some feeding guides suggest limiting liver to about 5% of the diet, but this is not an official nutritional requirement. What matters is keeping within safe nutrient levels. By adding a small amount (say 5-10%) to functional treats from time to time, I don’t get anywhere near that margin.

Other reasons for restraint are that chicken liver is high in phosphorus and cholesterol, which may be a concern for dogs with pre-existing health issues such as pancreatitis. Because calcium is only present in limited amounts, there is also a risk of calcium–phosphorus imbalance. Dogs need calcium and phosphorus in a fairly tight ratio (around 1.2–1.4 parts calcium to 1 part phosphorus), and when liver is fed in excess it can push the balance towards phosphorus.

Want to know more?

  • Klinmalai P, Kamonpatana P, Sodsai J, Promhuad K, Srisa A, Laorenza Y, Kovitvadhi A, Areerat S, Seubsai A, Harnkarnsujarit N. Modern Palatant Strategies in Dry and Wet Pet Food: Formulation Technologies, Patent Innovations and Market Evolution. Foods. 2025 Aug 14;14(16):2824. doi: 10.3390/foods14162824. PMID: 40870736; PMCID: PMC12386075.
  • Pinto, Caroline & Bortolo, Marcelino & Marx, Fábio & Trevizan, Luciano. (2021). Characterisation of spray dried hydrolysed chicken liver powder: effects on palatability and digestibility when included as single source of animal protein in dog diets. Italian Journal of Animal Science. 20. 10.1080/1828051X.2021.1993091.
  • Pinto CFD, de Oliveira BB, Bortolo M, Guldenpfennig R, Marx FR, Trevizan L. Hydrolyzed chicken liver used as single source of animal protein in diet and its effect on cytokines, immunoglobulins, and fecal microbiota profile of adult dogs. PLoS One. 2022 Jul 22;17(7):e0271932. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271932. PMID: 35867776; PMCID: PMC9307193.
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  • Kazimierska, K., Biel, W., & Iwański, R. (2024). Palatability Testing of Spray-Dried Animal Plasma-Infused Dog Foods and Treats. Applied Sciences, 14(17), 7671. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14177671

Important Considerations:

  • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
  • If you are feeding commercial food, check the label for ingredients before giving more. Excessive intake of any foods can have adverse effects.
  • Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
  • Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
  • I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
  • Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.
  • I am not a professional canine nutritionist but supporting research is cited.
  • The recipes shared were created by me and tested in my kitchen – and tasted and approved by our doggy friends!