If you’re like me, you’re always trying to find ways to give your dog the best life possible — from belly rubs and long walks to choosing the healthiest food. Lately, I’ve been deep diving into raw feeding and came across something that had me both curious and nervous: raw chicken liver.
At first, I thought, “Liver? Really?” But the more I researched, the more I realized this little organ meat might be one of the most nutrient-packed foods I could offer my pup. So, is raw chicken livers good for dogs? Here’s what I’ve learned — and experienced — as a fellow dog parent.
What Is Chicken Liver and Why Do Some Dog Owners Swear by It?
Chicken liver comes from, well, chickens — but it’s not just “another piece of meat.” It’s what’s known as an organ meat, and it’s packed with nutrients. Many natural and raw feeders consider liver the “multivitamin of nature.”
What’s in it, you ask? Just to name a few:
- Vitamin A (great for vision, skin, and immune health)
- Iron (supports red blood cells)
- Vitamin B12 (boosts energy and supports the nervous system)
- Zinc & Copper (good for skin, coat, and enzyme function)
According to the USDA 1, a 100g serving of raw chicken liver provides over 9,000 IU of Vitamin A, 13 mg of iron, and loads of B vitamins. That’s a big deal when it comes to supporting your pup’s health — especially if you’re feeding a homemade or raw diet.
Why I Started Feeding My Dog Raw Chicken Liver
I stumbled upon chicken liver when researching whole-prey diets for dogs. At first, I was skeptical. Raw chicken anything? Isn’t that dangerous?
But then I kept hearing other pet parents and holistic vets rave about it. I decided to give it a try — carefully, of course. Here’s what I noticed after adding a small amount of raw chicken liver to my dog’s diet twice a week:
1. Shinier Coat
Within a couple of weeks, my dog’s coat looked smoother and had a little more shine. Vitamin A and zinc are known for improving skin and coat health, so it made sense.
2. More Energy
He had more pep during our walks and seemed more alert. Chicken liver contains a good dose of iron and Vitamin B12 — both known for supporting energy.
3. Better Appetite
I mix it into his meals occasionally, and he gobbles it down every time. It’s like a treat and health supplement rolled into one!
But like anything else, moderation is key — and I’ll explain why.
The Risks You Need to Know Before Feeding Raw Liver
Let me be real with you — raw feeding isn’t for everyone. I did a lot of research before giving my dog raw chicken liver. While it has benefits, there are also risks you should know:
1. Bacteria (Yep, It’s a Thing)
Raw chicken — including the liver — can carry Salmonella or Campylobacter. Most healthy dogs can handle small amounts of bacteria thanks to their acidic stomachs, but there’s still a risk, especially if your dog is very young, old, or has a compromised immune system.
My tip? Freeze it for a couple of weeks before feeding to kill parasites and buy organic when you can.
2. Too Much Vitamin A = Not Good
Chicken liver is very high in Vitamin A. Feeding too much can lead to Vitamin A toxicity, also known as hypervitaminosis A. This can cause issues like joint pain, stiffness, and even bone deformities in the long run 2.
That’s why most experts, like those at Perfectly Rawsome 3, recommend feeding liver as no more than 5% of your dog’s overall diet. It’s a supplement, not the main course.
3. Diet Imbalance
Giving just liver and calling it a day won’t cut it. Dogs need a balanced diet — that includes muscle meat, bones, other organs, and fiber. Raw chicken liver is great, but only when it’s part of a bigger, balanced plan.
How Much Raw Chicken Liver Should You Feed?
This is one of the most important things I had to learn — portion size matters. Feeding too much liver can cause health problems, while too little might not do much of anything.
Here’s what I personally follow based on research and what’s worked for my dog:
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs): ½ to 1 teaspoon, 2–3 times a week
- Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): 1–2 teaspoons, 2–3 times a week
- Large dogs (over 50 lbs): 1–2 tablespoons, 2–3 times a week
I usually chop the liver into cubes, freeze it in small portions, and thaw it before feeding. Some weeks, I skip it altogether just to keep things balanced.
Should You Feed It Raw or Cooked?
This was my big question at first — what’s better: raw or cooked liver?
After trying both, here’s my take:
Raw Liver
- Pros: More nutrients stay intact, especially B vitamins and enzymes.
- Cons: Higher risk of bacteria, may cause stomach upset in some dogs.
Cooked Liver
- Pros: Safer for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Kills bacteria.
- Cons: Loses some nutrients during cooking.
Some pet parents find a middle ground by lightly searing the liver. That way, it’s mostly raw but a bit safer. Just remember — no seasoning, oil, onions, or garlic. These are toxic to dogs.
I personally feed it raw, but only from trusted sources and always in moderation. If you’re unsure, cooking it lightly is a great start.
What the Experts Say
Don’t just take it from me — here’s what the pros have to say:
- Dr. Karen Becker, a holistic veterinarian, calls organ meats like liver “Mother Nature’s multivitamin” and supports feeding it raw when part of a well-balanced diet 4.
- The American Kennel Club (AKC) says liver can be a superfood for dogs — rich in nutrients like iron, copper, and Vitamin A — but cautions pet owners to avoid overfeeding 5.
That was reassuring for me when I was just getting started. As always, if your dog has any health conditions, check with your vet first.
Final Thoughts: Is Raw Chicken Livers Good for Dogs?
After months of feeding my dog raw chicken liver (the right way), I can confidently answer the big question: Yes, raw chicken liver is good for dogs — as long as it’s fed in moderation and handled safely.
Here’s what I’ve learned as a fellow pet parent:
- It’s incredibly nutritious.
- My dog genuinely enjoys it.
- His coat is shinier and he has more energy.
- It’s not something to feed daily — think of it as a supplement.
- Quality, cleanliness, and the right portion sizes are key.
So, if you’ve been wondering, “Is raw chicken livers good for dogs?” — my personal experience, backed by research, says yes. Just take it slow, keep it clean, and always keep your dog’s overall health and balance in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give my dog raw chicken liver?
Yes, you can give your dog raw chicken liver in moderation. It’s nutrient-rich but can carry bacteria, so it’s best to source it carefully and freeze it before feeding. Always introduce small amounts first and avoid overfeeding to prevent vitamin A toxicity.
How do I prepare chicken livers for my dog?
Rinse chicken livers under cold water, trim any connective tissue, and freeze for at least 48 hours to reduce parasites. Thaw before feeding, and serve plain without seasoning. Chop into small pieces for easy digestion. Always keep portions moderate and part of a balanced diet.
Is raw liver better than cooked for dogs?
Raw liver retains more vitamins and enzymes, making it slightly more nutritious. However, cooking kills harmful bacteria and may be safer for sensitive dogs. Both forms can be healthy if fed properly. Many owners lightly cook or sear liver as a balanced approach.
Is it better to feed dogs raw or cooked chicken hearts?
Both raw and cooked chicken hearts are nutritious. Raw hearts provide more enzymes and nutrients, but cooking reduces bacterial risks. Choose based on your dog’s digestive health and your comfort with handling raw meat. Always avoid seasoning or additives.
Which raw meat is better for dogs?
Raw meats like chicken, beef, and turkey are commonly fed to dogs. Organ meats such as liver and heart are especially nutrient-dense. The best choice depends on your dog’s preferences, dietary needs, and quality of the meat. Variety and balance are key.
How many chicken livers can a dog eat a day?
Chicken liver should make up no more than 5% of your dog’s daily diet. For most dogs, this means a small handful or about 1–2 tablespoons a few times a week. Overfeeding liver risks vitamin A toxicity, so portion control is essential.
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Is Oat Milk Good for Dogs? A Comprehensive Guide for Pet Owners
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References
- USDA FoodData Central. “Chicken, liver, all classes, raw.”
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171430/nutrients ↩ - National Research Council. “Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats.”
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/10668/nutrient-requirements-of-dogs-and-cats ↩ - Perfectly Rawsome. “Raw Feeding Ratios.”
https://www.perfectlyrawsome.com/raw-feeding-ratios/ ↩ - Dr. Karen Becker. “The Best and Worst Foods to Feed Your Pet.” Mercola Healthy Pets.
https://healthypets.mercola.com/ ↩ - American Kennel Club. “Can Dogs Eat Liver?”
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-liver/ ↩