7 Chicken Gizzard Dog Treat Ideas for Chewy Rewards

Chicken gizzards are a fantastic, affordable protein source for dogs. They're naturally chewy and packed with nutrients like iron and B vitamins. If your dog loves a good chew, these gizzard treats are a perfect homemade option.

Meal-prepping dog treats saves time and ensures your pup always has a healthy snack on hand. With a little weekend prep, you can create a variety of chewy rewards that stay fresh for days. Plus, you control every ingredient.

These seven ideas range from simple dehydrated chews to creative frozen bites. Each recipe is designed to be easy, dog-safe, and perfect for making in batches. Your dog will thank you with every happy crunch.

1. Dehydrated Chicken Gizzard Chews

Dehydrated chicken gizzard chews are a fantastic meal-prep-friendly treat for your dog. They are simple to make in bulk and store well, giving you a ready supply of healthy, single-ingredient rewards. Dogs love the chewy texture and savory flavor, making them perfect for training sessions or as a satisfying snack.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh chicken gizzards, rinsed and trimmed of excess fat
• Optional: a light sprinkle of turmeric (for color and antioxidant benefits)
• 1 cup prepared plain cooked chicken in small dog-safe pieces
• 1 cup oat flour or finely ground oats
• 1 egg or 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce for binding

Instructions

1. Thinly slice the gizzards into even strips, about 1/4 inch thick, to ensure uniform drying.
2. Arrange the slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays, leaving space between pieces for air circulation.
3. Dehydrate at 160°F for 6-8 hours, checking periodically, until the chews are dry and leathery but still slightly pliable.
4. Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
5. Mix the prepared plain cooked chicken with the oat flour and binder until a soft dough or spoonable mixture forms.
6. Shape into small treat portions, bake on a lined tray at 325°F until firm, then cool completely before serving.

Serving Tip

• Store these chews in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator. Break into smaller pieces for training rewards or offer a whole chew as a low-calorie treat.
• Always supervise your dog with any chew treat.

2. Frozen Gizzard and Pumpkin Bites

When you prep these frozen bites ahead of time, you'll always have a soothing reward ready for your pup. The combination of protein-rich gizzards and fiber-filled pumpkin creates a treat that's both nutritious and easy on the stomach. Dogs love the creamy texture, and the cold temperature helps calm sore gums or hot-weather panting.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked chicken gizzards, chopped
• 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
• 1/4 cup bone broth (unsalted, no onions or garlic)

Instructions

1. Place the chopped gizzards, pumpkin puree, and bone broth in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and well combined.
2. Spoon the mixture into silicone molds (small bone-shaped or round ones work great). Tap the molds gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
3. Freeze for at least 3 hours or until solid. Pop the bites out of the molds and store in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Serving Tip

Give one frozen bite at a time, especially on warm days or after teeth-cleaning sessions. These keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months, so you can make a big batch and grab as needed. For small dogs, break a bite in half to avoid overfeeding.

3. Baked Gizzard Crunchies

For dog owners who love meal-prep, these baked crunchies are a dream. Boil gizzards until tender, then chop them fine. Mix with oat flour and an egg, roll into small balls, and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.

The result is a crunchy, protein-packed snack that keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Dogs go wild for the meaty flavor and satisfying crunch—perfect for training or a quick reward.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chicken gizzards
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. Boil gizzards in water for 20 minutes until tender. Drain, let cool, then chop finely.
2. In a bowl, mix chopped gizzards, oat flour, and egg until a dough forms. Roll into small balls (about 1 inch).
3. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, until golden and firm. Cool completely before serving.

Serving Tip

Store these crunchies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. For smaller dogs, break into pieces. Use as a high-value training treat or a crunchy topper for meals.

4. Gizzard and Sweet Potato Sticks

These chewy sticks combine the protein punch of chicken gizzards with the natural sweetness of baked sweet potato. They're easy to prep in bulk, making them perfect for your weekly meal-prep session. Your dog will love the soft-yet-chewy texture, and you'll love how simple they are to pull from the fridge for training or a quick reward.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken gizzards, parboiled and sliced into thin strips
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into thin strips (about ¼ inch thick)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted (for brushing)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Parboil the gizzards in boiling water for 10 minutes, then drain and let cool. Slice each gizzard into thin strips.
3. Lay a sweet potato strip on a flat surface, place a gizzard strip on top, and wrap the sweet potato around it. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
4. Place the sticks on the baking sheet, brush lightly with melted coconut oil, and bake for 20 minutes until the sweet potato is tender and the gizzard is chewy. Let cool completely before serving.

Serving Tip

Store these sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For training sessions, cut each stick into smaller bite-sized pieces. They're also great for stuffing into a puzzle toy for extra mental stimulation.

5. Slow-Cooker Gizzard Jerky

If you're all about meal prep for your pup, this jerky is a game-changer. Toss gizzards in the slow cooker with a pinch of turmeric, then let it work its magic while you go about your day. The result is tender meat that you can slice into chewy strips—perfect for training or just a satisfying snack.

Dogs love the savory flavor, and you'll love how easy it is to make a big batch at once.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken gizzards, trimmed and rinsed
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Place the gizzards in a slow cooker and sprinkle with turmeric and salt (if using). Add 1/4 cup water, cover, and cook on low for 4 hours until tender.
2. Remove gizzards and let cool slightly. Slice into thin strips, then arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Dehydrate in a 170°F oven or dehydrator for 2–3 hours until chewy but not brittle. Let cool completely before storing.

Serving Tip

Store the jerky in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Break into small pieces for training rewards or offer a whole strip as a longer-lasting chew. Always supervise your dog when giving jerky treats.

6. Gizzard and Apple Mini Patties

These mini patties combine the rich, savory taste of chicken gizzards with the natural sweetness of apple, creating a soft, chewy treat that's perfect for dogs with sensitive teeth. The coconut flour keeps the texture light and easy to digest, while the applesauce adds moisture without any added sugar. Ideal for meal prep, you can batch-cook a week's worth and store them in the fridge for quick, rewarding snacks.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked chicken gizzards, ground
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil for frying

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the ground gizzards, applesauce, and coconut flour until a soft dough forms.
2. Shape the dough into small, bite-sized patties about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Heat coconut oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Cook patties for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and firm.
4. Let cool completely before serving or storing.

Serving Tip

Store these patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. For a softer texture, reheat briefly in the microwave or serve at room temperature. Offer 1-2 patties per day as a treat, adjusting for your dog's size and dietary needs.

7. Freeze-Dried Gizzard Nuggets

These freeze-dried nuggets turn cooked gizzards into a shelf-stable, crunchy reward that dogs absolutely love. The freeze-drying process locks in flavor and nutrients while creating a light texture that's perfect for training or on-the-go treats. For meal-prep-minded owners, this method lets you make a big batch that lasts for months without any special storage.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken gizzards
• Water for boiling
• 1 cup prepared plain cooked chicken in small dog-safe pieces
• 1 cup oat flour or finely ground oats
• 1 egg or 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce for binding

Instructions

1. Place gizzards in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked through.
2. Drain and let cool. Cut gizzards into bite-sized pieces (about 1/2-inch cubes).
3. Arrange pieces in a single layer on a freeze-dryer tray or dehydrator rack. Freeze-dry according to manufacturer's instructions, or dehydrate at 160°F for 8–10 hours until completely dry and crunchy.
4. Mix the prepared plain cooked chicken with the oat flour and binder until a soft dough or spoonable mixture forms.
5. Shape into small treat portions, bake on a lined tray at 325°F until firm, then cool completely before serving.

Serving Tip

Store these nuggets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months. They make excellent high-value training treats—just break larger pieces into smaller bits for quick rewards. Always supervise your dog when giving any crunchy treat.

FAQ

Can I feed raw chicken gizzards to my dog?

Yes, raw chicken gizzards are safe for dogs as long as they are fresh and handled properly. However, cooking or dehydrating reduces the risk of bacteria and makes them easier to store.

How many gizzard treats can I give my dog per day?

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories. For a medium-sized dog, 2-3 small gizzard treats per day is a good guideline.

How should I store homemade gizzard treats?

Dehydrated or baked treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Frozen treats should be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Are chicken gizzards a good source of protein for dogs?

Absolutely. Chicken gizzards are lean, high in protein, and contain essential amino acids, iron, and B vitamins. They're a healthy, low-fat treat option.

Can I use chicken gizzards in my dog's regular meals?

Yes, you can add cooked, chopped gizzards as a topper to your dog's kibble or homemade meals. They add texture and extra protein.

Conclusion

Chicken gizzards are a versatile, budget-friendly ingredient for homemade dog treats. Whether you dehydrate, bake, or freeze them, your dog will love the chewy texture and savory flavor. Meal-prepping these treats ensures you always have a healthy reward ready.

Start with one recipe this weekend and see how your pup responds. You can easily adjust seasonings or mix-ins to suit your dog's preferences. Happy treat-making, and enjoy those happy tail wags!