Homemade Dog Food Recipe With Chicken Liver

I’m just going to say it straight. Most store-bought dog food with “liver flavor” tastes like a lie wrapped in a fancy bag. I learned that the hard way after watching my dog sniff, side-eye, and walk away like I offended his ancestors.

So I started cooking this chicken liver recipe at home, mostly out of stubbornness and a little guilt. Now it sits on my regular rotation, and yes, my dog absolutely knows when liver day happens.

What Makes This Recipe Shine

This recipe works because chicken liver brings serious nutrition without acting fancy about it. Dogs love the smell, the texture stays soft, and the flavor hits hard in the best way. I trust it because I see the reaction every single time the bowl hits the floor.

I also love how forgiving this recipe feels. You don’t need chef energy, perfect knife skills, or rare ingredients. You need a pan, a pot, and the willingness to deal with a smell that screams “this is good for you.”

Chicken liver packs iron, vitamin A, and protein in a way muscle meat just doesn’t. I noticed better energy and shinier fur after a few weeks, and that sold me completely. IMO, organ meat scares humans more than dogs.

Another reason this recipe shines involves texture control. You can mash it, chunk it, or blend it depending on your dog’s mood. I switch textures sometimes just to keep things interesting, because dogs appreciate variety even when they act simple.

I also trust this recipe because it keeps fillers out. No mystery powders, no “meat by-product” guessing games, and no weird aftertaste. I know exactly what goes in the bowl, and that peace of mind matters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This ingredient list stays short on purpose. I believe simple recipes win when dogs eat them consistently. You don’t need to overthink this one.

Here’s what you’ll grab before you start cooking. You probably already own half of this stuff.

• Chicken liver, fresh or frozen, because quality matters here
• Boneless chicken thigh or breast for balance and protein
• White rice or brown rice, cooked plain and boring
• Carrots, chopped small because dogs hate big chunks
• Pumpkin puree, plain and unsweetened, not pie filling
• Olive oil or coconut oil for healthy fats
• Water or low-sodium bone broth for moisture

I always choose chicken liver that looks dark and glossy. Dull or gray liver feels wrong, and I trust my instincts on that. Dogs notice freshness more than we think.

Rice keeps digestion calm and predictable. I stick with white rice for sensitive stomachs and brown rice for dogs who handle fiber well. Both work without drama.

Carrots add texture and sweetness. Pumpkin helps digestion behave itself. The oil supports coat health and keeps everything from sticking together like sad leftovers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by rinsing the chicken liver under cool water and trimming off any stringy bits. I chop the liver into rough pieces because perfect cuts don’t matter here. Smaller pieces cook faster and blend easier later.

Chop the chicken meat into bite-sized chunks. Dice the carrots small so they soften fully. Keep everything ready before heat starts, because this recipe moves quickly once cooking begins.

Step 2: Cook the Rice First

Cook the rice separately in plain water with zero seasoning. Dogs don’t need salt, and their kidneys will thank you later. I always overcook it slightly because softer rice digests easier.

Fluff the rice once it finishes cooking. Set it aside and let steam escape. Warm rice blends better than hot rice.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken Liver

Heat a pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Drop the chicken liver into the pan and stir gently. The smell will hit immediately, and yes, it feels intense.

Cook the liver until the outside turns firm but the inside stays slightly soft. Overcooking dries it out and kills nutrients. I pull it off heat as soon as it loses that raw shine.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Meat and Veggies

Add the chopped chicken meat to a pot with a splash of water or broth. Let it simmer gently until fully cooked. Stir often so nothing sticks or burns.

Toss in the carrots and let them soften. Soft veggies blend better and digest easier. Keep everything moist but not soupy.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Add the cooked rice, chicken liver, pumpkin puree, and oil into the pot. Stir slowly and thoroughly. Everything should look evenly mixed and slightly thick.

Let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Warm food smells better to dogs, but hot food risks burned tongues. I always test temperature with my finger first.

Step 6: Adjust Texture and Serve

Mash the mixture with a spoon for chunky texture. Blend part of it for picky eaters who prefer smoother food. I often split the batch and do both.

Serve a portion based on your dog’s size and calorie needs. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Freeze extra portions to save time later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest mistake involves overfeeding liver. Chicken liver helps dogs, but too much causes loose stools fast. I keep liver around ten percent of the total meal.

Another mistake shows up when people skip cooking the liver fully. Raw liver carries bacteria risks, and cooking eliminates that worry. Dogs don’t need raw organ meat to thrive.

Some folks add seasoning out of habit. Garlic, onion, and salt cause real problems for dogs. Plain food keeps digestion predictable and safe.

Texture mistakes also happen often. Big chunks frustrate small dogs and seniors. Adjust size based on your dog’s chewing ability and patience level.

Alternatives & Substitutions

You can swap chicken liver with beef liver if your dog tolerates it. Beef liver tastes stronger, so start small. I prefer chicken liver for beginners.

Sweet potatoes work well instead of rice. They add fiber and natural sweetness. Mash them well so digestion stays smooth.

Zucchini replaces carrots easily. It softens quickly and blends without effort. I rotate veggies to keep meals interesting.

You can also replace chicken meat with turkey. Lean turkey works great for dogs watching weight. I avoid processed meats completely.

If pumpkin runs out, plain mashed butternut squash fills the same role. Just avoid canned versions with added sugar. Dogs don’t need dessert vibes.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I feed this recipe every day?

Yes, you can feed this daily if you balance portions properly. I rotate proteins weekly to avoid boredom and nutrient imbalance. Dogs appreciate routine with slight variety.

How much should I feed my dog?

Portion size depends on weight, age, and activity level. I start with small servings and adjust based on energy and stool quality. Dogs tell you quickly when portions feel off.

Is chicken liver safe for puppies?

Yes, puppies can eat chicken liver in small amounts. Their growing bodies benefit from iron and vitamin A. I keep liver portions extra small for young dogs.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Absolutely, and I recommend it. Freeze individual portions in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Does this recipe smell strong?

Yes, it smells bold while cooking. The smell fades after cooling and storage. Dogs consider the smell a bonus feature.

Can picky dogs eat this?

Most picky dogs love this recipe. The liver aroma usually wins them over. I blend it smoother for extreme skeptics.

Final Thoughts

This chicken liver recipe stays simple, honest, and dog-approved. I trust it because I see the results in energy, coat shine, and empty bowls. Cooking for dogs feels rewarding in a way store food never matched.

If you try this once, you’ll probably make it again. Dogs remember good food, and they definitely remind you when they want more.