Dried liver dog treats

by Jamie | May 8, 2011 | 82 comments

Last Updated: August 31, 2025

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The definitive training treat

These dried liver treats are unbeatable for training sessions and anytime you need your dog’s attention. I use them when out walking the dogs, and the difference compared to shop-bought treats is remarkable—your pups will love them! Liver is affordable at local supermarkets or butchers, making these treats cheaper and healthier than branded options. Dogs go wild for them, even those who ignore other treats.

To make cleanup easier, line your oven tray with tin foil or use disposable foil trays. Dried liver is gorgeous and has a nice smell, I even like eating it but it can make your clothes smell if you carry it in them so use a treat bag when out and about. If you fancy an alternative liver recipe, try my liver cake recipe for dogs, a super dog treat.

Get yourself a treat bag and you're good to go!

Ingredients

A packet of liver (any liver will do).

Method

Get yourself some liver. Any liver will do.

Rinse the blood of the liver

Wrap a baking tray in kitchen foil.

Lay your liver on the tray. Preheat your oven to 120c (250f/Gas mark 1). Cook for 1½ - 2 hrs or until fully dry.

Two hours later and this is it now dried. There is no juices in the tray and liver is dry inside and out..

Cut into little squares and fridge what you will use in a few days and freeze the rest. See now why we're using kitchen foil?

Flo you are getting some, don't worry!

How to store

As a general guide if meat protein is present in recipe then it will last around 3 to 5 days stored in a cool place. If it has second class protein in it eg. cheese, lentils, eggs, etc, then they will store for about 10 days in a cool place. If there is no meat or second class proteins present then it will last around 3 weeks before they go soft like human biscuits.

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By Jamie Shanks

BDWS is owned and run by me, Jamie Shanks. I’ve been a professional dog walker since 2010. When I’m not walking dogs, I'm usually at home entertaining my three dogs and attending to five hens and my vegetable garden.

82 Comments

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Jo on November 14, 2013 at 4:03 pm

Hi, what a great idea! What kind of liver do you use? I.e. lamb, pork, or beef? Does it make a difference?

Thanks.
- Jamie Shanks on November 14, 2013 at 5:00 pm
  
  Thanks Jo! I just use any liver, but Ox and Pig is cheapest!
Esther on November 7, 2013 at 6:23 pm

Hi Jamie

Love the blog!!! https://www.bdws.co.uk/2011/06/01/how-to-become-a-dog-walker/

I came across it whilst looking for ‘how much to charge as a dog walker?’. I’ve been asked to do some and although I love and have walked dogs, I’ve never ‘officially’ done it.

Your website has been so helpful, loads of top tips and useful info. Thank you so much for being a ‘sharer and carer’!!

Armed with info, I’m ready to answer and ask all the questions now!

Come on then…Walkies!!
- Jamie Shanks on November 7, 2013 at 7:09 pm
  
  Thanks Esther!
  
  I’m more than happy to help anyone in anyway I can. I found it tough to begin with like many people so the last thing anyone wants to do when they’re starting is make things more difficult for themselves.
  
  These liver treats are great!
Sally on June 20, 2013 at 3:03 pm

Hi Jamie,

Found your site the other day so thought I’d try out the liver treats. My French bulldog must have known they were for her as she sat waiting at the oven while they cooked. She absolutely loves them and you know the treats aren’t full of rubbish. Great recipes will be trying out some of the others.
- Jamie Shanks on June 21, 2013 at 7:51 pm
  
  Hi Sally! I think they’re probably the best treats you can get or make! So simple, easy and cheap!
caroline rennie on June 14, 2013 at 2:32 pm

Hi Jamie

I made the liver yesterday and my 2 dogs went daft for them. I gave some round to my friend as her dog isn’t a great eater but love the liver. 🙂
- Jamie Shanks on June 14, 2013 at 8:04 pm
  
  Hi Caroline! Yeah, it’s so much better and I’m glad you had the stomach to do it! I can buy two packs for just over a quid and that’ll give me more than enough treats for a whole weeks dog walking!
Dee on May 30, 2013 at 11:37 am

Hi Jamie
I stumbled across your website while looking around for dog food that I could make myself. Thank you for your amazing website. This is in the oven right now. I don’t like the smell but my dog does, she is sitting outside the kitchen door waiting for it to be ready!
Dee
- Jamie Shanks on May 30, 2013 at 6:00 pm
  
  Thanks Dee! Ah, you’ll get to like the smell or least tolerate it. Would love to hear how you dog likes it!
Krystal on April 28, 2013 at 1:09 pm

I’ve heard of people making these before and always wanted to try it. But i was wondering how long as these good for once they are out of the freezer? Do you keep them in the fridge or just an airtight container?
- Jamie Shanks on April 28, 2013 at 2:54 pm
  
  In an airtight container in the fridge I’d say about a week, but I can’t really say cause I use them up so fast! When I make them I separate the batch into smaller amounts and then freeze for when I need them.
Karen on February 25, 2013 at 7:27 pm

Hi Jamie, Would you say that your dogs preferred this recipe over the Liver cake recipe? Thanks! 🙂
- Jamie Shanks on February 25, 2013 at 7:47 pm
  
  Hi Karen. They are different treats for different occasions. The liver treats are ideal for training or for taking with you when out with the dog. The liver cake is more of a house treat or big reward after training. But as far as the dog is concerned they love them both just the same!
Jackie on February 3, 2013 at 12:38 am

Thanks for your amazing website. This is in the oven right now. I don’t like the smell but I bet the dogs who are coming to visit next week will be delighted.
- Jamie Shanks on February 3, 2013 at 6:55 pm
  
  Thanks Jackie for your comments! The smell is something you have to get used too, not as bad as kidney though! I’m certain your doggy guests will love it!
pippa on January 29, 2013 at 9:16 pm

What a fantastic idea! How long do you keep in freezer and do u defrost or give frozen?
- Jamie Shanks on January 29, 2013 at 9:18 pm
  
  Hi Pippa! If put in freezer once cooled then they will last pretty much forever! They only need an hour or so to defrost!

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