Homemade Dehydrated Chicken Liver Cat & Dog Treats: Easy Recipe

Updated at: 18/03/2025

Spoil your beloved furry friends with nutritious and delicious homemade treats! Dehydrated chicken liver treats are a fantastic way to show your cat or dog some extra love, offering a protein-packed snack bursting with flavor they'll adore. Far healthier than many commercially available options, these treats are easy on your wallet and offer peace of mind knowing exactly what ingredients are going into your pet's diet. Chicken livers are a powerhouse of essential vitamins and nutrients, providing a boost to their overall health and wellbeing. Making them at home allows you to control the quality and avoid unnecessary additives often found in store-bought alternatives.

This simple recipe requires minimal ingredients and equipment, perfect for even the busiest pet parent. Forget complicated processes and expensive ingredients – you'll be surprised how straightforward it is to create these irresistible treats. Ready to get started on making your pets the most delicious and healthy treats ever? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide below!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Dehydrator (Subtree compact dehydrator used in video)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet or silicone mat
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Knife
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use fresh, high-quality chicken livers. Discard any that show signs of spoilage (off-odor, discoloration, slime).
  • Thoroughly dehydrate the livers to prevent bacterial growth. Follow a dehydrator's instructions carefully, ensuring the internal temperature reaches a safe level to kill harmful bacteria. Improper dehydration can make your pets sick.
  • Introduce new treats gradually to monitor for any allergic reactions or digestive upset. Start with a small amount and observe your pet for several hours before offering more.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    • Cooked and mashed chicken livers, cooked rice, nutritional yeast flakes, catnip (optional).
    Prepare ingredients: Cooked and mashed chicken livers, cooked rice, nutritional yeast flakes, catnip (optional).
    Prepare Ingredients

  2. Combine and Mix

    • Mix chicken livers, rice, and nutritional yeast. Add corn juice or broth for moisture.
    • Knead the dough until it forms a cohesive mixture.
    Knead the dough until it forms a cohesive mixture.Knead the dough until it forms a cohesive mixture.
    Combine and Mix

  3. Shape the Treats

    • Roll the dough to desired thickness.
    • Cut the dough into desired shapes (stars or small pieces). Sprinkle catnip on top (optional).
    Shape the treats: Cut the dough into desired shapes (stars or small pieces). Sprinkle catnip on top (optional).Shape the treats: Cut the dough into desired shapes (stars or small pieces). Sprinkle catnip on top (optional).
    Shape the Treats

  4. Arrange and Dehydrate

    • Arrange treats on dehydrator trays.
    • Set dehydrator to 145°F (63°C) or higher. Dehydrate for 6-8 hours, or until treats are completely dry. Check frequently and adjust drying time based on thickness.
    Dehydrate: Set dehydrator to 145°F (63°C) or higher. Dehydrate for 6-8 hours, or until treats are completely dry. Check frequently and adjust drying time based on thickness.Dehydrate: Set dehydrator to 145°F (63°C) or higher. Dehydrate for 6-8 hours, or until treats are completely dry. Check frequently and adjust drying time based on thickness.
    Arrange and Dehydrate

  5. Cool and Store

    • Let the treats cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
    Cool and store: Let the treats cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
    Cool and Store

Read more: Easy Homemade Cranberry Dog Treats: A Simple & Cheap Recipe

Tips

  • Use cooked chicken livers for easier handling and faster drying.
  • Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor cats often enjoy.
  • Catnip can be added to enhance palatability, but it’s not necessary.
  • Monitor the drying process closely and adjust the time as needed based on the thickness of your treats and your dehydrator.
  • Silicone mats make cleanup easier.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Unevenly Sliced Liver

Reason: Unevenly sized pieces will dehydrate at different rates, resulting in some pieces being crunchy while others are still chewy or leathery.
Solution: Ensure all liver pieces are roughly the same size and thickness before dehydrating.

2. Over- or Under-Dehydration

Reason: Over-dehydrated treats will be brittle and prone to crumbling, while under-dehydrated treats may harbor bacteria and spoil quickly.
Solution: Check the treats regularly and adjust the dehydrator's temperature and time according to the manufacturer's instructions and the specific thickness of your liver slices.

3. Ignoring Proper Sanitation

Reason: Contaminated liver can lead to illness in your pets.
Solution: Thoroughly wash and sanitize all equipment and surfaces before and after handling the liver.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken livers to make these treats?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely before proceeding with the recipe. Pat them dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture for optimal dehydration.