Is Chicken Liver Good for Dogs?

In this article: 

• Can dogs eat chicken liver?
• What are the risks of feeding too much chicken liver?
• How much chicken liver can my dog have?
• How should I prepare chicken liver for my dog?
• Do you have tips for serving chicken liver to my dog? 

Yes—cooked chicken liver can be good for many healthy dogs when it’s fed in small amounts and as part of a complete and balanced diet. But, because liver contains high concentrations of certain vitamins and minerals, it’s crucial to only feed it in the proper quantities. More on that below. 

Can dogs eat chicken liver?

Chicken liver is nutrient-dense—rich in high-quality protein; vitamins including A, C, D, and B-vitamins; iron, copper,  and other minerals—so a little goes a long way. Dogs need these nutrients daily, but should get them in the proper proportions from a complete and balanced food formulated by board-certified nutritionists to meet AAFCO standards.

At The Farmer’s Dog, organ meats like chicken liver are incorporated in appropriate amounts within complete and balanced recipes. This way, our food captures the benefits of liver while protecting against the risk of excess.

And most healthy dogs can have small amounts of cooked chicken liver on its own as an occasional treat. Ask your veterinarian whether chicken liver is an appropriate treat for your dog, and how much you can give them.

Risks of chicken liver for dogs, and when to avoid or limit it

Too much liver can tip the nutrient balance and cause certain health issues. When offering liver in addition to a complete and balanced diet, keep the amount small—ask your vet what this means for your dog—and give it only infrequently, like once or twice a week.

• Hypervitaminosis A (also known as “vitamin A excess”): Chronic overfeeding of liver can lead to stiffness, fur loss, bone changes, weight loss, tremors, seizures, and lethargy. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that feeding only liver can induce vitamin A toxicity in dogs and cats. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can also contain Vitamin A. If your dog is on one of these supplements, ask your veterinarian if it’s ok to add chicken liver to their diet
  
• Gastrointestinal upset: Rich foods like chicken liver can cause vomiting or diarrhea in some dogs, especially if portions are large or they’re unaccustomed to it. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, it is always best to add any new foods slowly. Try adding the new treat  once, then wait two to three days to see if your dog shows any signs of illness. If they seem fine, then you can try feeding them the treat more regularly.
  
• Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol levels): Chicken liver is a very low fat food; however, it does contain high levels of cholesterol. Certain breeds are predisposed to high cholesterol levels. They include the miniature schnauzer and the Shetland sheepdog. Chicken liver should be fed with caution in these breeds. If your dog has high cholesterol, it is recommended to avoid feeding chicken liver.
  
• Copper-associated hepatopathy: Liver contains large amounts of copper. Feed liver treats cautiously in predisposed breeds.
  
• Allergy/adverse reaction: Dogs who are allergic to chicken should avoid chicken liver.
  

Ask your veterinarian before adding chicken liver or any other food to your dog’s diet. Puppies, seniors, and dogs with medical conditions call for extra caution.

How much chicken liver to feed 

In general: the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) advises keeping all treats and extras under 10% of your dog’s daily calories. The vast majority of your dog’s nutrition should come from a complete and balanced food formulated by board-certified nutritionists. This simple rule protects nutrient balance and reduces the risk of health issues.

When it comes to chicken liver in particular, its concentrated quantities of certain nutrients mean that you should be especially cautious about portions. It should certainly make up less than 5% of your dog’s daily calorie intake, and perhaps less. Talk to your vet about specifics.

You should always check with your dog’s veterinarian for individual recommendations. But, no matter what, start with small amounts. Talk to your vet about how much liver would be appropriate for your dog’s weight.

Practical serving guidelines for chicken liver

• Use liver as a high-value topper or training reward, not a daily staple.
  
• Make sure that your dog’s primary source of nutrition is a complete and balanced food formulated by board-certified nutritionists to meet AAFCO guidelines.
  
• Split portions across the week instead of offering one large treat.
  
• Watch stools and appetite; scale back if you see soft stools, gas, or decreased appetite.
  
• Keep all combined treats (including liver) within WSAVA’s guideline of 10% or less of your dog’s total calorie intake, and liver to even less than that.
  

Safe preparation, storage, and serving tips

If you’re preparing liver yourself, always cook thoroughly and keep it plain. 

• Cook to 165 °F (74 °C): For poultry and giblets, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service lists 165 °F as the safe minimum internal temperature.
  
• No seasoning: Skip salt, oil, and butter—and never use onion or garlic, which are toxic to dogs.
  
• Keep it simple: Boil, bake, or sauté in water; drain excess fat.
  
• Cut small: Dice into pea-sized pieces for training or crumble as a topper.
  
• Store safely: Refrigerate cooked liver and use within 3–4 days. Freeze in small portions; cooked poultry keeps about 2–6 months frozen for best quality.
  

The bottom line

Chicken liver can be a safe reward for your dog when it’s cooked, fed sparingly, and used as an extra alongside their complete and balanced food. Moderation is key. Keep cooked portions small, occasional, and unseasoned. 

For everyday nutrition, a complete and balanced food, formulated by on-staff, board-certified nutritionists, should be your dog’s primary diet. When The Farmer’s Dog foods include chicken liver, it’s in proper proportions that support good health with daily feeding.