Liver Powder for Dogs
My liver powder for dogs is the perfect solution for any dog who simply refuses to drink water and who needs encouragement to keep hydrated. It’s also the perfect get-well tonic for any dog who is a little under the weather and in need of a nutritious pick-me-up.
My dried liver dog food topper is not just any old liver powder. It is grass-fed beef liver powder from cattle who have been raised and grazed in the fields around The Dog Chef HQ in rural Somerset in the UK. It’s the finest, purest, highest quality beef liver powder you’ll find anywhere. I say it’s liver powder for dogs, but actually, it’s so good, you could use it too. I certainly do!
Liver powder benefits
My beef liver powder is of human-grade quality. It is high-grade beef liver that has been dehydrated in my own kitchens, ground into powder and then bagged immediately. It has no additives and no preservatives. In fact it’s nothing but 100% natural, human-grade, beef liver powder which has been processed in-house entirely by hand!
Adding my liver powder to your dog’s water will do a number of things:
- It will add a flavour enhancer to the water. This will encourage your dog to drink because the water tastes and smells nicer.
- It will add valuable nutrients to the water. Liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet.
- And it will enliven your dog. It will keep your dog motivated and interested in life, providing it with valuable nutrients it will be in need of, especially if it’s recovering from illness or an operation.
Liver dog training treats
My dog liver powder is made from the same liver I use in my Liver Cake Dog Training Treats, my best-selling dog treat baking mix.
So if your dog won’t drink water, don’t despair. A little dog liver powder goes a long way you know!
Because liver powder is exceptionally rich, introducing too much too quickly can easily cause loose stools or a temporary upset stomach. Always start with just a tiny pinch for the first few days to let your dog’s digestive system adjust.
Due to this high density of vitamin A and iron, less is more. The general recommended daily guideline is just 1/4 of a teaspoon per day for an average 10kg (22lb) dog.
Natural hydration for dogs
Your dog can go many days without food. But water, now that’s a different matter. Water is involved in every bodily function, so it’s imperative that you keep your best friend well hydrated.
But if your dog is recovering from illness, generally under the weather, or stressed for whatever reason, he or she may not want to drink plain old boring water. Senior dogs frequently drink less and need encouragement to drink. For whatever reason, your dog might need a little encouragement to keep hydrated. And that’s where my liver powder for dogs comes in.
The Dog Chef Guide to Homemade Dog Food
Looking to supercharge your dog's diet with fresh food?
Dog Chef’s quick serving ideas
1. Umami gravy swirl
Whisk 1/4 teaspoon of liver powder into 2 tablespoons of warm water or bone broth. The warm liquid instantly activates the rich, meaty aromatic oils, creating a savoury gravy that you can swirl straight into your dog’s food.
2. Enrichment lick mat spread
Mix your dog’s daily dose of dried liver powder into 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt, kefir or pure pumpkin puree. Spread the mixture evenly across a textured lick mat and freeze it for 30 minutes before serving.
3. No-bake liver truffle bites
Mash half a ripe banana with a tablespoon of natural, xylitol-free peanut butter. Roll the mixture into tiny, pea-sized balls, then roll the balls directly through a shallow bowl of liver powder until fully coated. Store in the freezer until required.
4. Savoury sauté infusion
If you are cooking a fresh batch of food, use the powder to season the base proteins.
5. High-value dusting for supplements
In the unlikey event your pup turns its nose up at the taste of its Dog Chef Daily multivitamin supplement or Dog Chef Calcium, use liver powder as a disguise. Thoroughly mix your daily supplement powders together in a small cup, then add a pinch of liver powder to the mix. The intense smell of the liver completely masks the smell of the supplements.
Liver powder for dogs frequently asked questions
Q. Is dried liver powder better than fresh liver?
A. Because dried liver powder is a concentrated powder, it is roughly four times stronger than fresh wet liver, so you don’t need to feed so much.
Q. Is dried liver powder good for dogs who are fussy eaters?
A. Yes, its intense aroma encourages fussy eaters or senior dogs to eat their meals.
Q. How much liver powder can I safely give my dog?
A. A general rule of thumb is that liver should make up no more than 5% of your dog’s total daily diet. Because powder is a concentrate, small dogs (around 10kg) usually require only 1/4 to 1/3 of a teaspoon per day. Large dogs can have up to 1 tablespoon of fresh equivalent.
Q. What are the side effects of feeding too much liver powder?
A. The primary risk of overfeeding is Hypervitaminosis A (Vitamin A toxicity), which accumulates over weeks or months. Symptoms include lethargy, weight loss, joint stiffness, bone deformities and digestive upset. Because it is incredibly rich, a sudden large dose can also cause acute stomach pain and diarrhoea.
Q. Are there dogs that should completely avoid liver powder?
A. Yes. Dogs predisposed to copper storage disease or those with existing advanced liver disease should not be given liver powder, as the high copper concentration can worsen their condition. Always consult your vet before using it if your dog takes prescription medication.
Q. How should I store the powder and how long does it last?
A. Keep it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Moisture is its main enemy; if it absorbs humidity, it can spoil quickly. When sealed properly, freeze-dried liver powder can stay fresh for several months to a year without refrigeration.
Q. Can I give dried liver powder to a puppy?
A. Yes, puppies can safely consume liver powder to aid growing muscles and promote immune health, but their tolerance is much lower than adult dogs. Start with a tiny pinch to make sure it does not upset their developing digestive tracts.
Q. Does dried liver powder have a strong smell?
A. Dried liver powder has a strong smell as far as your dog is concerned, but it does not smell strongly of liver in the same way that fresh wet liver does. Dried liver powder has a pleasant smell not dissimilar to a stock cube for example.
100% Natural Dog Supplements
If you make homemade food for your dog, you'll need to supplement to make that food complete. My natural supplements are made in-house with canine nutritionist approved 100% natural ingredients with no additives or preservatives of any kind.
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I am finishing up my current dog food, before starting to make my own. How much liver powder should I be adding to Cara’s food. She is about 10kg. At the moment, I am adding 1/4 teaspoon in the morning.
Thanking you,
Helen Kilby.
Liver could comprise up to 5% of your dog’s overall diet. As nutrient-rich as it is, it really is possible to have too much of a good thing. Too much could result in a tummy upset due to its richness in vitamin A.
As you’re using it as a topper for food, then I would suggest 1/4 of a teaspoon per day and I would suggest putting it in a small amount of warm/hot water because it will help it blend in better, just make sure it’s not too hot when you give it to your dog. Or you can add it in when cooking Cara’s food.
Remember this liver powder is a concentrate 4 times stronger than wet liver. You could give up to a 1/3 of a teaspoon a day but no more.
I hope that helps.
Ann-marie
Hello, my 12 year old, 4.5kg Yorkie has been diagnosed with Immune Mediated Thrombocytopenia (extremely low platelets), which means his blood doesn’t clot properly. I understand that liver can improve the quality of his blood and platelets. Would your liver powder be suitable to add to his food and if so how much please? Many thanks, Jackie
Hi Jackie, yes the liver powder can help. This is a concentrate 4 times stronger than wet liver. You could give up to a 1/6 of a teaspoon a day but no more. I do know there are foods that can help, I would suggest you contact The canine Nutritionist because he could help a lot more than me with diet. Kind Regards Ann-marie
How much dried liver powder would I give an 8kg Shihpoo in his water as he is reluctant to drink after dental surgery.
My fawn Doberman has high liver enzymes, he is on a prescribed supplement. Would this liver powder help his liver?
It may offer some benefits but I would not be able to guarantee it.
My dog is an8.2kg Shih poo. He is refusing to drink water after dental surgery. He loves liver and I want to try you dried liver powder but I don’t know how much to use in his water bowl. Can you please tell me the required amount. Thanks
Hi Vhairi
Liver could comprise up to 5% of your dog’s overall diet. As nutrient-rich as it is, it really is possible to have too much of a good thing. Too much could result in a tummy upset due to its richness in vitamin A.
As a topper for food, then I would suggest 1/4 of a teaspoon per 150ml of warm water or dry. (Warm/hot water because it will help it blend in better, just make sure it’s not too hot when you give it to your dog).
If you’re using it to hydrate your dog because he or she won’t drink plain water for whatever reason, then 1/4 of a teaspoon per 250ml of warm/hot water. Use more if necessary.
Remember this is a concentrate 4 times stronger than wet liver. You could give up to a 1/3 of a teaspoon a day but no more.
This amount is for a 10kg dog but I thought it was ok for you.
I would start off giving less and build upto the daily amount over a few weeks.
I hope that helps.
Kind Regards
Ann-marie