In a hurry but still want to make your dog a yummy treat? Our liver cake for dogs recipe–created with a box of cornbread but with the addition of beef liver–is super simple, inexpensive and very popular with our dogs! Let’s look at the benefits of this quick treat–and how to make it in just a few minutes.
Should I Use Beef or Calf Liver for Treats?
For this recipe, I used calf liver since it contains fewer contaminants than beef liver; however, you can use beef liver (or a mix of the two).
Whichever you use, remember that treats should never make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet–and liver should never be more than 5% of his diet to avoid Vitamin A toxicity.
Both calf and beef liver have some great benefits for dogs.
Aspect
Calf Liver
Beef Liver
Nutrition
Rich in vitamin A, iron, copper, phosphorus, and B-vitamins.
Similar nutritional profile but may have a stronger flavor.
Texture
Softer, easier to cut or blend.
Slightly tougher.
Taste
Milder flavor.
Stronger flavor.
Cost & Ease of Finding
Might be more expensive and less common.
More commonly available, might be more affordable.
Safety
Source from reputable suppliers. Moderate feeding to avoid toxicity.
Source from reputable suppliers. Moderate feeding to avoid toxicity.
Can Dogs Eat Cornbread?
Most dogs can eat cornbread in moderation. Remember that this is a dog treat, not a meal, and all treats should not make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
Always be sure to check that your cornbread mix does NOT contain xylitol, a sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs.
Also, some dogs might not digest corn products as well as others. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or digestive issues, you might want to skip giving them cornbread. And while corn allergies in dogs are uncommon, they do exist.
If you’re introducing any new food to your dog’s diet, do it gradually and monitor for any signs of allergies or intolerance. Always check with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about introducing a new food to your dog.
Can I Substitute Chicken Livers?
You can substitute chicken livers instead of beef livers if you (or your dog) prefer. Since chicken is drier than beef, I would add a tablespoon of olive oil when preparing it; otherwise follow the same instructions as the recipe for liver cake with beef liver below.
How to Prepare This Homemade Liver Cake for Dogs
I like this recipe because it literally takes minutes to prepare.
First (and this is the ONLY tough part of this recipe), pop the liver into the blender and mix until it’s the consistency of a malt.
To get really efficient with your time, buy several pounds of liver, blend it all at once, and freeze the blended liver in one-pound packages.
You can use it in future Liver Cornbread preparations or use the extra liver to make Liver Training Treats.
Next, pour the blended liver (it shouldn’t have any big chunks) into a mixing bowl.
Add the contents of the box of cornbread mix and the egg, then start stirring.
The result is a fairly smooth batter that you’ll be able to pour onto your greased cookie sheet or quarter sheet pan.
Bake the cornbread mix for 30 minutes then take it out and cut into one-inch squares using a knife or a pizza cutter.
Let the cornbread cool completely before you bag and refrigerate. You’re done!
The Liver Cake is a real favorite with our dogs; it’s a lighter consistency than the Liver Training Treats so it doesn’t work out as well for putting in your pocket or treat bag to use during training; it’s best as an after-walk treat.
Liver Cake for Dogs
Ingredients
1 small box cornbread mix
1 egg
1 pound beef liver, rinsed
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a blender, blend liver until it’s a malt consistency.
Pour liver in a mixing bowl, add contents of cornbread mix box, and one egg.
Stir then pour batter onto well-greased cookie sheet (with a 1/2-inch edge).
Bake for 30 minutes. Cool then refrigerate for up to four days or freeze.
Notes
You can substitute chicken liver, if you'd like!
Would your dog love this recipe?
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Cooks: Don’t miss our My Dog Says I’m a Great Cook™ cookbook with over 100 dog treat recipes from the publishers, readers and fans of DogTipper! This paperback book is available in our YUCKY PUPPY gift store!
Paris Permenter is the award-winning co-author, with John Bigley, of over 30 pet and travel books including The Healthy Hound Cookbook and Texas with Dogs, both available through Simon and Schuster. Paris is also a member of the Dog Writers Association of America.
