The Truth About Liver in Dog Treats – Is It Really That Good?

When it comes to providing dogs with nutrient-dense, high-quality treats, liver is one of the best ingredients you can choose. At Max and Rosy, we use beef, chicken, and lamb liver as the foundation of our natural treats. But why do we include liver, and what makes it such a powerhouse ingredient? Let’s dive deep into its benefits, differences, and why your dog will love it.

What is Liver?

Liver is an organ meat (also known as offal) found in animals like cows, chickens, and lambs. Unlike muscle meat, liver is a nutrient-dense powerhouse, providing essential vitamins and minerals that dogs need for optimal health. It has been a staple in canine diets for centuries, dating back to when wild dogs and wolves consumed their prey whole, including the organs.

Where Does Our Liver Come From?

At Max and Rosy, we only source liver from trusted local farmers who prioritize quality and ethical farming practices. Our beef, chicken, and lamb liver come from South African farms, ensuring freshness and traceability. By sourcing locally, we support sustainable agriculture and ensure that our treats are made with the highest-quality ingredients.

Why Liver? Nutritional Benefits for Dogs

Liver is considered a superfood for dogs due to its rich nutritional profile. It is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health, including:

• Vitamin A – Supports vision, immune function, and skin health.
• B Vitamins (B12, Riboflavin, Niacin, etc.) – Crucial for energy production, metabolism, and red blood cell formation.
• Iron – Helps prevent anemia and maintains healthy blood function.
• Zinc – Supports skin, coat, and immune health.
• Copper – Aids in iron absorption and bone health.
• High-Quality Protein – Essential for muscle growth, repair, and maintenance.
• Omega Fatty Acids – Promote a shiny coat and reduce inflammation.

Unlike muscle meat, which is lower in micronutrients, liver provides a concentrated source of essential nutrients that dogs require to thrive.

Scientific Backing: Why Liver is a Canine Superfood

Studies have shown that organ meats, particularly liver, are beneficial for dogs due to their nutrient density:

• A study published in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition found that feeding liver improves iron levels and red blood cell production in dogs.
• Research in The American Journal of Veterinary Research highlights the benefits of Vitamin A in liver, supporting healthy vision and immune function.
• Studies on raw feeding, like those in the British Journal of Nutrition, confirm that liver contains high levels of bioavailable nutrients that support canine health more efficiently than synthetic supplements.

Beef Liver vs. Chicken Liver vs. Lamb Liver: What's the Difference?

While all three types of liver offer significant health benefits, there are some differences in nutritional content, taste, and digestibility.

1. Beef Liver

Richest in Vitamin A & Iron

• Higher in Vitamin A, making it an excellent option for vision and immune health.
• Iron content is the highest among the three, supporting oxygen transport in the blood.
• Stronger, gamier taste—great for dogs that love bold flavors.
• Slightly tougher texture compared to chicken or lamb liver.

2. Chicken Liver

Easiest to Digest & Highest in B Vitamins

• Lower in fat compared to beef and lamb liver, making it ideal for dogs on a lean diet.
• Highest in B vitamins, particularly B12, which is essential for energy and nervous system function.
• Milder taste, making it a good choice for picky eaters.
• Softer texture, which is easier to chew and digest, especially for small or senior dogs.

3. Lamb Liver

Great for Sensitive Dogs & Omega-Rich

• Naturally high in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, promoting skin and coat health.
• Milder than beef liver but stronger than chicken liver in taste.
• Excellent for dogs with beef or chicken sensitivities.
• Slightly fattier than beef and chicken liver, providing an extra energy boost.

Common Misconceptions About Liver

🔹 “Liver is toxic because it stores toxins.” ❌ Myth! While the liver filters toxins, it doesn’t store them. Instead, it is packed with beneficial nutrients that help detoxify the body.
🔹 “Too much liver causes Vitamin A toxicity.” ✔️ Partially True. While overfeeding liver can lead to excessive Vitamin A intake, feeding it in moderation (as found in our treats) provides safe, balanced nutrition.
🔹 “Muscle meat is just as nutritious.” ❌ Myth! Liver contains 10-100 times more nutrients than muscle meat, making it a far superior option.

How Liver Compares to Fillers & Artificial Additives

Many commercial dog treats use fillers like corn, soy, and wheat, which provide little to no nutritional value. Liver, on the other hand, is: ✅ Highly digestible – Unlike grains, which can cause digestive issues, liver is gentle on the stomach.
✅ More bioavailable – Liver’s nutrients are more easily absorbed compared to synthetic vitamins in processed treats.
✅ Naturally flavorful – No artificial flavors needed—dogs instinctively love liver!

Why Max and Rosy Uses Liver in Our Treats

At Max and Rosy, we believe in feeding dogs real, natural, and nutrient-packed ingredients. Liver is one of the best ways to give dogs essential nutrients in a form that they instinctively crave.

✅ 100% Natural – No artificial additives, preservatives, or fillers.
✅ Locally Sourced – We only use liver from trusted local farmers to ensure the highest quality.
✅ Perfect for Training – Dogs love the taste of liver, making our treats ideal for positive reinforcement training.
✅ Supports Overall Health – Packed with vitamins, minerals, and proteins to keep dogs healthy, energetic, and happy.

How Much Liver is Too Much?

While liver is a nutrient powerhouse, moderation is key. Because of its high Vitamin A content, excessive consumption can lead to Vitamin A toxicity over time. We recommend:

• Small dogs: A few small liver treats per day.
• Medium dogs: 3–5 liver treats per day.
• Large dogs: 5–8 liver treats per day.

Max and Rosy treats are formulated to provide just the right amount of liver, ensuring your dog gets the benefits without overdoing it.

Fun Facts About Liver for Dogs!

🐶 Wolves instinctively eat the liver of their prey first due to its high nutrient content.
🐶 Liver is considered a "blood builder" in traditional medicine, supporting circulation.
🐶 In many cultures, liver is prized as a delicacy for both humans and pets!

Final Thoughts

Liver is truly one of the best natural ingredients you can include in your dog’s diet. Whether it’s beef, chicken, or lamb liver, each type provides unique benefits that contribute to your dog’s overall well-being. At Max and Rosy, we’re proud to use high-quality liver in our treats, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor, nutrition, and love.

🐾 Stay tuned for our next deep dive into another powerful ingredient in Max and Rosy treats! Which ingredient should we cover next? Let us know in the comments or on social media!