If you've ever tried to train a dog with standard treats and got
nowhere, liver treats are the answer. Intensely flavoured, incredibly
smelly and irresistible to virtually every dog — homemade beef liver
treats are the ultimate high value training reward.
Why Liver Treats Work So Well for Training
Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell — far more powerful than
ours. Liver has a strong, rich aroma that dogs find absolutely
irresistible, making it the perfect reward for high distraction
environments like parks, training classes or busy streets.
They're also:
- Easy to break into tiny pieces for rapid reward training
- High in protein, iron and essential vitamins
- Much cheaper than buying commercial training treats
- Free from the additives and fillers found in most shop bought treats
What You'll Need
- 500g beef liver — fresh from your butcher or supermarket
- Ezidri FD1000 with mesh sheets
That's it. No seasoning required — the liver's natural flavour
is more than enough to get your dog's attention.
How to Make Beef Liver Training Treats
1. Preheat your Ezidri FD1000 to 60°C
2. Rinse liver thoroughly under cold water
3. Pat completely dry with kitchen paper
4. Slice into strips or pieces approximately 5mm thick —
thinner slices will produce a crispier treat,
thicker slices a chewier one
5. Lay in a single layer on mesh sheets —
do not overlap pieces
6. Place a solid sheet on the tray below the first liver tray
to catch any drips
7. Dry at 60°C for 6 to 8 hours until completely dried through
8. Allow to cool completely before storing
Dryness Test
Liver treats should be firm and dry with no moisture remaining.
Break one in half — there should be no moisture visible in
the centre. If in doubt return to the Ezidri for another hour.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to
2 weeks. Freeze for up to 3 months — freeze in small portions
so you can defrost only what you need for each training session.
Tips for Best Results
- Ask your butcher for fresh liver — it will be cheaper and
better quality than supermarket liver
- Partially freeze the liver for 20 minutes before slicing —
it makes it much easier to cut cleanly and evenly
- Cut into very small pieces before drying if you want
bite sized training treats — they're much harder to cut
once dried
- The Ezidri FD1000 can hold up to 30 trays so you can make
a very large batch and freeze in portions
- Liver has a strong smell during drying — ensure your kitchen
is well ventilated
A Note on Quantity
Liver is very rich and should be given in small amounts as a
treat rather than a staple food. Small pieces used as training
rewards are perfectly safe and healthy for most dogs.
Want to make more natural dog treats at home? Visit our
Natural Homemade Dog Treats page for more ideas and inspiration.