How to Freeze Dry Beef Liver for Healthy, Homemade Dog Treats

Dog owners are always looking for healthy treats to reward and train their pets But with so many commercial treats full of artificial ingredients and fillers, homemade treats are becoming an attractive alternative Freeze dried liver treats are one such option that is nutritious and easy to make at home.

Beef liver is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that dogs love. Freeze drying helps preserve these nutrients while extending the shelf life without preservatives. Here is a step-by-step guide to freeze drying beef liver into homemade treats your dog will go crazy for!

Benefits of Freeze Dried Beef Liver Treats

Before diving into the process, let’s look at why homemade freeze dried liver treats should be part of your dog’s diet:

• Single ingredient – No mystery fillers, just 100% beef liver

• Preserves nutrients – Freeze drying retains more nutrients than cooking

• Long shelf life – Keeps for months stored properly without preservatives

• Easy to portion – Lightweight and easy to break into small training treats

• Moisture-free – Less messy and easier to handle than raw liver

• No refrigeration – Freeze dried treats can be stored at room temperature

• Natural flavor – Real beef liver flavor dogs naturally crave

• Grain-free – No fillers that can cause allergies or tummy upset

• USA-sourced – Use quality liver from grass-fed, humanely raised cattle

Supplies Needed

Freeze drying beef liver into dog treats takes a little preparation but the ingredients are simple:

• 1 pound beef liver, sliced 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch thick
• Baking sheets or trays that fit in your freezer
• Parchment paper
• A freezer (either a deep chest freezer or your regular freezer)
• Plastic bags or an airtight container for storage

Optional: cookie cutters or knife to cut shaped treats

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make perfect freeze dried liver dog treats:

1. Choose fresh, raw beef liver

Pick up grass-fed beef liver from your local butcher or grocery store. Make sure it looks fresh with no off smells or sliminess. Rinse under cool water and pat dry.

2. Slice into 1/4 to 1/2 inch pieces

Cut the liver into thin, uniform slices using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Thinner slices will freeze dry faster. Aim for 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thick.

3. Arrange slices on parchment-lined trays

Line baking sheets or trays with parchment paper. Arrange the liver slices in a single layer with space between them to allow air circulation.

4. Freeze the liver slices

Place trays in the freezer. Use the coldest part of your freezer, like the back bottom shelf. If possible, a deep chest freezer works even better.

5. Freeze for 5-7 days

Leave the liver slices undisturbed in the freezer for 5-7 days. This extended freezing time dehydrates the liver. Longer freeze times make treats more brittle and dry.

6. Check for dryness

After 5-7 days, remove a piece of liver and allow it to thaw for 10-15 minutes. It should be brittle and snap when bent, with no moisture inside. If not, return trays to the freezer for 1-2 more days.

7. Cut into bite-sized pieces

Once fully dried, the liver slices will be brittle enough to break into smaller pieces. Break by hand or cut with kitchen shears into pea-sized treats.

8. Store in an airtight container

Place pieces in a zip-top plastic bag or airtight container, squeezing out excess air. Store in a cool, dark place or the fridge.

And that’s it! Your homemade beef liver dog treats are ready to enjoy and share with your pup! Always monitor your dog when giving any treat and adjust portion sizes accordingly.

Tips and Tricks

Follow these tips for best results when freeze drying beef liver:

• Trim off any membranes or sinewy bits before slicing liver
• Cut uniform thickness so pieces dry evenly
• Rotate trays front to back and top to bottom while freezing
• Check doneness often to avoid over-drying into crumbles
• Let treats come to room temp before serving to avoid cracking teeth
• Store in fridge or freezer for maximum shelf life of 6-12 months

Adding Flavor Variety

While most dogs love the natural flavor of beef liver, you can mix it up by adding flavor before drying:

• Coat with brewer’s yeast for B-vitamins
• Lightly sprinkle with garlic or onion powder
• Brush with olive oil and rosemary or oregano
• Rub with a blend of dried parsley, basil, and marjoram

Go easy on added flavorings and monitor your dog for any digestion issues. Keep some plain liver treats in rotation too.

Safety Tips

When making and giving any homemade treat, keep these safety guidelines in mind:

• Only use fresh, high-quality ingredients

• Avoid ingredients your dog is allergic or sensitive to

• Never leave dogs unsupervised with chews or treats

• Introduce new foods slowly and watch for reactions

• Adjust portions to avoid weight gain or nutritional imbalances

• Consult your vet if you have any concerns about diet

Other Meat Liver Options

While beef liver is a popular choice, you can also freeze dry:

• Chicken livers – Also high in vitamin A with milder flavor

• Pork liver – Rich in B vitamins thiamine and riboflavin

• Venison or elk liver – Lean protein and iron for active dogs

• Fish livers like salmon – Natural fish oil omega-3 fatty acids

Mix and match for variety. Just be sure to introduce different proteins slowly.

Final Thoughts

Homemade freeze dried liver treats are a nutritious training reward your dog will love. Beef liver provides healthy protein, iron, vitamin A, and other nutrients dogs thrive on. With a simple dry-freeze process, you can skip the additives and preservatives found in store-bought treats. Customize flavors to keep your dog interested and label ingredients you can trust. Your best friend with thank you!