Is Your Dog at Risk of Liver Treat Toxicity

Being a dog lover or a veterinarian requires building a good rapport with dogs. Some dogs are social butterflies, while others take a little more coaxing. 

For most dog lovers, giving our dogs treats is just one of the ways to connect and express our love for them. Sometimes, even complete strangers carry a few treats in their pockets to connect with dogs and their humans. I have always been a little conflicted about allowing others to give treats to my dogs; poor quality Milk Bones and other treats are commonplace in stores, offices, and hotels.

Most dogs are crazy about junk food, and “just one” can turn into too many treats. 

Generally, I prefer if strangers do not give treats to my dogs, and I developed a strategy of asking people not to give them treats. To prevent disappointment on both sides, I usually carry safe, healthy treats in my pocket to pass them to the giver so they can connect with my dog. 

Are Liver Treats Toxic for Dogs? 

For years, I have been taught and believed that giving too many dehydrated liver treats can be toxic due to a high amount of vitamin A.  

This is also what many resources say. 

But when I decided to review the research on the topic, I realized that there is only one study on this topic and that things are much DIFFERENT than most sources state.

This article contains everything you need to know to ensure your dog is safe and the pros and cons of feeding liver treats.  

What Is the Nutritional and Vitamin Content in Liver? 

Nutritionally, liver is a rich source of essential nutrients such as amino acids, fat, minerals such as iron, zinc, phosphorus, and selenium, and vitamins  A, B6, B12, C, D, riboflavin, niacin, folate, and pantothenic acid. 

Functionally, the liver's key role is detoxing, producing vitamins and amino acids, and managing many metabolic functions.

Additionally, it helps neutralize numerous artificial and toxic chemicals found in food and the environment, which is no easy task. This is why many dog lovers notice significant benefits when they take their dogs through a weekly cleanse once a month with LiverTune.

In humans, fatty liver disease affects a high proportion of the US population, where some sources suggest the rate is as high as 50%. This is why I use LiverTune H+ once a month for a week to detox and fine-tune my liver. 

What Is the Maximum Safe Dose of Vitamin A for Dogs?

Most online veterinary sources suggest that there is a risk of liver toxicity associated with feeding liver to dogs. However, the only existing study concluded that the maximum daily dose of Vitamin A is 100,000 IU per 1,000 calories of food.^[1] 

Here is a table of Vitamin A content in raw and dehydrated liver: 

What Amount of Liver Treats Is Safe to Feed?

This is a loaded question because there is a difference between the maximum safe amount and how many treats we should feed, considering the overall safety of liver as a food source as well as the content of vitamin A in other food sources.

I have spent several days looking at the numbers and converting the calories of food and liver into a sensible guideline, which I have organized in the table below.

Note: this is an approximate guideline. Individual metabolic and liver function differences need to be considered. 

What Are the Symptoms of Hypervitaminosis A

You may wonder what happens if your dog receives an excess of vitamin A. The most common symptoms are:

• Weight loss
• Lethargy and dullness
• Loss of appetite
• Lameness
• Pain in limb joints
• Joint stiffness
• Bone deformities and abnormal bone growth

What Do I Do for My Dog Pax?

Generally, I do not give my dog liver treats often - if at all. The main reason is not vitamin A but other toxins found in the liver. 

Instead, I give him and also recommend certified organic SoulFood Multivitamin to fulfill all vitamin requirements.  Fermented vitamins are more bioavailable, gentler on the stomach, and do not contain the toxins that liver does.

What Toxic Substances Accumulate in the Liver?

Several studies have examined the levels of toxins and trace elements in beef liver, highlighting potential health risks associated with its consumption. 

Below is a summary and findings from relevant research:

Lead, Cadmium, and Mercury:
Studies have found that beef liver can accumulate heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg).

Copper :
Copper levels in beef liver can be very high, especially in older animals.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS):
Due to environmental contamination, PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in beef liver.

Antibiotics and Residual Drugs:
Beef liver may contain residues of antibiotics used in livestock farming. These residues can contribute to antibiotic resistance and pose risks such as allergic reactions or toxicity.

As you can see, beef liver is nutrient-dense but also a potential source of toxins such as heavy metals (lead, cadmium), excessive vitamin A and copper, PFAS, and antibiotic residues. 

These are the main reasons why I do not give and recommend liver treats often.

However, if you feel comfortable with liver treats, consider the amounts in the table as the maximum recommended amounts, but you should ideally give less.

What Dog Treats Are a Safer Alternative?

Making or buying dehydrated meat treats is a great alternative!

Here is a simple recipe:

Step 1: Thinly slice any meat you would normally feed your dog.  You can also grind veggies and meat in a ratio of 1 to 4 to make a mixture. 

Step 2: Dehydrate for 10-12 hours on a sheet at 170°F or until dry (treats should break, not bend).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there a copper concern when feeding the liver?

If your dog is predisposed to copper storage disease, I recommend not feeding your dog liver treats. Opt for a standardized, fermented multivitamin instead.

My dog does not tolerate organ meat; what can I do?

In such cases, giving a fermented multivitamin like SoulFood and a mineral-rich superfood like GreenMin ensures your dog gets the essential nutrients required.

What liver is the best?

Grass-fed, organic liver is ideal but often hard to come by.

Should the amount of liver consumed by treats replace the organ meat in a fresh or cooked diet?

Yes.

Are kidney, heart, and spleen safer organ alternatives?

These organs do not put your dog at risk of hypervitaminosis A. Just make sure they do not exceed the recommended organ amount of 5%.

In general, I do not worry about giving organs regularly, as healthy organic organs are difficult to find.

This is another reason I formulated SoulFood and GreenMin to meet the nutritional needs of dogs.

References

(1) Morris, P. J., Salt, C., Raila, J., Brenten, T., Kohn, B., Schweigert, F. J., & Zentek, J. (2012). Safety evaluation of vitamin A in growing dogs. British Journal of Nutrition, 108(10), 1800-1809.