Can Dogs Eat Chicken Liver and Gizzards? A Pet Parent’s Guide to Safe, Nutritious Treats

You’re standing at the kitchen counter, prepping tonight’s chicken dinner, when you notice your dog’s nose twitching. Their tail thumps against the cabinets as they fix you with those irresistible, wide-eyed “please share” stares—this time, zeroed in on the plump chicken liver and rubbery gizzards you’ve set aside.

It’s a common scenario: pet parents want to spoil their pups with tasty, “human food” treats, but worry, “Is this safe?” Chicken liver and gizzards are staples in many kitchens, but are they a healthy addition to your dog’s diet… or a recipe for disaster?

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from the nutritional benefits that make these organ meats a superfood for dogs to the hidden risks you should watch for. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to decide if (and how) to share these chicken scraps with your furry friend.

Table of Contents

1. Can Dogs Eat Chicken Liver and Gizzards? The Short Answer
2. The Nutritional Benefits: Why Liver and Gizzards Might Be Good for Your Dog
3. Potential Risks: What to Watch Out For
4. Safe Feeding Guidelines: How Much (and How Often) to Offer
5. Healthier Alternatives (If You’re Still Concerned)
6. FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
7. Conclusion: Moderation is Key

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Liver and Gizzards? The Short Answer

Yes, dogs can eat chicken liver and gizzards—but only in moderation and when prepared safely.

These organ meats are nutrient-dense and can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, offering vitamins, minerals, and protein. However, they’re not without risks: liver is high in vitamin A (which can be toxic in large amounts), and gizzards are tough, posing choking or digestive hazards if overfed.

Think of them as occasional treats, not a main meal. With the right portion control and preparation, they can be a tail-wagging hit!

The Nutritional Benefits: Why Liver and Gizzards Might Be Good for Your Dog

Let’s dive into why chicken liver and gizzards are more than just scraps—they’re nutritional powerhouses for your pup.

Chicken Liver: A Superfood for Dogs

Liver is often called “nature’s multivitamin,” and for good reason. Here’s what makes it a standout:

• Vitamin A: Critical for eye health, immune function, and skin/coat health. Dogs can’t produce vitamin A on their own, so they need it from their diet.
• B Vitamins (B12, B6, Folate): Support energy metabolism, brain function, and red blood cell production. B12, in particular, is essential for nervous system health.
• Iron & Zinc: Iron helps transport oxygen in the blood (preventing anemia), while zinc boosts immune function and aids in wound healing.
• Copper & Selenium: Copper supports collagen production (healthy joints!), and selenium acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.
• Protein: A complete protein source, with all the amino acids dogs need for muscle growth and repair.

Fun fact: Liver is so nutrient-dense that even small amounts pack a punch. A 1-ounce serving (about the size of a ping-pong ball) can provide 100% of a dog’s daily vitamin A needs!

Chicken Gizzards: Tough but Nutritious

Gizzards are the muscular part of a chicken’s stomach, used to grind food (since birds don’t have teeth). They’re lean, chewy, and loaded with benefits:

• High-Quality Protein: Gizzards are 70-80% protein by weight, making them a great low-fat option for dogs needing an extra protein boost (e.g., active dogs or those recovering from illness).
• Glucosamine & Chondroitin: These compounds support joint health, reducing inflammation and promoting mobility—perfect for senior dogs or breeds prone to hip dysplasia.
• Fiber: The thin, connective membrane surrounding gizzards (when cooked) provides gentle fiber, aiding digestion and regularity.
• Potassium: Regulates fluid balance, muscle function, and heart health.

For dogs who love to chew, gizzards also act as a natural “dental scrub,” helping reduce plaque buildup as they gnaw!

Potential Risks: What to Watch Out For

While liver and gizzards have perks, overdoing it can lead to problems. Let’s break down the risks:

1. Liver: Too Much Vitamin A = Toxicity

Liver’s biggest benefit is also its biggest risk: vitamin A. Unlike water-soluble vitamins (like B vitamins), vitamin A is fat-soluble, meaning it builds up in the liver over time. Excess can cause hypervitaminosis A, a serious condition with symptoms like:

• Joint pain or stiffness (vitamin A can deposit in bones, causing inflammation)
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Lethargy

Severe cases can lead to bone deformities or organ damage. Puppies, senior dogs, and those with liver disease are most at risk.

2. Gizzards: Choking, Digestive Upset, and Hard-to-Digest Toughness

Gizzards are tough—even when cooked. This makes them a choking hazard, especially for small dogs or dogs who gulp food without chewing. Additionally:

• Digestive upset: The fiber in gizzards is good in small amounts, but too much can cause diarrhea or constipation.
• Raw gizzards: Feeding raw gizzards (or liver) increases the risk of bacterial infections like salmonella or E. coli, which can sicken both dogs and humans.

3. Unhealthy Preparation Methods

How you cook these organ meats matters! Avoid:

• Seasonings: Garlic, onions, salt, pepper, or spices are toxic to dogs (onions/garlic can cause anemia; salt leads to sodium poisoning).
• Fried or greasy cooking: Batter, oil, or butter adds unnecessary fat and calories, leading to pancreatitis.
• Canned or processed versions: Store-bought liver pâtés or gizzards often have added salt, preservatives, or onions.

Safe Feeding Guidelines: How Much (and How Often) to Offer

The golden rule? Moderation and preparation. Here’s how to feed liver and gizzards safely:

1. Portion Control: Liver

• Adults: Liver should make up no more than 5-10% of your dog’s weekly diet. For reference:
  • Small dogs (10-20 lbs): 1-2 teaspoons of cooked liver, 2-3 times a week.
  • Medium dogs (30-50 lbs): 1-2 tablespoons, 2-3 times a week.
  • Large dogs (60+ lbs): 2-3 tablespoons, 2-3 times a week.
• Puppies: Smaller portions (e.g., 1 teaspoon for a 10-lb puppy) to avoid overwhelming their developing systems.
• Avoid daily feeding: Even “small” portions add up. Stick to 2-3 times weekly max.

2. Portion Control: Gizzards

Gizzards are lower in risk than liver but still need limits:

• Adults: 1-2 cooked gizzards (chopped into bite-sized pieces) per week, depending on size.
  • Small dogs: ½ a gizzard, chopped, once a week.
  • Large dogs: 1-2 whole gizzards, chopped, once a week.
• Puppies: Only offer a tiny amount (e.g., ¼ of a chopped gizzard) as an occasional treat, since their digestive systems are sensitive.

3. Preparation Tips

• Cook thoroughly: Boil, steam, or bake liver and gizzards in plain water (no salt, oil, or seasonings). Cook until liver is no longer pink (165°F internal temp) and gizzards are tender.
• Chop or grind: For safety, chop gizzards into small pieces (especially for small dogs) to reduce choking risk. Liver can be mashed or diced.
• Avoid raw: Stick to cooked to kill bacteria like salmonella.

Healthier Alternatives (If You’re Still Concerned)

If you’re worried about liver’s vitamin A or gizzards’ toughness, try these alternatives:

• For liver: Swap with kidney (lower in vitamin A but still rich in iron and B12) or lean proteins like chicken breast (high in protein, low in fat).
• For gizzards: Turkey gizzards are slightly softer than chicken gizzards, making them easier to digest. Or try green beans (high in fiber) or pumpkin (for digestion) as low-calorie treats.
• Organ meat blends: Commercial freeze-dried organ mixes (e.g., liver + kidney + heart) offer balanced nutrients without overloading on vitamin A.

FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

Q: Can puppies eat chicken liver?

A: Yes, but in tiny portions (e.g., 1 teaspoon for a 10-lb puppy, once a week). Puppies have sensitive stomachs, so introduce slowly and watch for diarrhea.

Q: Is raw chicken liver safe for dogs?

A: Raw liver carries a risk of bacterial infection (salmonella, E. coli) for both dogs and humans. It’s safer to cook it thoroughly.

Q: My dog ate a whole liver—should I panic?

A: A single large serving is unlikely to cause toxicity, but monitor for symptoms (vomiting, lethargy, joint pain) for 24-48 hours. If symptoms appear, call your vet.

Q: Can gizzards help with my dog’s constipation?

A: Yes! The fiber in cooked gizzards can gently promote bowel movements. Offer a small, chopped portion (e.g., ½ a gizzard for a medium dog) and see if it helps.

Q: Are chicken hearts a better alternative to liver or gizzards?

A: Hearts are a great option! They’re high in protein, iron, and taurine (supports heart health) with lower vitamin A than liver. They’re softer than gizzards, too—less choking risk.

Conclusion: Moderation is Key

Chicken liver and gizzards can be a nutritious, tail-wagging treat for your dog—offering vitamins, protein, and flavor. But like all good things, they’re best enjoyed in moderation.

Stick to small portions, cook them plain, and avoid overfeeding. And when in doubt, consult your vet—they can help tailor portions to your dog’s size, age, and health needs.

With a little care, you’ll turn those kitchen scraps into a treat your pup will beg for (politely, of course!). 🐾

References

• American Kennel Club (AKC). “Can Dogs Eat Liver?” akc.org
• FDA. “Raw Pet Food: A Risky Choice for Dogs and Cats.” fda.gov
• VCA Animal Hospitals. “Hypervitaminosis A in Dogs.” vcahospitals.com
• PetMD. “Gizzards for Dogs: Are They Safe?” petmd.com