Liver Cake for Dogs: My Easy Training Treat Recipe
Updated: 4 days ago
If you need a treat that your dog will do almost anything for, liver cake is hard to beat. It's cheap, quick to make, smells incredible to dogs and cuts into tiny pieces that are perfect for training. I've made batches of it for my own dogs for years, and I'm yet to meet a dog who doesn't love it. Here's my easy liver cake recipe for dogs, plus how to store it, how much to give and why high-value treats make such a difference in training.
THE SHORT ANSWER
To make liver cake for dogs, blend 400g (about 14oz) of raw liver with one large egg until smooth, then stir in 150g (about 1 cup) of wholemeal or spelt flour. Spread it into a lined baking tin and bake at 180°C (350°F, gas mark 4) for about 30 minutes, until firm and springy. Let it cool completely, then cut it into small pieces. It keeps for up to three days in an airtight container in the fridge, or up to three months in the freezer. Liver is rich, so cut the pieces small and use it as a special training treat rather than a snack. Never add garlic or onion, as both are toxic to dogs. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or a special diet, check with your vet first.
Why liver cake works so well for training
Liver cake is a high-value treat, which means your dog finds it far more exciting than their everyday food. That matters when you're asking for something hard, like coming back in the park or settling in a busy place.
It's also soft, so your dog can eat it quickly without stopping to chew, and it breaks into tiny pieces. Read high-value rewards for recall.
What you'll need
The ingredients are simple and easy to find. Any supermarket or butcher will have them. You only need three:
400g (about 14oz) raw liver, such as lamb, pig or chicken liver
1 large egg
150g (about 1 cup) wholemeal or spelt flour
For a grain-free version, many owners use chickpea or coconut flour instead. Check with your vet if your dog has allergies.
How to make liver cake
Method
heat your oven to 180°C (350°F, gas mark 4)
blend the liver and egg in a food processor or blender until smooth
tip into a bowl and stir in the flour until well mixed
spread into a lined baking tin, about 2cm (just under 1 inch) deep
bake for around 30 minutes, until firm and springy in the middle
leave to cool completely, then cut into small cubes
Fair warning, your kitchen will smell of liver while it cooks. Open a window and wash up straight away.
How to store liver cake
Homemade liver cake has no preservatives, so store it carefully. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge and use it within three days.
This recipe makes plenty, so I usually freeze most of it in small bags. It keeps for up to three months and thaws quickly, so you can take out a handful before a training session.
How much liver cake can my dog have?
Liver is very rich in vitamin A, and too much can upset tummies or cause problems over time. Use it as a training treat, cut into pea-sized pieces, not as a daily snack.
All treats together should make up no more than about a tenth of your dog's daily food. On heavy training days, cut their meals down a little to make room.
Ingredients to avoid
Some recipes online add garlic. Please don't. Garlic and onion are both toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Read human foods that are poisonous to dogs.
Other homemade treats to try
If your dog can't have liver, or you'd like some variety, try cooked chicken, small cubes of cheese or homemade baked treats. Read easy homemade dog treats.
RENEE'S TIP
Save liver cake for the hardest jobs, like recall in the park or meeting the postman. If your dog gets it all the time, it stops being special. Keep a small bag in your pocket only for those moments.
QUICK CHECK
✓ Blend 400g liver with an egg, then add 150g flour
✓ Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes
✓ Fridge for up to 3 days, freezer for up to 3 months
✓ Cut into pea-sized pieces and use for training
✓ Never add garlic or onion
ONE-TO-ONE HELP
Help with training and motivation
If your dog isn't interested in treats or loses focus outside, I can help you find what motivates them in an online Dog Behaviour Consultation from wherever you are.
Online on Teams, wherever you are. 30 or 60 minutes.
FAQs
How do you make liver cake for dogs?
Blend 400g liver with an egg, stir in 150g flour, bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes, cool and cut into pieces.
How long does liver cake last?
Up to three days in the fridge in an airtight container, or up to three months in the freezer.
Can I freeze liver cake?
Yes. Freeze it in small bags and take out what you need before training.
Is liver cake safe for puppies?
In small amounts, yes. Cut it very small and check with your vet if your puppy has a sensitive tummy.
Can I add garlic to liver cake?
No. Garlic and onion are toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience · National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Modern Training Guides and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
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