Homemade Dry Dog Food Recipe using Chicken Liver & Rice Flour Treats

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

As you are putting the kibble into the bowl, an eerie thought that the food might not be what it claims to be crosses your mind. The label is nothing but a confusing mess of unpronounceable chemicals and vague “by products”.

I get it. You want to give them everything, but the world of luxury dog food is not for free.

What if the secret behind a shiny coat, unlimited energy, and a well functioning digestive system is not in a fancy bag but rather in simple and honest ingredients which you already have in your kitchen?

That’s what you get with this homemade dry dog food recipe.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dry dog food recipe uses chicken liver and rice flour for a nutritious, allergy-friendly meal.
• It’s packed with high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and easy-to-digest carbohydrates.
• Prep time: 20 minutes.
• Cook time: 2 hours (baking).
• Serving size: Makes approximately 3-4 cups of dry food, depending on the size of your liver.

Ingredients List

• 1 lb (approx. 450g) fresh Chicken Livers – approx. $4.00 (Excellent source of protein, iron, and B vitamins. Do not substitute with raw liver. Cooked liver is safe and beneficial.)
• 1.5 cups Rice Flour – approx. $2.50 (A gluten-free carbohydrate source, good for dogs with wheat sensitivities. Can substitute with oat flour.)
• 1/2 cup Cooked Mashed Sweet Potato – approx. $0.75 (Provides fiber, vitamins A and C. Cook a small sweet potato and mash it well. Can substitute with cooked pumpkin puree (not pie filling).)
• 2 large Eggs – approx. $0.50 (Binder and protein source. Always use cooked eggs for dogs. These will be baked with the mixture.)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil – approx. $0.20 (Healthy fats for skin and coat. Can substitute with coconut oil.)
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Parsley – approx. $0.10 (Adds a mild flavor and acts as a natural breath freshener. Ensure it’s dried, not fresh, to avoid potential upset stomachs in larger quantities.)
• 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric Powder – approx. $0.05 (Anti-inflammatory properties. Use sparingly.)
• 1/4 cup Water (as needed) – negligible cost
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Canine Multivitamin Powder – approx. $0.30 (Highly recommended for nutritional completeness, especially for a staple diet. Consult your vet.)

Total estimated cost: $8.60

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• First, cook the chicken livers. Gently simmer them in water for about 10-15 minutes until they are fully cooked through and no longer pink inside. Let them cool slightly.
• Next, put the cooked chicken livers, mashed sweet potato, and eggs into a food processor. Process until the mixture is smooth.
• Pour the liver mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the rice flour, olive oil, dried parsley, and turmeric powder. If you’re using a canine multivitamin powder, add it now.
• Mix everything thoroughly until it forms a stiff dough. If the dough is too dry, add water one tablespoon at a time until it comes together. It should be firm enough to roll out.
• Flour your work surface lightly with a little extra rice flour. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
• Use a knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into small, bite-sized pieces, suitable for your dog’s size. Think about the size of kibble.
• Arrange the cut pieces on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch too much.
• Bake for 60 minutes. Then, flip the pieces over and continue baking for another 60 minutes, or until they are dry and firm to the touch. They should be hard like kibble.
• Turn off the oven and let the dry food cool completely inside the oven as it cools down. This helps them become extra crispy and dry.

Feeding Guidelines

• The portion sizes vary a lot based on your dog’s size, age, and how active they are.
• For small dogs (under 20 lbs): Start with about 1/2 to 1 cup per day, divided into two meals.
• For medium dogs (20-50 lbs): Aim for 1.5 to 2.5 cups per day, split into two meals.
• For large dogs (over 50 lbs): You might feed 3 to 4.5 cups per day, again, divided.
• Puppies, very active dogs, or pregnant/nursing dogs will need more calories. Less active or older dogs might need slightly less.
• It’s always best to talk to your vet to get exact feeding amounts for your dog. They can give advice specific to your dog’s health needs.
• When switching to new food, introduce it slowly over a week to avoid stomach upset. Mix increasing amounts of the new food with decreasing amounts of their old food.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Chicken Livers: These are powerhouses of nutrition. They provide high-quality protein for muscle growth and repair. They are also rich in iron for healthy blood, B vitamins (B12, folate) for energy and nerve function, and Vitamin A for vision and immune health.
• Rice Flour: This is a great complex carbohydrate that offers sustained energy. It’s also gluten-free, which makes it an excellent choice for dogs with sensitivities or allergies to wheat.
• Sweet Potato: A fantastic source of dietary fiber, which helps with healthy digestion and keeps things moving smoothly. It’s also loaded with Vitamin A (for vision and skin), Vitamin C (an antioxidant), and potassium.
• Eggs: They add more high-quality protein, which contains all essential amino acids dogs need. Eggs also provide important vitamins like Vitamin D and choline, which is good for brain health.
• Olive Oil: This healthy fat provides essential Omega-6 fatty acids, which are crucial for a shiny coat, healthy skin, and overall cell function.
• Parsley & Turmeric: These aren’t just for flavor. Parsley can help with fresh breath and offers some vitamins. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for joint health.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store the completely cooled dry food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
• For longer storage, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months.
• To serve frozen food, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or simply take out a portion and let it come to room temperature.
• You can serve this dry food as a standalone meal, or mix it with a little warm water or low-sodium chicken broth to soften it up for picky eaters or dogs with dental issues.
• Some owners like to mix it with a small amount of their dog’s regular kibble to add extra nutrition and variety to their diet.
• Always make sure your dog has access to fresh, clean water, especially when eating dry food.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I use raw chicken liver?

No, you should always cook chicken liver for this recipe. Raw liver can carry bacteria like Salmonella, which can make your dog sick.

What if my dog doesn’t like the texture?

If your dog is picky, try breaking the pieces into smaller bits. You can also mix a small amount of the dry food with their regular kibble or moisten it with a little warm water or broth to make it softer and more appealing.

Is this recipe nutritionally complete for all dogs?

While this recipe is packed with good nutrients, it’s difficult for any single homemade recipe to be 100% nutritionally complete and balanced for all life stages without a veterinary nutritionist’s guidance. That’s why adding a canine multivitamin supplement is strongly recommended, especially if this will be a regular part of their diet. Always consult your vet to ensure it meets your dog’s specific needs.

My dog has allergies, can I make substitutions?

Yes, many substitutions are possible. If your dog has a chicken allergy, you can try turkey liver, but adjust cooking times as needed. For rice flour, oat flour is a good alternative. Always introduce new ingredients slowly and watch for any adverse reactions.

Wrapping Up

Making your own dry dog food means you know exactly what your furry friend is eating. This recipe offers a healthy, tasty, and allergy-friendly option that’s easy to prepare.

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