If your pup has liver disease, making homemade dog treats can significantly benefit them. You control the ingredients, ensuring nothing harmful makes its way into your dog’s diet. This is critical for pets with health issues, as almost all store-bought treats contain preservatives, additives and high levels of fat, protein and copper that can harm their liver.

My doggie Peaches has liver disease, and also bad dental problems. She cannot have her teeth cleaned or any removed because of high liver enzymes, which if put under to have it done, could very well kill her. I was giving her dental chews, which now hurt her gums and other treats have ingredients she can't have, because of her liver disease.

So I have created this blog in hopes I can help other doggies with liver disease who love their treats, but cannot have them anymore.

Listed below are several treats for dogs with liver disease that will add to their longevity and their taste-buds also.

Keep Your Dog Enthusiastic About Their Treats

Variety is the spice of life - for us, even for our beloved pets. Providing your pup new treat recipes can help keep your dog interested and enthusiastic. Always introduce new foods gradually and monitor how your dog reacts, especially when dealing with a health condition like liver disease.

Blueberry And Banana Dog Treats

Peaches loves these treats. In fact, when I give these to her she keeps barking for more, which she has never done with any other treat. I know you're doggie will love them too.

Blueberries are good for dogs with liver disease when they are given in moderation, they can boost liver function. They contain Anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that can help protect the liver from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when the body has more free radicals than it can handle.

Blueberries also contain vitamin K, which is good for liver health.

Bananas are a good source of vitamin B vitamins, and are considered safe for dogs with liver disease, but only when given in moderation because they are high in sugar content. Therefore they are good for an occasional treat.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked oat meal - optional
1 egg, large
1 medium banana
3/4 cup blueberries
1/2 cup Rice or Whole Wheat flour

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C).

Put oatmeal, eggs, banana, blueberries and flour into a medium size bowl and mix with clean hands until everything is incorporated. (If you use oatmeal in their breakfast or dinner food, omit this ingredient.)

If you use oatmeal, scoop with a cookie scoop and drop, then flatten them with wet fingers to form a circle. Bake for 18 – 20 minutes, rotating halfway through.

If you omit the oatmeal, for smaller dogs simply scoop with a tsp spoon and put on a parchment (or silpat)-lined sheet pan. For larger dogs, use 1 Tbsp. You do not need to rotate.

Cool completely before giving them to your dog.

Note:

For softer treats, reduce the baking time by 2-3 minuets. For crunchier cookies, increase the time by 4–6 minutes. I bake this about 3 minuet less to make sure they are soft - and they don't hurt her teeth.

For small dogs, give 1-2 treats a day. For larger dogs, give 1-2 a day depending on size. It is best if you alternate them with other treats for liver disease.

You may keep these in the Refrigerator for a few days, or you can freeze them until ready for use.

Pumpkin and Carrot Bites

Ingredients:

1 cup steamed carrots, mashed
1/2 cup pumpkin puree (ensure it's plain pumpkin, not pie filling)
2 cups whole grain or rice flour
1 egg white
1/4 cup flaxseed meal (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms.

Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to create fun shapes. (truthfully, I don't think they care what they look like.)

Bake for 30 minutes or until crispy, less for softer bites.

Let cool completely.

Turkey and Oat Gourmet Treats

Ingredients

1 cup cooked turkey, finely chopped
1 cup rolled oats
1 egg
1/4 cup Unsalted Chicken Broth or water

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Combine all ingredients in a food processor until a dough forms.

Shape into small, flat disks and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and firm. A few minuets less for softer treats.

Allow to cool before serving.

Frozen Strawberry & Banana Smoothie Dog Treat

Treat your pooch with a strawberry and banana smoothie. It contains milk and yogurt for a nutritional punch. It’s a refreshing, cool and creamy treat that offers protein and nutrients and a fruity flavor that your Shih Tzu will love.

Ingredients

16-ounce bag of Frozen Strawberries
11/2 cups Plain Greek Low Fat Yogurt
1 sliced banana
1/4 cup Skim Milk

Instructions

Place all the ingredients in your blender, and blend on medium speed for approximately 2 minuets.

Pour into the molds of your choice or use ice cube trays, and freeze for 4 hours or more

Pop-out of the molds

Your Good To Go

NOTE: To store, use Zip Lock Bags or a food storage container and keep it in the freezer.

If you're dog has dental issues, you do not want to feed him/her cold or frozen food. It can irritate and hurt your dogs sensitive teeth. If this is the case, don't put the smoothie in freezer, instead simply pour it into a bowl.

Carrot And Applesauce Dog Treats

Ingredients

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup carrots finely shredded
1 egg white
Approx. 1/2 cup Unsalted Chicken Broth
2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce

Preheat oven to 350F.

Line baking tray with parchment or silicone baking mat.

Put carrots and flour into large bowl and stir until well mixed.

Add egg white and applesauce to flour mixture and mix together until well blended.

Add bone broth, a little at a time, until mixture sticks together. Use hands to form dough, adding more liquid/flour as needed.

Turn dough onto floured wax paper, and use a floured rolling pin to roll out to 1/4" thickness.

Cut treats into small shapes using tiny cookie cutters or a sharp knife.

Bake at 350F for 15 - 20 mins - less for softer treats.

Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

Store in airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Or they can be frozen for up to 1-2 months.

Note:

Don't worry when this mixture doesn't look like 'dough', you didn't do anything wrong. Rolled oats will take a while to absorb the fluid from the other ingredients. As you add the oat flour and work with this mixture it will firm up. It's actually easier to work with than it appears at first.

Chicken Dog Treats

Ingredients

1 cup cooked, finely diced chicken
1/2 cup rice, cooked & mashed
3 tablespoons rice flour
1 egg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F.

Mix all ingredients together and stir well.

Spoon into silicone molds.

Bake for 20 - 30 minutes, until tops are golden brown, less for softer treats.

Allow to cool and remove from molds.

Important Note:

This blog provides general information and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your dog shows any signs of health issues, always consult your veterinarian.

Conclusion:

Making homemade treats for a dog with liver disease might seem formidable, but it’s a heartfelt gesture that can improve your dog’s quality of life. Peaches journey with liver issues has taught me a lot about the importance of providing nutritional options to help improve her health and well being.

Stay healthy and treat wisely! Your furry friend depends on it - and you too.