As dog owners, we all know the joy and satisfaction that comes from training our furry friends. Positive reinforcement is an effective way to teach new commands or reinforce good behaviour. And what better way to reward your loyal companion than with homemade, wholesome treats? In this article, we’ll delve into the delightful world of creating Blueberry Liver Training Treats that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to keep your dog happy and healthy. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will strengthen your bond with your four-legged companion!

Why Choose Blueberry Liver Training Treats

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s understand why blueberry liver treats are an excellent choice for training rewards. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fibre, making them a superfood for dogs. They’re known to support cognitive function and provide essential nutrients for overall well-being. Liver, on the other hand, is a protein-rich source that dogs find irresistibly tasty. Combining these two wholesome ingredients creates a treat that not only tastes fantastic but also provides nutritional benefits.

There are store-bought options available, but there are many benefits to baking treats at home:

• You control the ingredients and quality
• You know exactly what goes into your treats and what your dog is eating
• You control the size and portions
• Homemade treats tend to be very cost-effective!  A smaller bag of these, which the dogs wouldn’t like as much and which would need to be broken into smaller pieces would cost at least $10 in a store.

Because these contain liver and blueberries and also retain a little moistness, these are very high-value treats for my two dogs Willow and Sienna, which makes them a perfect training treat.  They’re also healthy, and the perfect size to be able to give them lots of rewards for whatever type of training we are doing! 

Variations and Substitutions

As mentioned above, two of the major benefits of baking these treats at home are that you control the ingredients and quality and that they are very cost-effective.  This recipe is exceptionally customizable: use what you have on hand and save money by wasting less groceries!

These substitutions and variations are especially great when you have a dog who has allergies or special dietary requirements. 

You can substitute most ingredients in the recipe and customize as you see fit:

• Egg:  If your dog has an egg allergy, or you simply don’t have any on hand, you can mix 2 tbsp of ground flaxseed or ground chia seeds with 6 tbsp of water, mix well and allow to sit for 5 mins before using.  This ratio substitutes 2 eggs
• Meat: This recipe uses beef liver, but you could substitute it with another type of liver, ground or minced meat, canned meat (watch the salt content!) or even fish
• Flour: You can use whole wheat flour, or another healthy option like buckwheat, chickpea or oat, or any other dog-safe flour
• Fruit: Use fresh or frozen.  We are using blueberries and applesauce, but you could substitute strawberries, cranberries, apples, pears, or even a bit of peanut butter!
• Vegetables: Use fresh or frozen. We are using carrots here, but you could use pumpkin, sweet potato, beets, broccoli, spinach, kale, brussel sprouts, or any other dog-safe veggies
• Herbs and Spices: Use fresh, dried or frozen.  We chose to add parsley, however any other dog-safe herb (cilantro/coriander, basil, camomile, dill, ginger etc.) would work, or you can omit the herbs altogether
• Water: Want to mix it up even more?  Try substituting the water in the recipe for unsweetened fruit juice, a homemade mushroom or bone broth or even the saved liquid from last night’s boiled vegetables

Tips and Troubleshooting

• Make sure your batter is the right consistency before pouring it into the molds.  Ideally, you’re looking for consistency between pancake batter and cake batter, although thinner is often better
• Is your batter too thick?  Add more liquid and mix thoroughly.  Is your batter too thin?  Add a bit more flour or a bit more vegetable
• Are your treats hard to remove from the molds?  Try baking them a little bit longer.  Usually, these treats begin to rise out of the molds slightly when they’re done.  Alternatively, try adding a bit more oil, or making the batter a bit thinner
• Proper portioning is crucial to ensure effective training. Use small molds (like oven-safe mini ice cube trays or a pyramid pan) or bake the treats in a thin layer on a rimmed baking sheet and cut the treats into small pieces once they’re cooked, making them bite-sized for your dog.
• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavour and nutrition for your dog.

Blueberry Liver Training Treats Recipe

Before you roll up your sleeves, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment at hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25-40 minutes

Yield: about 2000 small

Equipment

• Food processor or blender (hand/stick blender or a normal blender)
• Oven-safe molds and/or rimmed baking sheet
• Cheese grater
• Spatula

Ingredients

• 1 cup (250mL) blueberries, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup (250mL) grated carrot (about 1 carrot)
• 1/2 cup (125mL) unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tbsp (30mL) coconut oil
• 2 eggs
• Parsley
• 1 cup (250mL) liver
• 1 cup (250mL) dog safe flour
• Water

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. In a food processor or blender, combine the blueberries, grated carrots, applesauce, coconut oil, eggs, parsley and liver. Blend until you have a smooth mixture
3. Add flour and blend
4. Add water, a small amount at a time, until the consistency is between cake mix and pancake batter
5. Place molds on a baking sheet
6. Pour mixture into molds and spread to cover using a spatula or scrapper
7. Gently lift mold and tap against the counter to remove any trapped air bubbles
8. Spread to cover any gaps and remove excess
9. Bake for 20-25 mins, until treats begin to rise and lift slightly
10. Allow to cool slightly before removing from molds
11. If desired, spread on a baking sheet and bake for additional crispness
    • Note: By baking further you remove additional moisture, helping the treats to last longer out of the freezer.  Some dogs prefer a moist treat, some prefer a crispy treat and some have little preference.  Bake to your dog’s liking!
    • For mini ice cube trays, I baked them for an additional 15-20 minutes, turning them once.  For pyramid pan molds, I baked them for an additional 10-15 minutes
12. Cool completely before storage

Storage

Store in the fridge for between 3 and 7 days (the more moist the treats are, the shorter the storage time) or in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

Nutritional Value

These homemade Blueberry Liver Training treats are a powerhouse of nutrition. Blueberries provide antioxidants that support your dog’s immune system and brain health, while liver offers a protein punch to keep your furry friend active and strong. This wholesome combination is far better than store-bought treats filled with preservatives and additives.

Training with Blueberry Liver Treats

Now that you have a batch of these delightful treats, it’s time to incorporate them into your training routine. Use these rewards to reinforce good behaviour, teach new tricks, or simply show your love and appreciation for your canine companion. Remember, positive reinforcement goes a long way in building a strong bond between you and your dog.

Make sure to keep treats in moderation, considering your dog’s daily calorie intake.  Take into consideration your dog’s daily food allowance when portioning treats. 

It’s always a wise practice to seek guidance from your veterinarian whenever you have questions or concerns about your dog’s diet, treats or when introducing new items.

Conclusion

Creating Blueberry Liver Training Treats is not only a rewarding experience for you as a pet owner but also a delightful way to keep your dog engaged and motivated during training sessions. By choosing wholesome, homemade treats, you’re ensuring that your furry friend receives the best nutrition while enjoying every moment of learning. So, go ahead and embark on this culinary adventure that will make your dog’s tail wag with joy!

Incorporate these treats into your training regimen, and you’ll witness firsthand the magic of positive reinforcement. Your dog’s loyalty and enthusiasm will be your ultimate reward.

Remember, a well-trained dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog means a happy owner!

Explore more pet-friendly recipes and training tips on our website. Share your experiences and questions in the comments below, and let’s make the journey of pet ownership even more enjoyable together!

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