Your dog’s stomach sounds like a washing machine, and you’re tired of cleaning up mysterious digestive disasters from your carpet. If your pup has been struggling with sensitive stomach issues while lacking energy, this chicken liver and spinach combination might be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.

This nutrient-packed meal helps heal your dog’s gut while boosting their energy levels naturally, thanks to the iron-rich liver and gentle, fiber-filled spinach. You’ll discover exactly how to prepare this stomach-soothing recipe, plus get the right portion sizes for your specific dog breed.
We’ll walk you through everything from the basic recipe to seasonal variations, storage tips, and how to transition your sensitive-stomached sidekick to this new food without causing more tummy troubles. No more guessing games or expensive trial-and-error with store-bought options that promise the world but deliver gas.
Table of Contents
Quick Recipe
This simple recipe takes just 15 minutes to make and uses basic ingredients you can find at any grocery store. The cooking process is straightforward with minimal prep work required.
Ingredients
You’ll need 1 pound of chicken livers from the meat section. Don’t worry if they look a bit funky – they’re about to become your stomach’s best friend.
Grab 4 cups of fresh spinach or a 10-ounce bag of frozen spinach. Fresh works better, but frozen won’t judge you for being practical.
Pick up 2 tablespoons of olive oil for cooking. 1 medium onion adds flavor without making your gut angry.
You’ll also want 2 cloves of garlic for taste. 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper finish the seasoning.
Optional additions include 1 tablespoon of butter for extra richness. Some people add a splash of apple cider vinegar, but that’s totally up to you.
Steps
Clean the chicken livers by removing any visible fat or green spots. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step isn’t glamorous, but it’s necessary.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Don’t let it burn or you’ll be sad.
Add chicken livers to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re brown outside but still slightly pink inside.
Toss in the spinach and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the spinach wilts completely, about 2-3 minutes.
Serve immediately while hot. Your gut will thank you later.
Benefits Of This Recipe

This powerhouse combo delivers serious bang for your buck while packing nutrients your gut actually craves. You’ll get premium nutrition without breaking the bank, plus health perks that go way beyond basic meal prep.
Table – Cost & Calories Per Cup
Component | Cost per cup | Calories per cup |
---|---|---|
Chicken liver | $1.50 | 185 |
Fresh spinach | $0.75 | 7 |
Total mix | $2.25 | 192 |
Your wallet will thank you later. This combo costs less than a fancy coffee drink but delivers way more nutritional punch.
Most people spend $8-12 on gut health supplements that don’t work half as well. You’re getting premium nutrients for pocket change.
The calorie count stays low while the nutrient density goes through the roof. Perfect for anyone watching their waistline but not wanting to sacrifice energy levels.
Health Advantages
Your gut gets a serious upgrade with this dynamic duo. Chicken liver provides easily absorbed iron that won’t upset sensitive stomachs like those brutal iron pills.
The B vitamins in liver work like tiny energy factories in your cells. You’ll notice steady energy instead of those awful afternoon crashes.
Spinach brings folate and magnesium to the party. These nutrients help your gut lining repair itself while keeping inflammation in check.
Your digestive system gets gentle fiber from spinach without the harsh roughage that irritates sensitive stomachs. The combo creates the perfect environment for good gut bacteria to thrive.
Iron deficiency makes you feel like a zombie. This mix fixes that problem naturally without the constipation that comes with synthetic supplements.
Feeding Table For Different Sized Dogs & Breeds (2 Meals A Day)
Your dog’s size matters when serving this liver and spinach mix. Think of it like ordering pizza – a Chihuahua doesn’t need the same amount as a Great Dane.
Here’s how much to serve twice daily:
Dog Size | Weight Range | Amount Per Meal |
---|---|---|
Toy Breeds | 2-10 lbs | 1-2 tablespoons |
Small Dogs | 11-25 lbs | 2-4 tablespoons |
Medium Dogs | 26-50 lbs | 1/4 – 1/2 cup |
Large Dogs | 51-75 lbs | 1/2 – 3/4 cup |
Giant Breeds | 76+ lbs | 3/4 – 1 cup |
Active dogs need about 20% more food than couch potatoes. If your dog runs marathons (or thinks they do), add a bit extra.
Puppies eat more per pound than adults. They’re growing machines that need fuel for their chaos.
Start with the smaller amount first. Watch your dog’s weight and energy levels. You can always add more if they’re still hungry and acting like a drama queen at dinner time.
Senior dogs might need less food since they move slower. Unless they’re the type who thinks retirement means more treats.
Mix this amount with their regular food or serve it alone. Your dog will probably inhale it either way.
Variations
You can tweak this liver and spinach combo to tackle specific health issues your dog faces. Each variation adjusts ingredients or ratios to maximize benefits for different life stages and conditions.
Weight Loss
Replace half the chicken liver with lean ground turkey or chicken breast. This cuts calories while keeping protein high.
Add extra spinach and throw in some green beans. These veggies fill your chunky pup up without padding their waistline.
Cut the portion size by 25% but feed twice as often. Your dog won’t feel deprived, and their metabolism stays active.
Skip any added fats like coconut oil during weight loss phases. The liver already provides plenty of nutrients without extra calories.
Steam the spinach instead of sautéing it. This removes unnecessary oils while keeping all the good stuff intact.
Puppies
Chop everything into tiny pieces so your little furball doesn’t choke. Their mouths are small but their appetites are huge.
Add a tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt for extra calcium. Growing bones need all the help they can get.
Use only organic, free-range chicken liver. Puppies are more sensitive to toxins than adult dogs.
Feed smaller portions 3-4 times daily instead of large meals. Puppy stomachs are the size of walnuts, not bowling balls.
Mix in some cooked sweet potato for extra carbs. Puppies burn energy faster than a race car burns fuel.
Senior Dogs
Puree half the mixture for easier chewing. Old teeth don’t work like they used to, unfortunately.
Add turmeric powder for joint support. A pinch goes a long way for creaky bones.
Include a fish oil capsule squeezed into the mix. Senior brains need those omega-3s to stay sharp.
Cook everything until very soft. Nobody wants to watch grandpa dog struggle with tough food.
Serve at room temperature, not hot. Older dogs often have sensitive mouths and appreciate the consideration.
Common Allergies
For chicken allergies: Swap chicken liver for beef or lamb liver. The nutritional benefits stay the same.
For poultry sensitivities: Use duck liver instead. It’s less likely to trigger reactions than chicken.
For vegetable issues: Replace spinach with kale or chard. These leafy greens pack similar nutrition.
For multiple allergies: Start with just liver and one vegetable. Add ingredients slowly to identify triggers.
Always introduce new proteins gradually over 7-10 days. Your dog’s stomach will thank you for the patience.
Picky Eaters
Warm the mixture slightly before serving. Heat releases more aroma, which tricks stubborn noses into cooperation.
Add a tiny bit of low-sodium bone broth. Even the fussiest dogs rarely turn down liquid gold.
Mix with a small amount of their regular food initially. Gradually increase the liver mixture ratio over time.
Try different cooking methods if your dog rejects the first attempt. Some prefer raw, others want everything well-cooked.
Sprinkle nutritional yeast on top for a cheesy flavor. Most dogs think it’s the best thing since squeaky toys.
Digestion
Steam the spinach thoroughly to break down tough fibers. Raw spinach can be hard on sensitive stomachs.
Add a tablespoon of pumpkin puree for extra fiber. This helps both loose stools and constipation.
Include fresh ginger (just a pinch) to calm upset stomachs. Don’t go overboard or you’ll create new problems.
Serve smaller portions more frequently. Large meals overwhelm already stressed digestive systems.
Let the mixture cool completely before serving. Hot food can irritate inflamed intestines.
Joints
Add ground eggshells for natural calcium. Clean them thoroughly and grind to powder consistency.
Include gelatin powder for cartilage support. Mix it in while the food is still warm.
Throw in some blueberries for antioxidants. These little purple powerhouses fight inflammation everywhere.
Add a drop of salmon oil for omega-3s. Your dog’s joints will move smoother than a well-oiled machine.
Consider bone broth as the cooking liquid. It provides natural glucosamine and chondroitin.
Skin & Coat
Mix in coconut oil for healthy fats. Start with half a teaspoon or your dog might get loose stools.
Add zinc-rich pumpkin seeds (ground up). Zinc deficiency shows up as dull coats and itchy skin.
Include sweet potato for beta-carotene. This turns into vitamin A, which keeps skin healthy.
Squeeze in half a vitamin E capsule. This antioxidant fights free radicals that damage skin cells.
Use organic ingredients whenever possible. Pesticides and chemicals can trigger skin reactions in sensitive dogs.
Seasonal Switches
Your chicken liver and spinach mix doesn’t have to be boring all year. You can swap ingredients based on what’s fresh and cheap at the store.
Spring brings tender baby spinach and fresh herbs. Toss in some mint or parsley to make your liver taste less like, well, liver.
Summer calls for lighter touches. Add cucumber or zucchini to cool things down. Your gut will thank you when it’s hot outside.
Fall is perfect for heartier additions. Try adding:
- Roasted sweet potato chunks
- Butternut squash pieces
- Apple slices for sweetness
Winter means comfort food mode. Root vegetables like carrots and beets work great. They’re cheap and store well too.
You can also switch up your cooking fats. Use coconut oil in summer for a tropical twist. Switch to grass-fed butter in winter for extra richness.
Season | Best Additions | Cooking Fat |
---|---|---|
Spring | Fresh herbs, baby greens | Olive oil |
Summer | Cucumber, zucchini | Coconut oil |
Fall | Sweet potato, squash | Avocado oil |
Winter | Root vegetables | Grass-fed butter |
Pro tip: Frozen spinach works year-round and costs less than fresh. Your wallet and your gut bacteria won’t know the difference.
The key is keeping chicken liver as your base. Everything else can change with the seasons and your mood.
Storage Advice
Your chicken liver and spinach mix won’t last forever, even though it tastes amazing. Keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days max. After that, it starts getting funky.
Store your mix in airtight containers. Glass containers work best because they don’t absorb smells. Nobody wants their leftovers tasting like last week’s fish.
You can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Just portion it out in freezer bags first. Write the date on each bag unless you enjoy playing food roulette later.
Don’t leave it out on the counter for more than 2 hours. Raw liver plus room temperature equals a recipe for disaster. Your stomach will not thank you.
When reheating, make sure it’s steaming hot all the way through. Cold spots are breeding grounds for bacteria. Heat it in a pan with a splash of water or broth.
Storage Method | Time Limit | Best Container |
---|---|---|
Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Glass with tight lid |
Freezer | 3 months | Freezer bags |
Counter | 2 hours max | Don’t do this |
If your mix smells off or looks slimy, throw it out. Trust your nose on this one. It’s not worth the risk of food poisoning over a few dollars of ingredients.
Label everything with dates. Your future self will appreciate knowing when you made that mystery container in the back of your fridge.
Batch Cooking Tips
Making a week’s worth of chicken liver and spinach mix is easier than you think. You’ll thank yourself later when dinner is ready in five minutes.
Cook 2-3 pounds of chicken livers at once. They freeze like champions and taste just as good reheated.
Wash and chop your spinach ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Your future self will do a happy dance.
Portion everything into containers before you get too hungry and eat half the batch. We’ve all been there.
Container Size | Servings | Storage Time |
---|---|---|
1 cup | 1-2 servings | 3 days in fridge |
2 cups | 3-4 servings | 3 months in freezer |
Label your containers with dates. Trust me, mystery meat from last month isn’t fun to discover.
Cook the livers until they’re just done. They’ll finish cooking when you reheat them. Nobody wants rubber liver.
Freeze in single-serving portions using ice cube trays or small containers. Pop them out like liver popsicles when you need them.
Keep cooked spinach separate from the livers until serving time. This prevents soggy greens and sad meals.
Make a big batch of your favorite seasonings in a jar. Sprinkle and go when you’re reheating portions.
Your gut will love the consistency of eating this combo regularly. Your schedule will love the convenience.
Transitioning Steps
Starting with chicken liver might sound scary. Your taste buds probably think you’ve lost your mind. Don’t worry – this happens to everyone.
Week 1: Baby Steps Mix just one tablespoon of cooked chicken liver into your regular spinach salad. Hide it like you’re sneaking vegetables to a toddler.
Your stomach might feel weird at first. This is normal and not a sign you’re dying.
Week 2: Getting Braver Increase to two tablespoons of liver. Add some garlic or onions to mask the taste. Your digestive system is learning to love this weird combo.
Week 3: Almost There Try three tablespoons mixed with spinach. You might actually start liking it. Strange things happen when your gut gets healthier.
Week 4: Full Power Eat a full serving of 4-5 tablespoons liver with fresh spinach. Congratulations – you’re officially weird enough to enjoy organ meat.
Pro Tips:
- Start with milder-tasting chicken liver from younger birds
- Cook liver until just done (not rubber-like)
- Drink water with meals to help digestion
- Stop if you get real stomach pain
Your friends will think you’re strange. Let them eat their processed food while you become a gut-healing superhero with questionable food choices.
My name is Danny Jackson and I’m the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.
Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.