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Ingredient file // Animal protein

Lamb Liver

A useful organ with a vitamin A limit

Lamb liver is an organ collected when a lamb is processed for meat. It adds protein, iron, copper and vitamin A to dog food. Its vitamin A content limits how much belongs in a balanced recipe.

Lamb Liver
What it is
The liver of a lamb, separated from the carcass and supplied as an organ ingredient.
Made from
Livers from slaughtered lambs
Main job
Protein and micronutrients
Typical amount
Generally below roughly 5 to 10% of diet dry matter
Watch for
Extra liver treats and copper restricted diets
Not the same as
Lamb muscle meat

Straight answer

Is Lamb Liver safe for dogs?

Welcome a little liver, then check the diet

Lamb liver low on an ingredient list is a useful organ addition. Look at the main protein ingredients above it and judge the complete food. If you feed liver treats too, remember that their vitamin A adds to what is already in the bowl.

Why it is in the food
Protein and micronutrients

Our read // In our catalog

In 1 of every 47 foods we track

Share of foods that list it

2%

68 of the 3,205 foods with an ingredient list on file, from 29 brands. 23 wet dog food, 18 dry dog food, 14 frozen dog food.

Each square is 1% of the catalog

Where it sits on the label

Median position 4. In the top five of 46 foods, so it is usually a main ingredient.

Top five List position, heaviest first

Above the salt

100%

Almost always listed before the salt, so there is more of it than a pinch.

Price per lb

Foods with it $5.31
All foods $3.25

Median of the cheapest bag price across 24 priced foods, 63% above the catalog. The price is the food's, not the ingredient's.

Who leans on it

12%

of the foods that list it are from Stella & Chewy's. 29 brands use it in total.

What it is

How it is made

Meat processors separate the liver when they prepare a lamb carcass. The organ needs cold storage, and selling it for pet food or treats gives the processor another outlet for a perishable part.3,7,8

  1. 01 // Source Lamb livers The liver is collected when a lamb is slaughtered and its organs are separated.
  2. 02 // Process Inspected and sorted The organ is assessed and kept separate from muscle cuts before it enters the supply chain.
  3. 03 // Process Kept frozen Freezing preserves the organ for transport; a lamb liver project obtained frozen livers from a meat processor.
  4. 04 // Output Lamb liver Frozen liver reaches the food plant for use in recipes; processors can also mill and freeze dry it for treats.

What is in it

Composition, dry matter

70

% protein

About 70% of the dry tissue in a study of lamb livers was protein. Vitamin A limits its use in recipes.

Crude protein 70.3%3
Vitamin A 741 mg/kg7
Copper 237 mg/kg3
Crude fat 17.9%3
Iron 250 mg/kg3
Ash 4.8%3

The protein and mineral figures are averages from 20 lambs. The vitamin A figure is the fresh portion average from 3 other livers; their dehydrated portions averaged 502 mg/kg dry matter. Neither figure describes all lamb liver.3,7

Why it is in the bag

What the manufacturer gets

  1. 01

    Adds animal nutrients

    Liver contributes protein, iron, copper and vitamin A. Manufacturers have to count those nutrients across the whole recipe, especially vitamin A.3,7

  2. 02

    Adds liver flavor

    Manufacturers use liver for flavor. Raw lamb liver was well accepted in a small cat test, but that result does not show how dogs respond to a finished food.2,7

  3. 03

    Creates another sales outlet

    Pet food gives processors a use for lamb liver. An industry project made freeze dried liver treats and projected greater value than selling the organ raw.8

How much An industry report says liver is generally kept below roughly 5 to 10% of diet dry matter because of vitamin A.7

Our read // The claims

What the evidence supports

Strong: controlled studies in dogs agree. Some: small or mixed dog data. Thin: mechanism or lab work only. None: nothing, or the evidence points the other way.

  1. Brands say

    Lamb liver adds real protein and iron

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    In tissue from 20 lambs, protein averaged 20.4% and iron 7.25 mg per 100 g as fed. Both are present, though the ingredient list does not reveal how much liver the recipe contains.3,5

  2. Brands say

    Lamb liver makes dogs love their food

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    In an acceptance test with 8 cats, raw lamb liver had 94.7% consumption. The study tested cats eating raw organs, so it does not show how dogs respond to lamb liver in a finished food.2

  3. Brands say

    Lamb liver is hypoallergenic

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    A review found lamb reactions in 14 of 297 dogs with identified food reactions. Lamb liver is useful in an elimination diet only when lamb suits that individual dog.1

  4. Owners say

    More lamb liver makes a healthier diet

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    An industry report says liver is generally kept below roughly 5 to 10% of diet dry matter because its vitamin A limits inclusion. Adding more liver can push a recipe toward excess.7

Straight answers

What owners ask

  1. Q01

    Is it just filler?

    No

    It supplies protein, iron and copper. Protein made up about 70% of the dry lamb liver measured in one study. Its amount in a balanced recipe is limited chiefly by vitamin A.3,7

  2. Q02

    Is it the same as lamb meat?

    No

    Lamb meat generally names muscle tissue. Liver is an organ with a different nutrient profile, especially for vitamin A and copper. A bag listing both is naming distinct ingredients.3,5,7

  3. Q03

    Does it suit a lamb allergy?

    No

    Lamb liver is still lamb tissue. If your dog has a diagnosed reaction to lamb, leave it out of an elimination diet. A review recorded lamb reactions among dogs with food reactions.1

Who uses it

Brands, best sellers and the company it keeps

Top brands, by foods that list it

  1. Stella & Chewy's 8 / 85
  2. Orijen 4 / 25
  3. Fromm 4 / 67
  4. K9 Natural 3 / 8
  5. Weruva 3 / 50
  6. ZIWI 3 / 11
  7. Open Farm 3 / 44
  8. Nulo 3 / 117
  9. Smallbatch 3 / 23
  10. Health Extension 3 / 47

Foods that list it / all the brand's recipes we track.

Plus 19 more brands.

Usually listed with, share of the foods that list it

  1. Lamb 93%
  2. Lamb Heart 34%
  3. Sunflower Oil 28%
  4. Lamb Bone 25%
  5. Lamb Kidney 24%
  6. Carrots 21%
  7. Lamb Meal 21%
  8. Mixed Tocopherols 19%
  9. Lamb Lung 15%
  10. Pumpkin 15%
  11. Flaxseed 15%
  12. Peas 15%

On the shelf

Foods that list Lamb Liver

68 foods in our catalog list it. These 60 list it highest on the label.

Open Farm Pasture-raised Lamb Raw Freeze-Dried Dog FoodOpen FarmOpen Farm Pasture-raised Lamb Raw Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 2 on the labelBixbi Rawbble Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog FoodBIXBIBixbi Rawbble Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 2 on the labelSmallbatch Lamb Small Bites Freeze-Dried Dog FoodSmallbatchSmallbatch Lamb Small Bites Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 2 on the labelCarna4 Easy-Chew Lamb Dry Dog FoodCarna4Carna4 Easy-Chew Lamb Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 2 on the labelNulo FreeStyle True Boost Gut Health Functional Mixers Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe Dog Food TopperNuloNulo FreeStyle True Boost Gut Health Functional Mixers Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 2 on the labelInstinct Raw Longevity Patties Grass-Fed Lamb Recipe Frozen Dog FoodInstinctInstinct Raw Longevity Patties Grass-Fed Lamb Recipe Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 2 on the labelInstinct Raw Signature Patties Real Lamb Recipe Frozen Dog FoodInstinctInstinct Raw Signature Patties Real Lamb Recipe Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 2 on the labelRaw Bistro Lamb Entree 4 Pack Frozen Dog FoodRaw BistroRaw Bistro Lamb Entree 4 Pack Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 3 on the labelNorthwest Naturals Nuggets; Bulk Meal Bars; Chubs Lamb Recipe Frozen Dog FoodNorthwest NaturalsNorthwest Naturals Nuggets; Bulk Meal Bars; Chubs Lamb Recipe Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 3 on the labelSmallbatch Lamb Sliders Freeze-Dried Dog FoodSmallbatchSmallbatch Lamb Sliders Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 3 on the labelKoha Limited Ingredient Lamb Entrée Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodKohaKoha Limited Ingredient Lamb Entrée Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelTiki Dog Taste of the World Mediterranean Influence Wet Dog FoodTiki DogTiki Dog Taste of the World Mediterranean Influence Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the label
Show 48 more
Smallbatch Frozen Raw Lamb Patties Frozen Dog FoodSmallbatchSmallbatch Frozen Raw Lamb Patties Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 3 on the labelNutriSource Lamb & Rice Wet Dog FoodNutriSourceNutriSource Lamb & Rice Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelFromm Pâté Lamb Pâté Wet Dog FoodFrommFromm Pâté Lamb Pâté Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelFromm Pâté Lamb & Sweet Potato Pâté Wet Dog FoodFrommFromm Pâté Lamb & Sweet Potato Pâté Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelHealth Extension food Lamb Entrée Wet Dog FoodHealth ExtensionHealth Extension food Lamb Entrée Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelNulo FreeStyle Signature Stews Small Breed Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodNuloNulo FreeStyle Signature Stews Small Breed Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelMerrick Grain Free Limited Ingredient Lamb Wet Dog FoodMerrickMerrick Grain Free Limited Ingredient Lamb Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelStella & Chewy’s Venison Blend Frozen Raw Dinner Patties Frozen Dog FoodStella & Chewy'sStella & Chewy’s Venison Blend Frozen Raw Dinner Patties Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 3 on the labelStella & Chewy’s Dandy Lamb Frozen Raw Dinner Patties Frozen Dog FoodStella & Chewy'sStella & Chewy’s Dandy Lamb Frozen Raw Dinner Patties Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 3 on the labelStella & Chewy’s Dandy Lamb Frozen Raw Dinner Morsels Frozen Dog FoodStella & Chewy'sStella & Chewy’s Dandy Lamb Frozen Raw Dinner Morsels Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 3 on the labelAcana Singles Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Apple Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodAcanaAcana Singles Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Apple Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 3 on the labelViva Raw Complete Diet Lamb Frozen Dog FoodViva RawViva Raw Complete Diet Lamb Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 4 on the labelBones & Co Grass-Fed Lamb Raw - The Bones & Co. Frozen Dog FoodBones & CoBones & Co Grass-Fed Lamb Raw - The Bones & Co. Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 4 on the labelNulo Raw Lamb Recipe with Raspberries Freeze-Dried Dog FoodNuloNulo Raw Lamb Recipe with Raspberries Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 4 on the labelZIWI Steam & Dried Lamb with Green Vegetables Recipe Dog Food TopperZIWIZIWI Steam & Dried Lamb with Green Vegetables Recipe Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 4 on the labelKoha Minimal Ingredient Stew Lamb Stew Wet Dog FoodKohaKoha Minimal Ingredient Stew Lamb Stew Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 4 on the labelCanidae Pure, Lamb Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodCanidaeCanidae Pure, Lamb Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 4 on the labelZignature Essence LIR Ranch Recipe Food Can Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodZignatureZignature Essence LIR Ranch Recipe Food Can Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 4 on the labelZignature Original Food Lamb Formula Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodZignatureZignature Original Food Lamb Formula Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 4 on the labelNutro Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Potato Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodNutroNutro Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Potato Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 4 on the labelLotus Pasture Raised Lamb Recipe Raw Frozen Dog FoodLotusLotus Pasture Raised Lamb Recipe Raw Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 4 on the labelLotus Pasture Raised Lamb Recipe Raw Frozen Dog FoodLotusLotus Pasture Raised Lamb Recipe Raw Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 4 on the labelLotus Pasture Raised Lamb Recipe Raw Frozen Dog FoodLotusLotus Pasture Raised Lamb Recipe Raw Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 4 on the labelTiki Dog Aloha Petites Lamb Luau Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodTiki DogTiki Dog Aloha Petites Lamb Luau Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 4 on the labelK9 Natural Lamb Feast Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog FoodK9 NaturalK9 Natural Lamb Feast Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 5 on the labelK9 Natural Lamb & King Salmon Feast Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog FoodK9 NaturalK9 Natural Lamb & King Salmon Feast Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 5 on the labelDr. Marty Nature’s Blend Premium Origin Freeze-Dried Dog FoodDr. MartyDr. Marty Nature’s Blend Premium Origin Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 5 on the labelWeruva Dogs in the Kitchen Lamburgini Wet Dog FoodWeruvaWeruva Dogs in the Kitchen Lamburgini Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 5 on the labelHill’s Science Diet Single Protein Adult Single Protein Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe Fresh Roll Wet Dog FoodHill'sHill’s Science Diet Single Protein Adult Single Protein Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe Fresh Roll Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 5 on the labelOrijen Premium Tundra Pâté with Liver Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodOrijenOrijen Premium Tundra Pâté with Liver Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 5 on the labelOpen Farm RawMix Great Plains Ancient Grains Dry Dog FoodOpen FarmOpen Farm RawMix Great Plains Ancient Grains Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 5 on the labelStella & Chewy’s Lamb Recipe with Pumpkin & Quinoa Raw Coated Kibble Wholesome Grains Dry Dog FoodStella & Chewy'sStella & Chewy’s Lamb Recipe with Pumpkin & Quinoa Raw Coated Kibble Wholesome Grains Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 5 on the labelInstinct Raw Boost Mixers Grass-Fed Lamb Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog Food TopperInstinctInstinct Raw Boost Mixers Grass-Fed Lamb Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 5 on the labelAcana Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog FoodAcanaAcana Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 5 on the labelK9 Natural Lamb & Venison Feast Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog FoodK9 NaturalK9 Natural Lamb & Venison Feast Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 6 on the labelRaw Bistro Lamb Grind with Turkey - Gently Cooked Frozen Dog FoodRaw BistroRaw Bistro Lamb Grind with Turkey - Gently Cooked Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 6 on the labelZiwi Wet/Canned Lamb Wet Dog FoodZIWIZiwi Wet/Canned Lamb Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 6 on the labelWeruva Dogs in the Kitchen Thats My Jam Can Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWeruvaWeruva Dogs in the Kitchen Thats My Jam Can Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 6 on the labelWeruva Dogs in the Kitchen Classic Dog Hot Dayam with Lamb in Gelée Wet Dog FoodWeruvaWeruva Dogs in the Kitchen Classic Dog Hot Dayam with Lamb in Gelée Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 6 on the labelOpen Farm RawMix Great Plains Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodOpen FarmOpen Farm RawMix Great Plains Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 6 on the labelOrijen Tundra Freeze-Dried Dog FoodOrijenOrijen Tundra Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 7 on the labelZIWI /Mackerel And Lamb Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodZIWIZIWI /Mackerel And Lamb Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 7 on the labelCanidae All Life Stages, Lamb & Rice Recipe Wet Dog FoodCanidaeCanidae All Life Stages, Lamb & Rice Recipe Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 7 on the labelHealth Extension food Grain Free Chunky Chicken Stew Wet Dog FoodHealth ExtensionHealth Extension food Grain Free Chunky Chicken Stew Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 7 on the labelHealth Extension food Grain Free Savory Beef Stew Wet Dog FoodHealth ExtensionHealth Extension food Grain Free Savory Beef Stew Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 7 on the labelStella & Chewy’s Wild Mountain Meadow Recipe with Grass-Fed Lamb Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodStella & Chewy'sStella & Chewy’s Wild Mountain Meadow Recipe with Grass-Fed Lamb Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 8 on the labelStella & Chewy’s Limited Ingredient Grass-Fed Lamb Raw Coated Kibble Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodStella & Chewy'sStella & Chewy’s Limited Ingredient Grass-Fed Lamb Raw Coated Kibble Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 10 on the labelStella & Chewy’s Free Range Raw Blend Kibble Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodStella & Chewy'sStella & Chewy’s Free Range Raw Blend Kibble Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 10 on the label

Sources

What we read

Checked September 1, 2026.

  1. 1 Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2): common food allergen sources in dogs and cats BMC Veterinary Research, 2016 // Journal
  2. 2 Investigating the Palatability of Lamb and Beef Components Used in the Production of Pet Food for Cats Animals, 2020 // Journal
  3. 3 Offal Chemical Composition from Veal, Beef, and Lamb Maintained in Organic Production Systems Animals, 2019 // Journal
  4. 4 Tips for Safe Handling of Pet Food and Treats U.S. Food and Drug Administration, n.d. // Government
  5. 5 What's in the Ingredients List? AAFCO, n.d. // Regulator
  6. 6 Copper hepatopathy and dietary management Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, 2024 // University
  7. 7 Reduction of vitamin A in liver for pet food applications Meat & Livestock Australia, 2023 // Industry
  8. 8 Organic freeze dry lamb liver pet treat Meat & Livestock Australia, 2020 // Industry
An ingredient on its own tells you very little. What matters is how much of it there is and where it sits in the list. That is why we weigh the top five rather than reacting to any single name further down. Back to the wiki

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