In the world of dog training and treats, few things hold as much allure and effectiveness as liver cake. As a dog owner, you know the struggle of finding the perfect reward that not only captures your pup’s attention but also keeps them coming back for more, especially during recall training.
That’s where liver cake steps in as the undisputed champion—a tantalizing concoction that combines nutrition, aroma, and taste to create an unbeatable recall treat for your furry friend. So, let’s dive into the secrets of crafting the ultimate liver cake recipe that will have your dog eagerly responding to your call every time.
What Makes Liver Cake the Ultimate Recall Treat?
Liver cake earns its title as the ultimate recall treat for several reasons. First off, dogs absolutely love it. The rich aroma of liver drives them wild, making it an irresistible reward during training sessions.
Secondly, liver is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with high-quality proteins, vitamins, and minerals that support your dog’s health. This means you’re not just rewarding them with a tasty treat, but also providing essential nutrients.
Moreover, liver cake is versatile. You can adjust the recipe to suit your dog’s preferences and dietary needs, making it suitable for pups with sensitivities or allergies. Its soft texture makes it easy to break into small pieces for training, and it’s convenient to store in the freezer for long-term use.
The best part? This recipe is homemade, all-natural, affordable, and a breeze to prepare!
Using Liver Cake for Recall Training
After you’ve made your liver cake, cut it into small, bite-sized chunks and store them in the freezer. This gives you a handy supply of training treats to use during off-leash training sessions over the next few months.
Before heading out for a walk, grab a few pieces of frozen liver cake and put them in a plastic bag. They will thaw in your pocket within about 15 minutes. Let your dog get a whiff of the treats to build anticipation and interest.
Pro Tip: Use a yellow or blue bag to store the liver cake. These colors are easy for dogs to spot, making it simpler to get their attention. Before letting your dog off-leash, give them a piece of liver cake and show them that you have more in your pocket.
At the beginning of your training, reward your dog with a small piece of liver cake every time they successfully respond to your recall command.
Only use liver cake during walks to ensure your dog associates these high-value treats with good off-leash behavior. This will help reinforce their training.
Heads Up: Be aware that your dog isn’t the only one interested in these treats. Keep a lookout for other dogs who might pick up on the scent and come running. You don’t want to be in the midst of a dog crowd all hoping for a taste of your liver cake!
Caution: Liver cake is meant to be a high-value, special treat. Limit the reward to a maximum of 4-5 pieces per walk. This treat is suitable for dogs and puppies over six months old only.
Read More : Understanding Dog Tail Wagging: 7 Reasons and Their Meanings
5 Tips for Baking Liver Cake
- Use flour sparingly. We like to keep the cake packed with meat for that enticing aroma that dogs can’t resist!
- Don’t worry about achieving a crispy crust. It’s best to remove the cake from the oven as soon as it starts to turn golden to maintain a soft and moist texture inside.
- Start baking early. Doing it in the morning gives the cake plenty of time to cool, and your house can air out from the strong scent!
- Don’t forget to prep the baking tray. Liver cake has very little fat, so if you don’t line the tray with butter or greaseproof paper, it will be a challenge to remove the cake in one piece.
- Protect your cake! You probably already know this, but don’t leave the cake unattended. If there’s one thing a dog will get into trouble for, it’s definitely liver cake!
Ingredients
- 450 grams (1 pound) of lamb liver
- 225 grams (0.5 pounds) of self-raising wholemeal flour
- 2 large eggs
- 100 milliliters (3.5 ounces) of milk
Instructions
- Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until fully combined.
- Blend the liver in a food processor until smooth.
- Add the blended liver to the whisked eggs and mix well.
- Gradually blend in the flour to the liver-egg mixture.
- Slowly add milk, stirring until you achieve a smooth, runny consistency.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking tray that is at least 2 inches (5 centimeters) deep.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) or 160°C for fan ovens, for 30-40 minutes.
- Let it cool on a wire rack before cutting into smaller pieces.
- Store the cut pieces in the freezer—they can last up to three months.
PRO TIP: Separate the liver cake into several smaller portions and store them in individual freezer bags. Keeping them sealed ensures they stay fresh for a longer period.
Lamb liver is the best type to use for a Liver Cake Recipe
Add milk gradually until the mixture has a runny consistency. If the liver cake is a bit undercooked, don’t stress—it’s better to have a soft, moist cake than a dry, crumbly one!
Once the cake has fully cooled, cut it into small pieces, but be sure to keep a close eye on it while you wait!
Our Top Liver Cake Recipe for Dogs
Liver cake is the ultimate dog treat, and it’s your ace in the hole when it comes to keeping control during off-leash adventures.
Dogs of all breeds can’t get enough of it, making it a must-have for recall training success!
If you’re aiming for a dog that comes running every time you call, this homemade liver cake recipe for dogs is a must-try!
Further Reads:
15 Best Online Dog Training Courses For Puppy or Adult Pouch
Understanding Raised Dog Hackles: 5 Causes and Whether Concern is Necessary