Reviewed by Raw Feeding 101 Team: Dewan Bayney, NAVC Pet Nutrition Coach
Based on NRC Dog Nutrition Guidelines
Quick Answer
No. Chicken liver and beef liver are not the same for Vitamin A. Beef liver is far richer in Vitamin A and copper, while chicken liver provides less Vitamin A but more iron. If you swap them gram-for-gram, your dog may fall short on Vitamin A and copper.
👉 Best practice: rotate both for variety and check your plan against NRC requirements.
Deep Dive: Nutrient Comparison of Chicken vs. Beef Liver
Here’s how they compare per 100 g edible portion (USDA FDC, raw, 2024):
| Nutrient | Beef Liver (NDB ID: 13325) | Chicken Liver (NDB ID: 5027) |
| Vitamin A (RAE) | ~4970 µg | ~3,300 µg |
| Copper | ~9.76 mg | ~0.4 mg |
| Iron | ~4.9 mg | ~9 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | Very high | High |
Key differences:
- Vitamin A: Beef liver has nearly 2x more Vitamin A.
- Copper: Beef liver contains almost 25x more copper.
- Iron: Chicken liver actually provides more iron than beef liver.
👉 NRC requires ~379 µg Vitamin A and 1.5 mg copper per 1000 kcal for adult dogs. Chicken liver alone struggles to meet these without larger portions or extra sources.
Practical Guidance for Raw Feeders
✅ Rotate both livers: Use chicken and beef liver together for variety.
❌ Don’t swap 1:1: 100 g chicken liver ≠ 100 g beef liver nutritionally.
✅ Add copper if needed: If feeding mostly chicken liver, you’ll need another copper source (e.g., oysters, copper-rich supplements).
✅ Check balance: Always run your plan through the [Raw Feeding 101 NRC Calculator] to ensure Vitamin A and copper meet RA without exceeding SULs.
Why This Matters
Liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods in raw feeding — but not all livers are equal.
- Too little Vitamin A → dull coat, poor immunity, vision issues.
- Too little copper → anemia, connective tissue problems.
- Too much liver (any type) → Vitamin A toxicity risk.
Balance is the key. Rotate proteins, verify nutrients, and avoid guessing.
Want to know exactly how much Vitamin A and copper your dog is getting?
Check your meal plan with the [Raw Feeding 101 Nutrient Calculator], or join our Raw Feeding Bootcamp to learn step-by-step how to build NRC-compliant raw diets.
FAQs
Q1. Is chicken liver the same as beef liver for Vitamin A?
No. Beef liver has nearly 2x more Vitamin A and far more copper than chicken liver.
Q2. Can I feed only chicken liver in my dog’s raw diet?
Not long-term. Chicken liver is nutritious but doesn’t supply enough Vitamin A and copper alone.
Q3. Which is healthier for dogs, chicken liver or beef liver?
Both are valuable. Beef liver excels in Vitamin A and copper, while chicken liver provides more iron. Rotate both for balance.
Q4. How much liver should I feed my dog?
Most raw feeders use 5–10% liver in the diet, with at least half from beef liver. NRC-based balancing ensures accuracy.
Q5. What happens if my dog doesn’t get enough Vitamin A?
Deficiency can cause poor coat, skin issues, eye problems, and weakened immunity.
