CautionMeats & Poultry
Updated:2026-09-28 · Food code:FOOD-MET-0004
动物肝脏 配图

LiverBos taurus (hepar)

Liver

Bos taurus (hepar)
Also known as:beef liver, organ meat
CatCaution

Cats are especially sensitive to vitamin A, so regular or large liver servings cause vitamin A to accumulate and lead to joint and bone problems.

DogCaution

Liver is extremely rich in vitamin A, so regular or large servings let it accumulate and cause vitamin A toxicity with joint stiffness and bone changes; liver is also fairly fatty and calorie dense.

What to do after ingestion

Feeding risk and emergency notice · Contact a veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately; do not rely on this site alone
Symptoms

Joint stiffness, reluctance to move, neck or limb pain, a poor coat; severe cases lose appetite and weight.

What to do

Contact a vet immediately if vitamin A toxicity is suspected, and seek prompt care for stiffness, pain or reluctance to move.

Why it is risky

Cats are especially sensitive to vitamin A, so regular or large liver servings cause vitamin A to accumulate and lead to joint and bone problems.

What to do after ingestion

Feeding risk and emergency notice · Contact a veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately; do not rely on this site alone
Symptoms

Joint stiffness, reluctance to walk or jump, neck and limb pain, bony and joint changes; severe cases lose appetite and weight.

What to do

If you suspect vitamin A toxicity from long-term liver feeding, contact a vet immediately for assessment, and seek prompt care for stiffness or obvious pain.

Why it is risky

Liver is extremely rich in vitamin A, so regular or large servings let it accumulate and cause vitamin A toxicity with joint stiffness and bone changes; liver is also fairly fatty and calorie dense.

Nutrition

Per 100 g, edible portion
Energy · kcal/100g
191
Protein
29.08 g
Fat
5.26 g
Carbohydrates
5.13 g
Dietary fiber
0 g
Water
58.81 g

Data source:USDA FoodData Central · SR Legacy · Accessed on:2026-09-28

Cat · Safe feeding conditions

Caution

No additional condition notes for this food

Clinical and veterinary sources

1
Merck Veterinary Manual
Toxicology — Food Hazards (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Accessed:2024-09-15View source ↗
2
WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association)
Global Nutrition Guidelines
Accessed:2024-10-20View source ↗
Why it is risky

Cats are especially sensitive to vitamin A, so regular or large liver servings cause vitamin A to accumulate and lead to joint and bone problems.

Symptoms

Joint stiffness, reluctance to move, neck or limb pain, a poor coat; severe cases lose appetite and weight.

What to do

Contact a vet immediately if vitamin A toxicity is suspected, and seek prompt care for stiffness, pain or reluctance to move.

Notes

For cats, keep liver to a nail-sized piece now and then, counted within the treat allowance; it cannot replace cat food and long-term feeding is riskier than in dogs.

Dog · Safe feeding conditions

Caution

No additional condition notes for this food

Clinical and veterinary sources

1
Merck Veterinary Manual
Toxicology — Food Hazards (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Accessed:2024-09-15View source ↗
2
WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association)
Global Nutrition Guidelines
Accessed:2024-10-20View source ↗
Why it is risky

Liver is extremely rich in vitamin A, so regular or large servings let it accumulate and cause vitamin A toxicity with joint stiffness and bone changes; liver is also fairly fatty and calorie dense.

Symptoms

Joint stiffness, reluctance to walk or jump, neck and limb pain, bony and joint changes; severe cases lose appetite and weight.

What to do

If you suspect vitamin A toxicity from long-term liver feeding, contact a vet immediately for assessment, and seek prompt care for stiffness or obvious pain.

Notes

At most one nail-sized piece per pet about once a week, counted within the daily treat allowance; liver is not a supplement and cannot replace a complete diet.

Disclaimer and individual health notes

This website is for reference only and does not replace a licensed veterinarian. If your pet has eaten a suspected toxin or shows symptoms, contact a veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.