Can horse liver be eaten raw?
Sep 15, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, horse liver is not recommended to be eaten raw, as consuming raw horse liver poses significant health risks. It should be thoroughly cooked before consumption. In daily life, when eating horse liver, in addition to ensuring it is thoroughly cooked, one should also control the amount consumed to avoid discomfort caused by excessive intake of nutrients such as vitamin A. Developing safe eating habits is important for maintaining good health.
Under normal circumstances, horse liver is not recommended to be eaten raw, as consuming raw horse liver poses various health risks. It should be thoroughly cooked before consumption. Detailed explanations are as follows:
Horse liver may carry parasites and bacteria. When consumed raw, these pathogens cannot be killed and may cause infections after entering the human body, leading to discomfort such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. In severe cases, liver function may also be impaired. Moreover, horse liver may contain certain amounts of heavy metals or metabolic toxins. Eating it raw allows these harmful substances to directly enter the body, increasing the metabolic burden. Long-term or excessive intake may damage organs. From a digestive perspective, raw horse liver has a relatively tough texture and is rich in protein and fat, making it difficult for the human body to fully digest and absorb. This can easily burden the gastrointestinal system, causing indigestion, bloating, and other symptoms.
In daily life, when consuming horse liver, in addition to ensuring it is thoroughly cooked, one should also control the amount consumed. This helps avoid discomfort caused by excessive intake of components such as vitamin A. Developing safe eating habits is essential for maintaining good health.
