DIY Dog Chews

Looking for healthy, long-lasting treats that will make your dog’s tail wag with joy? Dehydrated snacks might just be your new best friend! These goodies are free from the nasty additives and preservatives lurking in many store-bought treats and offer a chew that keeps your furry friend happily occupied for hours. And here’s a fun bonus – many of these treats are delicious and nutritious enough for humans to enjoy too! In this article, we’ll dive into a bunch of tasty dehydrated treat recipes and walk you through the simple steps to make and store them. Let’s get started on this culinary adventure for you and your pup!

Why Dehydrated Treats?

Dehydrated treats offer numerous benefits:

• Healthier Ingredients: Made from wholesome, natural ingredients.
• Long-Lasting: Chewy texture that dogs love.
• Dual-Purpose: Many treats can be enjoyed by both dogs and humans.
• Convenient Storage: Long shelf life, especially when frozen.

Essential Tips for Dehydrating

• Uniform Size: Slice ingredients uniformly for even drying.
• Cleanliness: Maintain a high level of hygiene to avoid contamination.
• Storage: Use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to extend shelf life.
• No Additives: Avoid salt, sugar, or seasoning, especially if sharing with your dog.

Recipes

1. Dehydrated Sweet Potato Chews

Ingredients:

• 2-3 large sweet potatoes

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Slice them lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips.
2. Blanching (Optional): Blanching helps preserve color and nutrients. Boil the slices for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to ice water. Pat dry.
3. Dehydrating: Arrange the slices on dehydrator trays without overlapping. Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and dry for 6-12 hours until leathery and slightly pliable.
4. Cooling and Storing: Let the chews cool completely before storing in an airtight container. For extended shelf life, freeze them, where they can last up to 1 year.

Human-Friendly: Sweet potato chews make a healthy snack for people, rich in vitamins and fiber.

2. Meat Jerky

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean meat (chicken, beef, turkey, or fish)

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Trim any visible fat from the meat and slice it thinly (1/8 to 1/4 inch thick).
2. Dehydrating: Place the slices on dehydrator trays without overlapping. Set the dehydrator to 145°F (63°C) and dry for 4-6 hours until the meat is dry and flexible but not brittle.
3. Cooling and Storing: Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze for up to 6 months.

Human-Friendly: Homemade jerky is a nutritious, protein-packed snack.

3. Dehydrated Fruits

Ingredients:

• Apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries (any fruit you like)

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Wash and slice the fruit (remove cores and seeds from apples).
2. Dehydrating: Arrange the fruit on dehydrator trays. Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and dry for 6-12 hours until completely dry.
3. Cooling and Storing: Cool completely and store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 1 year.

Human-Friendly: Dehydrated fruits are delicious, sweet snacks rich in vitamins.

4. Dehydrated Vegetables

Ingredients:

• Carrots, green beans, zucchini (any vegetable your dog enjoys)

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Wash and slice the vegetables into thin pieces.
2. Dehydrating: Arrange the vegetables on dehydrator trays. Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and dry for 6-12 hours until dry and slightly brittle.
3. Cooling and Storing: Cool completely and store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 1 year.

Human-Friendly: Dehydrated vegetables are great as snacks or for adding to soups.

5. Liver Treats

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef or chicken liver

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Slice the liver thinly.
2. Dehydrating: Place the slices on dehydrator trays without overlapping. Set the dehydrator to 145°F (63°C) and dry for 4-6 hours until fully dry.
3. Cooling and Storing: Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Freeze for up to 6 months.

Human-Friendly: Nutrient-dense but may have a strong flavor not suitable for all tastes.

Storing Your Dehydrated Treats

To maximize shelf life and maintain quality:

• Airtight Containers: Prevent moisture and air from entering.
• Freezing: Extends shelf life significantly. Properly dehydrated and stored treats can last up to 1 year in the freezer.
• Labeling: Mark containers with the date of preparation.

Thawing and Serving

• Thawing: When ready to serve, allow the treats to thaw at room temperature.
• Supervision: Always supervise your dog with new treats to ensure they chew them properly.

Dehydrated treats are a fantastic, healthy option for your dog, offering both nutrition and long-lasting enjoyment. Plus, they’re a breeze to make and store, so you’ll always have a stash of yummy snacks ready to go. Give these recipes a try and see which ones make your pup’s tail wag the most!

By whipping up these treats at home, you’re ensuring top-notch ingredients without any of those pesky additives. Your furry friend deserves the best – and hey, you might even find yourself sneaking a nibble too! Happy dehydrating, and may your kitchen adventures be filled with wagging tails and happy hearts!