Chicken Jerky Dog Treats
It's easy to make Chicken Jerky Dog Treats at home and it is much more affordable than buying them at the store. More importantly, you'll know exactly where the treats came from because you made them!
There are good reasons to give your canine companions jerky dog treats:
- They make great training treats
- Make great diabetic dog treats
- They are grain free and that makes them good for dogs who suffer from allergies to wheat or other grains
- Quite simply - dogs love them!
Below is an easy recipe for dehydrated jerky. The instructions call for making these in your oven. If you happen to own a dehydrator and want to use it for this recipe then just use the appropriate setting for making jerky. In the photos shown I used a dehydrator.
Don't be in a hurry when you make these. The nature of dehydrating is low and slow.
Always be sure to use proper safe food handling techniques when making dog treats.
Chicken Jerky Dog Treats
Ingredients:
- chicken breasts (or turkey)
- Dog friendly seasonings - such as garlic (see note below),parsley, mint, rosemary, sage
- olive or canola oil
Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 180 degrees
- Line a baking sheet with tin foil and spray with non-stick oil. I prefer to use nonstick foil.
- Slice chicken breast very thin - with the grain
- Pat dry and then lightly coat with oil - only necessary if you want to season the jerky.
- Lightly season if desired.
- Place chicken slices on the baking sheet in single layer spaced evenly apart
Here is a "before" picture of the slices on my dehydrator.
Bake in oven for 6 to 8 hours - turning every two 2 hours.
Here is an "after" picture. This jerky is actually made from a wild turkey that my father got during hunting season.
Keep in mind that baking times will vary depending on your oven and the moisture content of the chicken. Your finished product should be dry and leathery.
Let jerky cool completely. Store in sealed bags in refrigerator. I prefer to use the vacuum seal bags.
Chicken Jerky Dog Treats II
Here is another variation for making dehydrated meat treats:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound raw ground chicken
- 1 TB olive oil
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (see note below)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Combine ingredients and puree in food processor. Spoon into baking pan lined with aluminum foil and sprayed with nonstick oil). Spread the mixture evenly in the pan. Bake in oven at 180 degrees for 2 hours.
Remove from oven and cut into desired sizes using a pizza cutter or knife. Place back in oven and continue to bake for another 1 to 2 hours or until dry and leathery.
NOTE: Be aware that it is often recommended to NOT give your dogs garlic. Large amounts of garlic can cause anemia in dogs, however, many experts agree that small amounts of garlic are actually beneficial to dogs. Garlic should not be given to dogs that are already anemic. Otherwise, for seasoning purposes do not exceed 1/4 teaspoon per pound of meat. If you are concerned - simply omit the garlic from recipes.
