When you’re looking for a healthy and homemade option for your furry friend, dehydrated vegetable dog treats offer a simple, nutritious alternative to store-bought snacks.
These treats are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that can help promote your dog’s overall health. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for training or just rewarding your dog with something healthy.
In this article, we’ll dive into three amazing dehydrated vegetable dog treat recipes, highlighting their benefits, the preparation process, and some important considerations.
Why Make Dehydrated Vegetable Dog Treats?
Homemade dehydrated vegetable treats are an excellent way to control exactly what your dog is consuming. Unlike commercial treats that can contain hidden preservatives, fillers, or artificial colors, dehydrated vegetables are packed with natural goodness. They are an affordable and healthy snack that can be customized for your dog’s dietary needs.
Dehydrated treats have the added benefit of being long-lasting, which makes them perfect for storing and having on hand for whenever your dog needs a snack.
They’re also a great way to use leftover vegetables, so you’re reducing waste while feeding your dog something delicious and nutritious. Additionally, using vegetables provides a great source of fiber that helps with digestion and can keep your dog feeling full between meals.
Now, let’s jump into the recipes for three different dehydrated vegetable dog treats that will have your dog wagging their tail in excitement!
1. Dehydrated Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Tools Needed:
- Dehydrator or oven
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
- Parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (for optional spray)
How to Make Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by thoroughly washing the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt. Since you’ll be dehydrating the skin, make sure the potatoes are cleaned well. Next, peel the sweet potatoes if you prefer to remove the skin, but leaving it on can add extra fiber.
Slice them evenly into thin rounds, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. The thinner the slices, the quicker they will dehydrate.
Step 2: Optionally Coat with Coconut Oil
If you’d like to enhance the flavor and texture of the treat, lightly spray the sweet potato slices with coconut oil. This step is optional, but it can help with crisping up the treats during dehydration.
Step 3: Dehydrate
If you’re using a dehydrator, place the slices in a single layer on the trays, making sure they don’t overlap. Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and allow them to dehydrate for 6-8 hours. If you’re using an oven, preheat it to the lowest setting (usually 170°F or 77°C).
Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 3-4 hours, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the sweet potato slices are firm and crispy but not overly brittle.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Once the sweet potato slices are fully dehydrated, remove them from the dehydrator or oven and let them cool to room temperature. Store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag for long-lasting freshness.
Feeding Size: These treats can be served in small pieces as a training reward or as a longer-lasting chew for larger dogs. For smaller dogs, break the pieces into even smaller bits.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They will last for several weeks if stored properly.
Nutrition Values Estimated:
- Calories: 40-50 per slice (depending on size)
- Fiber: 1-2g per slice
- Vitamins A & C: High
2. Dehydrated Carrot and Pumpkin Dog Biscuits
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Tools Needed:
- Dehydrator or oven
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup carrots, finely grated
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour (or regular flour)
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional for brushing)
How to Make Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by grating the carrots and measuring out your pumpkin puree. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots and pumpkin puree with the egg and oat flour. Mix until a dough forms. The consistency should be similar to playdough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it holds together.
Step 2: Roll and Shape the Dough
Lightly flour a flat surface, then roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes—bones, hearts, or whatever your dog loves! Alternatively, you can use a knife to cut the dough into small squares if you don’t have cookie cutters.
Step 3: Dehydrate or Bake
If you’re using a dehydrator, arrange the biscuits on the dehydrator trays in a single layer and set the temperature to 135°F (57°C). Dehydrate for 6-8 hours until they are firm and dry. If you’re using an oven, preheat it to 170°F (77°C), and bake the treats for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through. The treats should be completely dry and firm when done.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Allow the treats to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. These biscuits can be stored for up to 2-3 weeks.
Feeding Size: Feed these treats in small amounts, depending on the size of your dog. For training, use tiny pieces to avoid overfeeding.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container or resealable bag. You can also refrigerate them for extra freshness if you’d like them to last a bit longer.
Nutrition Values Estimated:
- Calories: 35-45 per biscuit
- Protein: 1-2g per biscuit
- Fiber: 1-2g per biscuit
- Vitamin A: High from pumpkin
3. Dehydrated Zucchini and Chicken Heart Chews
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Tools Needed:
- Dehydrator or oven
- Sharp knife
- Parchment paper
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 cup chicken hearts (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional for spraying)
How to Make Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini and Chicken Hearts
Start by washing and trimming the zucchinis. Slice them into thin rounds or strips about 1/4 inch thick. For the chicken hearts, if they’re frozen, thaw them and remove any excess fat. Cut them into small pieces to make them easier to dehydrate.
Step 2: Optionally Coat with Coconut Oil
Lightly coat the zucchini slices and chicken hearts with coconut oil to help with dehydration and flavor.
Step 3: Dehydrate
For the dehydrator, lay the zucchini slices and chicken hearts in a single layer on the trays. Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and let them dry for 4-6 hours. If you’re using an oven, preheat to the lowest setting (170°F or 77°C) and bake for 3-4 hours. Check occasionally to ensure the treats don’t burn or overcook.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Once the zucchini and chicken heart chews are completely dehydrated, let them cool before storing them in an airtight container. These treats are great as chews and can last for a few weeks when stored properly.
Feeding Size: These treats are ideal for medium to large dogs. For smaller dogs, break the treats into smaller pieces.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They should last for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
Nutrition Values Estimated:
- Calories: 50-60 per treat
- Protein: 5-6g per treat (from chicken hearts)
- Fiber: 1-2g per treat
- Fat: Moderate (from chicken hearts and coconut oil)
Safety Precautions for this Recipe
While these homemade dehydrated vegetable treats are a healthier alternative to many store-bought options, there are a few safety precautions to keep in mind:
- Supervise Your Dog: Always supervise your dog when giving them a new treat to ensure they don’t choke or have difficulty chewing.
- Avoid Overfeeding: Treats, even healthy ones, should not replace a balanced diet. Limit your dog’s daily treat intake to avoid obesity or digestive issues.
- Ensure Proper Dehydration: Dehydrated treats should be completely dry to prevent mold or spoilage. If in doubt, dehydrate for longer than recommended.
- Be Aware of Allergies: Introduce new ingredients gradually and monitor for any allergic reactions.
Ingredients to Avoid for this Recipe
When making homemade dog treats, there are a few ingredients that should always be avoided. These include:
- Onions and Garlic: Both are toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal issues or more severe health problems.
- Chocolates or Sugars: These can cause a host of health issues, including poisoning and weight gain.
- Xylitol: A sweetener
commonly found in sugar-free products, xylitol is highly toxic to dogs.
- Dairy: Some dogs are lactose intolerant, so dairy ingredients should be avoided.
Always ensure that the vegetables and meats you use are safe for your dog and free from added chemicals or preservatives.
Understand How Healthy Dog Treats Should Be Made
Healthy dog treats should be:
- Made with Whole Ingredients: Natural, whole foods like vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats are the best.
- Low in Fat and Calories: Treats should be nutritionally balanced and should not contribute excessively to your dog’s calorie intake.
- Free from Artificial Additives: Avoid preservatives, colors, or flavor enhancers that can harm your dog’s health over time.
- Tailored to Your Dog’s Needs: Consider your dog’s size, breed, and health conditions when selecting ingredients.
Can I use other vegetables for dehydrated dog treats?
Yes! You can use vegetables like carrots, kale, or peas, as long as they are safe for dogs. Always research individual vegetables before use.
Are these treats safe for puppies?
Yes, as long as the treats are appropriate for your puppy’s size. Always introduce new treats slowly and monitor for any signs of digestive issues.
How long do these dehydrated treats last?
Dehydrated treats can last for up to several weeks when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Final Thoughts
Making dehydrated vegetable dog treats at home is a rewarding way to keep your dog healthy and happy. These recipes are simple, nutritious, and perfect for customizing based on your dog’s preferences. Start making this dog treats recipes I have shown you: Give it a try and treat your dog to something truly special!
