Training your dog is an essential part of bonding with them, and having the right treats on hand can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll explore four incredible dehydrated dog training treats that you can easily prepare at home.
These treats are not only healthy but also customizable, ensuring that your dog gets the nutrition they deserve while staying motivated during training sessions.
Whether you’re working on basic commands or advanced tricks, these treats will support your efforts and keep your dog engaged.
The Benefits of Dehydrated Dog Training Treats
Dehydrated dog treats are gaining popularity due to their long shelf life, nutritional value, and ease of preparation.
By making your own dehydrated treats, you can ensure that your dog gets only high-quality ingredients without any unnecessary additives or preservatives. Plus, dehydrated treats are easy to carry during training sessions and won’t spoil quickly.
When dehydrating meat and other ingredients, you preserve nutrients that are often lost through other cooking methods. This means your dog gets a tasty and nutritious snack, which can help improve their overall health and performance.
Moreover, dehydrated treats are typically low in fat and calories, making them a great option for dogs who need to watch their weight.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the first dehydrated dog training treat recipe!
1. Dehydrated Chicken Liver Treats
Prep time & Cook Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 4-6 hours (depending on thickness and dehydrator type)
Tools Needed
- Dehydrator or oven with low-temperature setting
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Spray bottle with coconut oil (optional)
Ingredients Needed
- 1 lb chicken liver (preferably organic)
- Coconut oil spray (optional for added health benefits)
How to make Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the chicken liver
Start by thoroughly rinsing the chicken livers under cold water. Place them on a cutting board and trim away any excess fat or connective tissue. If you prefer smaller pieces, slice them into bite-sized chunks. This will help them dehydrate evenly and make them the perfect size for training.
Step 2: Optional – coat with coconut oil
Using a spray bottle, lightly coat the pieces of liver with coconut oil. This adds an extra layer of health benefits to your treats, promoting a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Step 3: Dehydrate the liver
Place the prepared chicken liver on the trays of your dehydrator, ensuring they are spaced out without touching each other. Set your dehydrator to 160°F (71°C) and allow the liver to dehydrate for 4-6 hours, or until the pieces are fully dry and crispy. If you’re using an oven, set it to the lowest possible temperature and prop the door open slightly to allow moisture to escape.
Step 4: Cool and store
Once the liver pieces are fully dehydrated, remove them from the dehydrator or oven and let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
Feeding Size
For training purposes, cut the liver into small pieces. A few small bites per training session is all your dog will need, as chicken liver is nutrient-dense.
Storage tips
Store dehydrated chicken liver treats in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks, or you can freeze them for longer storage.
Nutrition Values Estimated
| Nutrient | Amount (per treat) |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Calories | 120 kcal per ounce |
2. Dehydrated Beef Heart Bites
Prep time & Cook Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 5-8 hours
Tools Needed
- Dehydrator or oven with low-temperature setting
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Coconut oil spray (optional)
Ingredients Needed
- 1 lb beef heart (preferably grass-fed)
- Coconut oil spray (optional)
How to make Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the beef heart
Begin by washing the beef heart thoroughly. Place it on a cutting board and trim away any excess fat or connective tissue. Cut the beef heart into small, uniform chunks or thin strips depending on your dog’s preferences.
Step 2: Optional – coat with coconut oil
Lightly spray the beef heart pieces with coconut oil to help them crisp up during dehydration. This also enhances their flavor and nutritional content.
Step 3: Dehydrate the beef heart
Arrange the beef heart pieces on the dehydrator trays in a single layer, ensuring that they are not overlapping. Dehydrate at 160°F (71°C) for 5-8 hours, checking for crispness every few hours. If you’re using an oven, use a similar temperature and leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.
Step 4: Cool and store
Allow the beef heart pieces to cool completely after dehydrating. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Feeding Size
Feed your dog small pieces of beef heart for training, as they are packed with protein and other essential nutrients. Adjust the size based on your dog’s size and dietary needs.
Storage tips
These treats can last up to 2-3 weeks at room temperature, or you can freeze them for extended storage.
Nutrition Values Estimated
| Nutrient | Amount (per treat) |
| Protein | 22g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Calories | 110 kcal per ounce |
3. Dehydrated Sweet Potato Chews
Prep time & Cook Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 4-6 hours
Tools Needed
- Dehydrator or oven with low-temperature setting
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients Needed
- 2 large sweet potatoes (organic preferred)
How to make Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the sweet potatoes
Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Slice them into thin rounds or strips, depending on your dog’s chewing preference. The thinner the slices, the faster they will dehydrate.
Step 2: Dehydrate the sweet potatoes
Place the sweet potato slices in a single layer on your dehydrator trays. Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and allow them to dry for 4-6 hours. If you’re using an oven, set it to the lowest possible temperature and prop the door open for moisture to escape.
Step 3: Cool and store
Once the sweet potato pieces are fully dehydrated, remove them and let them cool completely. Store the treats in an airtight container.
Feeding Size
These chews can be given whole or broken into smaller pieces, depending on your dog’s size. They make an excellent chew for puppies and small dogs.
Storage tips
Store your dehydrated sweet potato chews in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They should last up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
Nutrition Values Estimated
| Nutrient | Amount (per treat) |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Calories | 80 kcal per ounce |
4. Dehydrated Salmon Bites
Prep time & Cook Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 3-5 hours
Tools Needed
- Dehydrator or oven with low-temperature setting
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Coconut oil spray (optional)
Ingredients Needed
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillets (boneless, skinless)
- Coconut oil spray (optional)
How to make Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the salmon
Remove the skin and bones from the salmon fillets. Slice the fillets into small, bite-sized pieces. If the pieces are too thick, you can slice them thinner to ensure they dehydrate properly.
Step 2: Optional – coat with coconut oil
If you want to add an extra layer of health benefits, lightly spray the salmon pieces with coconut oil.
Step 3: Dehydrate the salmon
Place the salmon pieces on your dehydrator trays, ensuring they are spaced apart for proper airflow. Dehydrate at 160°F (71°C) for 3-5 hours, checking for crispiness. If using an oven, use the lowest setting and leave the door slightly ajar.
Step 4: Cool and store
Once the salmon treats are done, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
Feeding Size
Give your dog small pieces for training. Salmon is a highly nutritious treat, so even a small amount will keep your dog motivated.
Storage tips
Store your dehydrated salmon treats in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They will last for about 2 weeks at room temperature.
Nutrition Values Estimated
| Nutrient | Amount (per treat) |
| Protein | 23g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Omega-3 | 2g |
| Calories | 140 kcal per ounce |
Safety Precautions for this Recipe
- Monitor your dog’s portion sizes: Even healthy treats should be given in moderation to avoid overfeeding.
- Avoid choking hazards: Cut the treats into appropriately sized pieces based on your dog’s breed and size.
- Supervise while chewing: Some treats, especially those made from meat, can pose a
choking hazard if chewed improperly.
Ingredients to Avoid for this Recipe
When making dehydrated dog treats, it’s essential to avoid using ingredients that could harm your dog. Common ingredients to steer clear of include:
- Onions and garlic: These are toxic to dogs and should never be included in any dog treat recipe.
- Chocolate: Chocolate is highly toxic to dogs and should never be used.
- Grapes and raisins: These can cause kidney failure in dogs, so keep them out of any homemade treat recipes.
Understand How Healthy Dog Treats Should Be Made
Healthy dog treats should focus on whole, nutrient-dense ingredients. High-quality proteins like chicken liver, beef heart, and salmon are excellent sources of the essential amino acids your dog needs. Vegetables like sweet potatoes provide important fiber and vitamins, while healthy fats from coconut oil can help improve your dog’s skin and coat.
Always ensure that you are using fresh, organic ingredients when possible, and avoid fillers or artificial additives that don’t contribute to your dog’s well-being.
Can I use other meats for dehydrated dog treats?
Absolutely! You can use turkey, lamb, or even pork. The process remains the same; just make sure to choose lean cuts and remove excess fat.
Can I make these treats in an oven instead of a dehydrator?
Yes, you can. Set the oven to the lowest temperature, and keep the door slightly open to allow moisture to escape. This will ensure your treats dehydrate properly.
How long can I store dehydrated dog treats?
If stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, most dehydrated dog treats will last for 2-3 weeks. Freezing them will extend their shelf life.
Final Thoughts
Dehydrated dog treats are a fantastic, healthy, and cost-effective way to reward your pup during training. With the simple recipes shared above, you can easily create nutritious treats your dog will love.
Try these recipes today, and watch your dog stay motivated and happy during training sessions. Ready to get cooking? Your dog will thank you!
