Easy DIY Turkey Sausage Dehydrator Dog Treats: Perfect Snack for Your Pup 🐾

If you’re a dog owner who’s passionate about giving your furry friend the healthiest, most nutritious snacks, you’ve come to the right place!

🦴 With these Easy DIY Turkey Sausage Dehydrator Dog Treats, you’ll not only treat your dog to something delicious, but you’ll also provide them with a protein-packed, low-fat snack that promotes muscle health, dental hygiene, and digestive wellness.

Let’s dive into why this recipe is the ultimate treat for your dog, and how to make it from the comfort of your home! 🏠🐕

Why This Specific Recipe is Worth Making 🐶

Homemade dog treats are a game-changer! With Easy DIY Turkey Sausage Dehydrator Dog Treats, you get complete control over the ingredients, ensuring only the best for your dog.

Plus, the added benefits of healthy ingredients like ground turkey, pumpkin puree, chia seeds, and turmeric make this treat not just tasty but also packed with essential nutrients like protein, fiber, healthy fats, and more!

💪 You get to skip the artificial preservatives, mystery ingredients, and questionable additives found in store-bought treats. So, why not give your dog the gift of health with this easy-to-make recipe? 🐕🍽️

Recipe: Easy DIY Turkey Sausage Dehydrator Dog Treats 🦃

Prep Time & Cook Time ⏰

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours (Dehydrating Time)

Tools Needed 🛠️

Dehydrator: 600W+ with temperature control (160–200°F) for optimal drying
Jerky Gun: Stainless steel barrel with a ½” nozzle (for easy sausage shaping)
Meat Thermometer: Digital probe (ensures safe internal temperature)
Silicone Mat: Non-stick, FDA-grade to prevent sticking

Alternative: If you don’t have a jerky gun, you can also roll the mixture into small logs by hand or use cookie cutters to shape the treats.

Ingredients Needed 🥄

2 lbs ground turkey (93% lean) 🦃
1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened) 🎃
½ cup rolled oats (instant, pre-steamed) 🌾
¼ cup chia seeds 🌱
1 tbsp dried parsley 🌿
1 tsp turmeric (organic) 🌟
½ cup bone broth (low-sodium) 🍖

Substitutes for Allergies:

For dogs with grain allergies, replace oats with ¼ cup coconut flour or almond flour.
If your dog is sensitive to turkey, swap it for ground chicken, quail, or even bison!

Follow This Step-by-Step Guide to Make These Tasty Treats 📝

Step 1: Meat Safety Prep 🔪

Freeze the turkey for 72 hours at -4°F to kill any potential parasites 🐛.
Thaw the turkey in the fridge for 12 hours before using. This ensures the meat is safely prepared for your dog’s treat.

Step 2: Mixing the Ingredients 🥣

In a stand mixer, combine the ground turkey, pumpkin puree, and bone broth on low speed. Slowly add the oats, chia seeds, parsley, and turmeric.
Mix for 5–7 minutes until you achieve a dough-like consistency. 🧑‍🍳

Step 3: Loading the Jerky Gun 🍠

Pack the mixture tightly into the jerky gun barrel, ensuring there are no air pockets. Attach the sausage nozzle and test extrusion speed. If you’re using your hands or cookie cutters, form small logs or shapes. 🐾

Step 4: Extrusion & Tray Layout 🍽️

Pipe 4-inch sausages onto dehydrator trays, keeping 1-inch spacing between them. Rotate the tray orientation every 2 trays for optimal airflow.

Step 5: Dehydration 🌡️

Phase 1: Set the dehydrator to 165°F for 2 hours to pasteurize the treats. This kills harmful bacteria like Salmonella.
Phase 2: Set the dehydrator to 145°F for 6 hours to gently dry out the sausages. Aim for a moisture content of 15–20% for perfect crunch!

Step 6: Quality Check ✅

Perform the bend test: the treat should crack but not snap. If they snap, they’re too dry and will crumble. Perfect dehydrated treats should be firm but bend slightly when you test them.

Feeding Size: How to Serve the Treats 🦴

When serving, make sure to adjust the portion size based on your dog’s weight. Use the following formula for portion control:

Treat Length (inches) = Dog Weight (lbs) / 20

For example, a 40-pound dog can have a 2-inch treat.

Nutritional Values Estimated 📊

Ground Turkey: 24g protein per 100g 🥩
Pumpkin Puree: 3g fiber per ¼ cup, aids digestion 🌽
Chia Seeds: 4.9g omega-3 per ounce, supports healthy skin 🐾
Bone Broth: Rich in collagen and glycine for joint health 💪

Dietary Suitability/Check List ✅

Low-fat 🐕
Grain-free options available 🌾
High in protein and omega-3s 💥
Suitable for most dogs, but consult your vet if your dog has allergies.

Storage Tips 🏠

To ensure the longevity and freshness of your dog’s treats, store them properly.

Shelf Lifespan: How Long Before It Goes Bad? 🕒

Vacuum-Sealed: Store at 40°F for up to 3 weeks.
Mylar Bags with O2 Absorber: Keep at 70°F for up to 8 months.
Freeze-Dried: Store at -40°F for up to 2 years.

Tips for Perfecting These Treats 🏅

Use a cooling rack: After dehydrating, place treats on a cooling rack to ensure even air circulation.
Avoid Over-drying: Too much drying will lead to treats that are too hard to chew. Keep an eye on your dehydrator’s time and temperature.

Safety Notes ⚠️

Potential Allergies and Ingredient Swaps 🌿

Grain-Free: Swap oats with coconut flour or almond flour if your dog is sensitive to grains.
Poultry-Free: Consider ground rabbit, venison, or beef as alternatives for dogs with poultry allergies.

The Health Benefits of Main Ingredients in These Treats 🌟

Ground Turkey: High-quality protein, low fat, and rich in tryptophan for a happy, calm dog 🐕
Pumpkin Puree: Supports digestive health, rich in fiber and beta-carotene 🥕
Chia Seeds: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, ideal for skin and coat health 🌟
Bone Broth: Rich in collagen, supports joint and bone health 💪
Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory properties help with arthritis and joint pain 🦵

Why These Ingredients Work for Dogs 🐾

The ingredients used in these treats are not just tasty—they’re beneficial for your dog’s overall health. For example, ground turkey provides essential amino acids and lean protein for muscle maintenance.

Pumpkin puree helps regulate your dog’s digestion, and chia seeds provide a boost of omega-3s for a shiny coat! These are ingredients that vets frequently recommend for canine health. Plus, they’re easy to digest and have low allergenic potential! 🌱

Trouble Shooting: Recipe Didn’t Work After Following Guide Above 🤔

If the recipe didn’t turn out as expected, it could be due to over-drying, under-mixing, or not following the correct temperature settings on your dehydrator.

Make sure to check the dehydrator’s temperature regularly, and perform the bend test for the perfect texture.

Health Concerns You Should Take Note of for This Recipe 🧑‍⚕️

Some dogs may have sensitivities to specific ingredients like turkey or oats. Always consult your vet before introducing new proteins into your dog’s diet, especially if they have underlying conditions like IBD or pancreatic insufficiency. Turmeric should be given in moderation—excessive amounts may irritate your dog’s digestive system.

Cost: How Affordable is This Recipe? 💰

Homemade treats are much more affordable than store-bought ones. For example, making 2 lbs of turkey sausage treats costs around $7.45, while equivalent commercial treats could cost up to $24.49! Save up to 70% with this recipe! 🐕💸

Convenience: How Simple is it to Make This Recipe? 🏡

This recipe is simple to make and requires just a few key ingredients and tools. With a little preparation, your dehydrator does most of the work for you!

Will All Dogs Like This Recipe? 🐩

While most dogs love turkey and pumpkin, each dog has their own preferences. Start with a small serving to test your dog’s reaction. If they love it, you’ve got a winner! 🐾

Cooking Techniques That Will Work For This Recipe 🍴

Dehydrating is the best method for creating safe, shelf-stable treats. If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can try baking at a low temperature, but dehydration preserves nutrients better and creates a chewier texture.

Portion Control: How Much Is Too Much? 🐕💡

For small dogs, serve a 1-inch treat, and for larger dogs, go for 2–3 inches. Remember, these are treats, not meals, so moderation is key!

Serving Suggestion:

Perfect as training rewards, treats for good behavior, or simply a healthy snack. But remember, treats should not replace your dog’s main meals.

FAQs

1. How long do these treats last?

Answer: If vacuum-sealed and stored properly, these treats can last up to 3 weeks in the fridge or 8 months in Mylar bags. Freeze-dried treats last even longer, up to 2 years.

2. Can I use a different protein for this recipe?

Answer: Yes! You can substitute turkey with chicken, beef, venison, or even rabbit, depending on your dog’s preferences and dietary needs.

3. Can I bake these treats instead of using a dehydrator?

Answer: Yes, you can bake them at a low temperature (around 160°F) for a few hours, but dehydration will give them a better texture and preserve more nutrients.

Final Thoughts ✨

This Easy DIY Turkey Sausage Dehydrator Dog Treats recipe is not only fun to make, but it’s also a super healthy snack for your dog!

🐕 With simple ingredients, easy steps, and a bit of patience, you can create treats that boost your dog’s health without breaking the bank. Try it today, and your pup will be wagging their tail in no time! 🦴