Natural Dehydrated Dog Treats

Natural dehydrated dog treats are an excellent choice for if you’re looking to provide your pets with healthy, homemade alternatives to store-bought treats.

These treats not only offer great nutritional value, but they are also free from harmful chemicals, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.

In this article, you’ll learn how to make a simple and nutritious dehydrated dog treat for your furry friend, along with important tips on safety and ingredient selection.

The Benefits of Dehydrated Dog Treats

Dehydrated dog treats offer a variety of benefits that make them a superior choice over commercial dog treats:

• Nutrient Preservation: Dehydration preserves most of the nutrients in the ingredients. Unlike baking or frying, the drying process retains vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that are important for your dog’s health.
  
• Low in Fat: Many dehydrated treats are leaner and contain less fat, which can help your dog maintain a healthy weight.
  
• Long Shelf Life: Dehydrated treats have a much longer shelf life than fresh treats, making them convenient for bulk preparation.
  
• Fewer Additives: By making your own dehydrated dog treats, you avoid artificial additives, colors, and preservatives that could be harmful to your dog.
  

Making your own dehydrated dog treats is easy, cost-effective, and allows you to control what your dog consumes. Below, we’ll dive into a simple recipe to get you started.

Recipe: Dehydrated Chicken Heart & Liver Dog Treats

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (depending on the dehydrator or oven temperature)

Tools Needed

• Dehydrator (or oven)
• Knife and cutting board
• Cooking spray (optional)
• Coconut oil (optional, for spraying on treats)
• Air-tight container for storage

Ingredients Needed

• 1 pound of chicken hearts
• 1 pound of chicken livers
• Coconut oil (optional, for spraying)

Note: Chicken hearts and livers are nutrient-dense, providing high amounts of protein, vitamins A and B, and essential minerals like iron and zinc.

How to Make Step by Step

Step One: Preparing the Ingredients

Start by cleaning and preparing the chicken hearts and livers. Place the chicken hearts and livers on a cutting board. Trim away any excess fat or connective tissue from the hearts. You don’t need to remove the skin from the livers, but ensure that they are cleaned thoroughly.

Step Two: Cutting the Meats

Cut the chicken hearts and livers into bite-sized pieces. You can either chop them into thin slices or small cubes, depending on your dog’s chewing preference. For smaller dogs, you may want to cut them into smaller pieces.

Step Three: Spraying with Coconut Oil (Optional)

For an extra layer of protection and to help the meat dry evenly, lightly spray the pieces with a fine mist of coconut oil. This will not only help in the dehydration process but will also add a little healthy fat to the treat.

Step Four: Dehydrating the Treats

Now, place the prepared meat pieces onto your dehydrator trays, ensuring that they don’t overlap. If using an oven, set the pieces on a baking rack and place them on a baking sheet to catch any drips.

• Dehydrator Method: Set your dehydrator to 160°F (71°C). The drying process typically takes around 6 to 8 hours, depending on the size of the meat pieces and your dehydrator model.
  
• Oven Method: If using an oven, preheat it to the lowest temperature setting (typically around 150°F or 65°C). Place the meat pieces on the rack and bake for 6-8 hours. Flip the treats every few hours for even dehydration.
  

Step Five: Testing the Treats

After 6 to 8 hours, test one of the pieces by breaking it in half. The treat should be firm and dry with no moisture remaining. If the meat feels soft or chewy, it needs more time to dehydrate.

Step Six: Storing the Treats

Once the treats are fully dehydrated, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks or frozen for longer shelf life.

Feeding Size

Start by offering your dog small pieces of the treat, especially if it’s their first time having dehydrated treats. The size of the treat will depend on your dog’s size and age. Generally, small dogs can have 1-2 small pieces per day, while larger dogs can have 3-4 pieces per day. Always monitor your dog after introducing new treats to their diet.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: For longer storage, place the treats in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 6 months in the freezer.

Nutrition Values Estimated

Chicken hearts and livers are rich in protein, iron, and essential vitamins, making them a nutrient-packed treat for your dog.

Safety Precautions for this Recipe

When preparing homemade dog treats, it’s essential to follow safety precautions to ensure that the treats are safe for your pet:

• Avoid Overfeeding: Dehydrated treats are more concentrated than fresh food, so ensure you’re not overfeeding them to your dog. Keep track of their daily caloric intake to prevent obesity.
  
• Supervision: Always supervise your dog when giving them a new treat. Dehydrated treats can be tougher to chew, especially for small dogs, so make sure your dog is handling them well.
  
• Clean Equipment: Make sure all utensils, cutting boards, and equipment are properly cleaned to avoid contamination.
  
• Proper Storage: Store the treats in an airtight container to prevent bacterial growth or spoilage. If you see any signs of mold or bad smell, discard the treats immediately.
  

Ingredients to Avoid for this Recipe

While chicken hearts and livers are excellent choices for dehydrated treats, there are some ingredients that should be avoided due to their potential harm to dogs:

• Garlic & Onion: These common kitchen ingredients are toxic to dogs and can cause a range of health issues, including digestive upset and even red blood cell damage.
  
• Salt: Excessive sodium is harmful to dogs and can lead to kidney problems, high blood pressure, and dehydration. Always avoid adding salt or salty ingredients like bacon.
  
• Artificial Additives: Preservatives, food coloring, and artificial sweeteners (like xylitol) should never be included in dog treats as they can be harmful to their health.
  
• Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause poisoning.
  

Always stick to natural, whole-food ingredients for your dog’s treats, and avoid anything that could be harmful.

Understand How Healthy Dog Treats Should Be Made

When making homemade dog treats, it’s crucial to understand the balance between nutrition and safety:

• Protein: Dogs need protein for muscle growth, energy, and healthy coat maintenance. Using meats like chicken hearts, liver, or beef provides high-quality protein.
  
• Healthy Fats: Fats are important for energy and overall health. However, it’s important to use healthy fats like those found in coconut oil, salmon, and flaxseeds.
  
• Low in Additives: Healthy treats should avoid preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors. The goal is to create a treat that’s as natural as possible.
  
• Moderation: Even though these treats are healthy, they should still be given in moderation. Too much of any treat, even a natural one, can upset your dog’s digestive system or lead to weight gain.

Can I use other meats for dehydrated treats?

Yes! You can use other meats like beef, turkey, or duck, but make sure to remove any bones before dehydrating. These meats are also rich in protein and can be dehydrated in the same way as chicken hearts and livers.

How long can I store dehydrated dog treats?

Dehydrated dog treats can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks, or frozen for up to 6 months. Just make sure they are stored in an airtight container to preserve freshness.

Can I add vegetables to the dehydrated treats?

Yes, you can add dog-safe vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or green beans. However, vegetables may require different dehydration times, so make sure to check their texture regularly during the drying process.

Are these treats suitable for dogs with allergies?

Chicken hearts and livers are generally safe for most dogs, but always check with your veterinarian before introducing new ingredients, especially if your dog has known food allergies.

Final Thoughts

Homemade dehydrated dog treats are a great way to ensure your dog gets the best quality snacks while avoiding unnecessary additives and chemicals.

This simple chicken heart and liver recipe is not only healthy but packed with essential nutrients.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and start making these nutritious treats for your pup today! Your dog will thank you, and you’ll feel great knowing you’re giving them the very best.