Dehydrated dog treats are a great way to give your furry friend long-lasting, healthy snacks. By removing moisture while preserving the nutrients, you get crunchy, preservative-free treats packed with flavor.
Whether you’re using a dehydrator or an air fryer, these simple, delicious recipes will help you make nutritious homemade treats your dog will adore!
Let’s get cooking!
Healthy Dehydrated Dog Treats Recipes
#1 Crunchy Sweet Potato Dog Chews
Sweet potato chews are a healthy, delicious treat for your dog, packed with fiber and vitamins that support digestive health while offering a naturally sweet flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Cut them into 1/4-inch thick slices. You can slice them lengthwise for larger chews or into rounds for smaller, bite-sized pieces.
- Dehydrate: Arrange the sweet potato slices on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they do not overlap. Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and dehydrate for 6-8 hours, or until they’re dry and leathery.
Air Fryer Method:
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Follow the same preparation steps.
- Air Fry: Place the slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the air fryer to 140°F (60°C) and air fry for 4-6 hours, adjusting time as necessary.
- Cool and Store: Let the chews cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can last for several weeks.
#2 Homemade Chicken Jerky Treats
These protein-packed chicken jerky treats are perfect for keeping your dog healthy and strong, making them an excellent option for training or rewarding your pup!
Ingredients:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts. Slice them into thin strips.
- Dehydrate: Arrange the chicken strips on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they do not touch. Set the dehydrator to 160°F (71°C) and dehydrate for 6-8 hours until the chicken is fully dry and brittle.
Air Fryer Method:
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken into strips as described.
- Air Fry: Place the strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the air fryer to 160°F (71°C) and air fry for 3-4 hours, checking for dryness and adjusting time as needed.
- Cool and Store: Once completely cooled, store the jerky in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen for longer shelf life.
#3 Crispy Apple Dog Treats
These crunchy, fiber-packed apple slices are a refreshing and healthy treat your dog will love, perfect for satisfying their snack cravings!
Ingredients:
- 4 large apples
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples: Wash the apples, remove the cores, and slice them into 1/6-inch thick rings.
- Dehydrate: Arrange the apple slices on dehydrator trays, ensuring they don’t overlap. Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and dehydrate for 6-8 hours until dry and leathery.
Air Fryer Method:
- Prepare the Apples: Follow the same preparation steps.
- Air Fry: Place the apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 140°F (60°C) and air fry for 4-5 hours.
- Cool and Store: Let the apple slices cool completely before storing in an airtight container. These treats will last for several weeks.
#4 Dehydrated Salmon Strips
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, these salmon strips are a great way to provide your dog with a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 salmon fillets (skinless)
Instructions:
Instructions:
- Prepare the Salmon: Slice the salmon fillets into thin strips.
- Dehydrate: Arrange the strips on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they do not overlap. Set the dehydrator to 160°F (70°C) and dehydrate for 4-5 hours, or until they are firm and dry.
- Cool and Store: Allow the salmon strips to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. These treats can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
Air Fryer Method: Place the salmon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 160°F (70°C) and air fry for 2-3 hours, checking periodically for dryness and adjusting time as needed.
#5 Dehydrated Blueberry and Apple Bites
This antioxidant-packed treat combines blueberries and apples for a sweet and healthy snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 apples (sliced and cored)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fruits: Wash the blueberries and slice the apples into thin rounds. Remove the cores.
- Dehydrate: Place the apple slices and blueberries on the dehydrator trays in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and dehydrate for 6-8 hours, or until the treats are crispy.
- Cool and Store: Let the bites cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. These treats will last for several weeks.
Air Fryer Method: Arrange the apple slices and blueberries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 140°F (60°C) and air fry for 3-4 hours, checking periodically for dryness and adjusting time as needed.
Common Dehydrating Methods
While the recipes in this article focus on the dehydrator and air fryer, there are other ways to dehydrate dog treats at home:
- Oven Dehydrating: If you don’t have a dehydrator or air fryer, you can still dehydrate treats in your regular oven. Set the oven to the lowest temperature (usually around 170°F or 75°C) and arrange the treats on a baking sheet in a single layer. Keep the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape and bake for several hours, checking every 30 minutes to ensure they don’t burn.
- Sun Dehydrating: In hot, dry climates, you can dehydrate treats using the sun. Lay the ingredients on a clean, dry surface like a mesh tray or cookie sheet. Make sure to cover them with a fine mesh to keep insects away. Sun-drying can take a full day or more depending on weather conditions.
Benefits of Specific Ingredients in Dehydrated Treats
Each ingredient used in these recipes offers specific health benefits for your dog. Here’s a closer look:
- Sweet Potatoes: High in fiber and vitamin A, sweet potatoes support digestion and immune function. They are also a good source of beta-carotene, which helps maintain healthy vision and skin.
- Chicken: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps with muscle development and repair. It’s also low in fat, making it a good option for dogs who need a leaner diet.
- Carrots: Carrots are low in calories but packed with vitamin A, which supports vision, and fiber, which aids in digestion. They also help clean your dog’s teeth due to their crunchy texture.
- Apples: Apples are a source of vitamins A and C, and they contain fiber, which helps regulate digestion. They’re a sweet treat that also promotes oral health, as their crunchiness can help remove plaque from your dog’s teeth.
To make the article even more informative, you could consider adding the following sections and details:
Customizing Dehydrated Treats for Your Dog’s Diet
Every dog has different dietary needs, so it’s important to make sure the treats are suited to their individual health and preferences:
- Grain-Free: If your dog has allergies or sensitivities to grains, simply replace oat flour or other grains with coconut flour or almond flour. These are grain-free alternatives that provide a similar texture and consistency to traditional flours.
- Low-Fat: For dogs that need to cut back on fat, such as those with pancreatitis or obesity, you can make low-fat versions by using lean chicken breast or turkey and avoiding high-fat ingredients like oils or fatty cuts of meat.
- Limited Ingredient: If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, consider using just one ingredient for dehydrated treats, such as single-ingredient chicken jerky or sweet potato chews, to keep things simple and easy on their digestive system.
How to Introduce New Treats to Your Dog
When introducing new treats to your dog, especially dehydrated ones, it’s important to do so gradually. Here’s how:
- Start Slow: Introduce the new treat in small amounts. Watch for any signs of digestive upset, like vomiting or diarrhea, which could indicate an allergy or sensitivity.
- Monitor Their Reaction: Keep an eye on your dog’s behavior and stool consistency. If they seem to tolerate the treat well, you can gradually increase the portion size.
- Be Mindful of Treat Size: Some dehydrated treats, like sweet potato chews, can be quite large, so it’s important to break them into smaller pieces to avoid overfeeding, especially for smaller dogs.
Signs Your Dog May Be Overeating Dehydrated Treats
While dehydrated treats are healthy, it’s easy to overindulge. Here’s how to tell if your dog might be eating too many:
- Weight Gain: If you notice your dog gaining weight or becoming less active, it may be a sign that they’re getting too many treats. Remember, treats should make up no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake.
- Digestive Upset: If your dog experiences gas, bloating, or changes in their stool (diarrhea or constipation), it might be a sign they’re having too many treats or a treat they’re not used to.
- Loss of Appetite: Sometimes, if your dog is overfed treats, they may lose interest in their regular meals. Make sure treats are given in moderation and don’t replace their balanced diet.
Conclusion
Dehydrated dog treats are a healthy, nutritious option that you can make at home. These recipes are a simple way to spoil your pup with delicious snacks, packed with vitamins and fiber. Whether you’re making sweet potato chews, chicken jerky, or apple slices, these dehydrated treats will provide your dog with long-lasting, wholesome treats that are free from artificial additives or preservatives. Customize the ingredients to meet your dog’s dietary needs and enjoy knowing exactly what’s in every bite!