10 Dehydrated Dog Treats You Can Make at Home: Easy and Healthy Recipes for Your Pup

Dehydrated Dog Treats – Store-bought dog treats often have preservatives, fillers, and ingredients you can’t pronounce. Making treats at home lets you control exactly what goes into your dog’s snacks.

Dehydrated dog treats are simple to prepare, last for weeks when stored properly, and use basic ingredients like chicken, sweet potatoes, and fruits.

You don’t need fancy equipment to get started. You can make dehydrated dog treats in your oven by setting it to the lowest temperature, around 180 degrees F.

A food dehydrator makes the process easier, but it’s not required. I’ve put together ten recipes that range from simple meat and veggie options to more creative combinations.

These treats are great for training, rewarding good behavior, or just showing your pup some love. Each recipe uses wholesome ingredients and takes minimal hands-on time.

Key Takeaways

• Homemade dehydrated dog treats let you avoid preservatives and control ingredients for your dog’s health.
• You can make these treats using either a dehydrator or your regular oven set to low heat.
• Simple recipes using meat, vegetables, and fruits create nutritious snacks your dog will enjoy.

Benefits of Homemade Dehydrated Dog Treats

Making dehydrated dog treats at home gives you complete control over what your dog eats. It can also save you money.

You can adjust recipes to fit your dog’s specific health needs. This flexibility is a big plus for pups with allergies or sensitivities.

Control Over Ingredients

When you make treats at home, you know exactly what goes into each batch. Store-bought treats often have preservatives, artificial colors, and fillers you probably want to avoid.

You can choose lean meats like chicken, turkey, beef, and fish that are free from bones and skin. Fresh fruits and veggies add even more variety.

Ingredients to avoid in homemade treats:

• Artificial preservatives
• Added sugars
• Chemical additives
• Mystery meat sources
• Excessive salt

If possible, pick organic produce and use high-quality proteins from trusted sources. This way, there are no hidden ingredients that might upset your dog’s stomach or cause allergies.

Cost Savings

Dehydrated dog treats from pet stores can be pricey, sometimes $15-30 per pound. Making them at home is much more affordable.

Buy meat in bulk when it’s on sale and dehydrate large batches at once. A pound of chicken breast for $3-4 can make a lot of jerky treats.

Sweet potatoes are budget-friendly and make dozens of chews. My dehydrator paid for itself after a few months of regular use.

Customization for Dietary Needs

Customizing recipes helps you address your dog’s specific health concerns. Dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs benefit from single-ingredient treats that cut out problem foods.

If your dog needs more protein, go for meat-based recipes. For weight management, use more veggies and fruits.

You can make grain-free options or low-fat versions for dogs with special needs. This level of personalization just isn’t possible with most store-bought treats.

Essential Equipment and Ingredients

Making dehydrated dog treats at home is pretty straightforward with the right tools and safe ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Choosing a Dehydrator vs. Oven

A dedicated dehydrator is my top pick because it keeps temperatures low and air moving for even drying. You can find dehydrators at a reasonable price, and they give you more control than an oven.

If you don’t have a dehydrator, your oven works too. Set it to the lowest temperature, ideally around 150-170°F.

Keep the oven door slightly open so moisture can escape and the treats dry instead of bake. Dehydrators usually run at 145°F for fruits and veggies, and up to 175°F for meats.

Recommended Dog-Safe Ingredients

Stick with simple, whole ingredients that are safe for dogs. Meats like chicken, turkey, beef, and salmon are awesome for protein-packed treats.

Sweet potatoes, carrots, and green beans are great veggie choices. Fruits like apples (seeds removed), bananas, and blueberries are tasty and safe.

Pumpkin is a favorite for many dogs, and a little peanut butter (without xylitol) is fine. Avoid onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and anything with artificial sweeteners.

Storage and Shelf Life Tips

Store dehydrated treats in airtight containers to keep them fresh. Glass jars or food-grade plastic containers both work well.

Fully dehydrated dog treats last 2-4 weeks at room temperature if kept cool and dry. You can refrigerate them for longer shelf life or freeze them for up to six months.

If you notice moisture, mold, or a weird smell, toss the treats. Properly dried dehydrated dog treats should be hard and crisp, not soft or sticky.

10 Dehydrated Dog Treats Recipes

Making dehydrated dog treats at home is easier than you might think. Each recipe uses simple ingredients and requires minimal prep.

Chicken Jerky Bites

Chicken jerky is one of the simplest dehydrated dog treats. Just grab boneless, skinless chicken breasts from the store.

Slice the chicken into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Thinner strips dry faster and get crispier.

Lay the strips on your dehydrator trays without overlapping. Set the temperature to 160°F and let them dry for 8 to 12 hours.

If you’re using an oven, set it to the lowest temperature, around 180°F. The jerky is done when it bends but doesn’t break.

Store chicken jerky in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Sweet Potato Chews

Sweet potatoes make awesome healthy dog treats loaded with vitamins and fiber. Dogs love these chewy snacks.

Wash the sweet potatoes and slice them lengthwise into strips about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. You can leave the skin on for extra nutrients.

Thicker slices make chewier treats, while thinner ones get crispier. Arrange the slices on dehydrator trays and dry at 135°F for 10 to 14 hours.

Flip them halfway through for even drying. The finished chews should be leathery and bendy, not crispy.

Store sweet potato chews in an airtight container at room temperature for several weeks.

Beef Liver Slivers

Beef liver is packed with nutrients and dogs go nuts for it. Grab some fresh liver from the butcher and rinse it under cold water.

Cut the liver into thin strips or small pieces about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Pat them dry with paper towels to speed up drying.

Dehydrate at 160°F for 6 to 10 hours until they’re dry and brittle. The liver should snap when you break it.

Store liver treats in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three weeks. They have a strong smell, so keep them well sealed.

Pumpkin Strips

Plain canned pumpkin or fresh pumpkin makes a gentle treat for sensitive stomachs. I like using fresh pumpkin when it’s in season.

For fresh pumpkin, cut it into thin slices and take out the seeds. For canned pumpkin, spread it thinly on parchment-lined dehydrator trays or a silicone mat.

Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness for even drying. Dehydrate at 135°F for 8 to 12 hours.

The pumpkin should be totally dry and brittle when done. Store these treats in a sealed container.

Pumpkin treats are great for dogs with digestive issues and last up to two weeks at room temperature.

Flavorful and Nutritious Additions

Fruits and veggies bring natural sweetness and vitamins to homemade dehydrated dog treats. You can mix produce with proteins for tasty snacks your dog will love.

Blueberry and Banana Chips

These fruity chips are super easy to make and dogs love the sweet flavor. Blueberries and bananas are both safe and full of vitamins.

Mash one ripe banana and mix in half a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries. Spread the mixture thinly on dehydrator trays lined with non-stick sheets.

Dehydrate at 135°F for about 8 to 10 hours. Check halfway through to make sure they’re drying evenly.

Key benefits:

• Blueberries give antioxidants
• Bananas have potassium and fiber
• No added sugar needed

Once dry and crispy, break them into bite-sized pieces. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Salmon Snack Squares

Salmon is awesome for dogs because it’s loaded with omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coats. I usually use canned salmon, but fresh works too.

Drain one can of salmon and remove any bones. Mix it with one egg and half a cup of oat flour to make a thick paste.

Spread the mixture about 1/4 inch thick on lined dehydrator trays. Dry at 145°F for 6 to 8 hours.

Cut into small squares when finished. The smell is strong, so run your dehydrator in a well-ventilated space.

These protein-packed snacks are always a hit with my pup.

Carrot Apple Treats

Carrots and apples make a crunchy combo that’s great for dental health. I shred two medium carrots and one apple (with the core removed) using a food processor.

Next, I mix the shredded veggies with a tablespoon of coconut oil to help everything stick together. Then I scoop the mixture onto dehydrator trays in small mounds or spread it out thin.

These treats dry in about 5 to 7 hours at 135°F. I flip them once during drying for even results.

The finished treats have a nice crunch that helps clean teeth while my dog chews. Adding just a couple of ingredients keeps things simple and boosts nutrition.

Fun and Unique Treat Ideas

I like trying out flavors my dog doesn’t get every day. These three recipes mix things up and make training sessions more exciting.

Peanut Butter Medallions

I mix equal parts unsweetened peanut butter and mashed banana to make a smooth paste. The combo gives the treats a natural sweetness dogs love.

I spread the mixture about 1/4 inch thick on parchment-lined dehydrator trays. Then I use a small cookie cutter or bottle cap to press out circles before dehydrating.

I set my dehydrator to 145°F and let them dry for 8-10 hours. I keep it simple with just peanut butter and banana.

Important: Always use xylitol-free peanut butter, since xylitol is toxic to dogs. I check the ingredient label every time I buy a new jar.

Turkey and Cranberry Slices

I slice lean turkey breast into thin strips and press dried cranberries into the meat before dehydrating. This combo gives my dog a taste of holiday dinners.

Be sure to use fresh or unsweetened dried cranberries without added sugar. I place one or two cranberries on each turkey strip and press them gently so they stick.

I dehydrate these at 165°F for 6-8 hours until the meat is completely dry and brittle. Lean cuts work best since fat can spoil faster.

These treats store well in an airtight container for up to two weeks in the pantry or one month in the fridge.

Zucchini Chips for Dogs

I slice zucchini into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick, using a mandoline or a sharp knife. These make crunchy, low-calorie treats for dogs who need to watch their weight.

I arrange the slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays, making sure they don’t overlap. I keep them plain since dogs don’t need extra salt or spices.

I dehydrate the zucchini at 135°F for 6-8 hours until they’re crispy like chips. The chips break easily, so I store them in a rigid container to prevent crushing.