Dehydrated Dog Treat Recipes

Dehydrated dog treats are a fantastic way to provide your furry friend with healthy, long-lasting snacks.

Dehydration preserves the nutritional content of ingredients while removing moisture, resulting in crunchy treats that dogs love.

These treats are not only tasty but also free from preservatives and artificial additives, making them a safe and wholesome option.

Here are a few easy and nutritious dehydrated dog treat recipes you can try at home, with options for using an air fryer instead of a dehydrator.

Dehydrated Sweet Potato Chews

Sweet potato chews are a nutritious and tasty treat that dogs love. Packed with vitamins and fiber, sweet potatoes promote digestive health and provide essential nutrients. These chews are easy to make and offer a natural sweetness that appeals to dogs, making them a perfect healthy reward.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and cut them into 1/4-inch thick slices. You can slice them lengthwise for larger chews or into rounds for smaller bites.
2. 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 the sweet potatoes are dry and leathery.

Air Fryer Method:

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Follow the same preparation steps as above.
2. Air Fry: Place the sweet potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 140°F (60°C) and air fry for 4-6 hours, checking for dryness and adjusting time as needed.
3. Cool and Store: Allow the sweet potato chews to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. These chews can last for several weeks.

Dehydrated Chicken Jerky

Chicken jerky is a protein-packed treat that dogs adore. Made from lean chicken breast, this jerky is rich in essential nutrients and helps maintain muscle health. It’s a great, low-fat option that provides a satisfying chew, making it an ideal treat for training and rewarding your furry friend.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. Slice the chicken into thin strips, about 1/4-inch thick.
2. Dehydrate: Place the chicken strips on the dehydrator trays, making sure they do not touch. Set the dehydrator to 160°F (71°C) and dehydrate for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is completely dry and brittle.

Air Fryer Method:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Follow the same preparation steps as above.
2. Air Fry: Place the chicken 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.
3. Cool and Store: Let the chicken jerky cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or frozen for longer shelf life.

Dehydrated Apple Slices

Apple slices are a refreshing and healthy treat for dogs. Apples are rich in vitamins A and C and provide a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion. These naturally sweet treats are easy to prepare and offer a crunchy texture that dogs enjoy, making them a perfect guilt-free snack.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 large apples (any variety)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apples: Wash the apples and remove the cores. Slice the apples into 1/8-inch thick rings.
2. Dehydrate: Arrange the apple 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 the apples are dry and leathery.

Air Fryer Method:

1. Prepare the Apples: Follow the same preparation steps as above.
2. Air Fry: Place the apple slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the air fryer to 140°F (60°C) and air fry for 4-5 hours, checking for dryness and adjusting time as needed.
3. Cool and Store: Allow the apple slices to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. These treats can last for several weeks.

Dehydrated Liver Treats

Liver treats are a nutrient-dense option that dogs find irresistible. Packed with vitamins and minerals like iron and vitamin A, liver supports overall health and vitality. These treats are rich in flavor and provide a high-quality protein source, making them an excellent choice for a nutritious snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of beef or chicken liver

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Liver: Rinse the liver under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Slice the liver into thin strips, about 1/4-inch thick.
2. Dehydrate: Place the liver strips on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they do not touch. Set the dehydrator to 160°F (71°C) and dehydrate for 6-8 hours, or until the liver is dry and brittle.

Air Fryer Method:

1. Prepare the Liver: Follow the same preparation steps as above.
2. Air Fry: Place the liver 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.
3. Cool and Store: Let the liver treats cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. These treats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or frozen for longer storage.

Dehydrated Vegetable Treats

Vegetable treats offer a variety of nutrients and flavors that dogs enjoy. Combining carrots, zucchini, and sweet potatoes, these treats provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are easy to make and offer a crunchy texture that helps with dental health, making them a wholesome snack for your pet.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 large carrots
• 1-2 zucchinis
• 1 sweet potato (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Peel the carrots and sweet potato (if using). Slice all vegetables into 1/4-inch thick rounds or sticks.
2. Dehydrate: Arrange the vegetable 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 the vegetables are dry and crispy.

Air Fryer Method:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Follow the same preparation steps as above.
2. Air Fry: Place the vegetable 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, checking for dryness and adjusting time as needed.
3. Cool and Store: Allow the vegetable treats to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. These treats can last for several weeks.

Dehydrated Beef Jerky

Beef jerky is a high-protein treat that dogs love. Made from lean cuts of beef, this jerky is rich in essential amino acids and helps maintain muscle mass. It’s a flavorful and satisfying snack that provides a long-lasting chew, perfect for rewarding and treating your dog.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of lean beef (sirloin, flank steak, or round steak)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef: Rinse the beef and pat it dry with paper towels. Slice the beef into thin strips, about 1/4-inch thick. Trim off any excess fat.
2. Dehydrate: Place the beef strips on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they do not touch. Set the dehydrator to 160°F (71°C) and dehydrate for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is dry and brittle.

Air Fryer Method:

1. Prepare the Beef: Follow the same preparation steps as above.
2. Air Fry: Place the beef 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.
3. Cool and Store: Let the beef jerky cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. These treats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or frozen for longer storage.

Dehydrated Fish Jerky

Fish jerky is a delicious and nutritious treat packed with omega-3 fatty acids that support skin and coat health. Made from fish fillets, this jerky provides a unique flavor that dogs find irresistible. It’s a great option for a healthy snack that promotes overall well-being.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of fish fillets (salmon, tilapia, or whitefish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fish: Rinse the fish fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. Slice the fish into thin strips, about 1/4-inch thick.
2. Dehydrate: Place the fish strips on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they do not touch. Set the dehydrator to 145°F (63°C) and dehydrate for 6-8 hours, or until the fish is dry and brittle.

Air Fryer Method:

1. Prepare the Fish: Follow the same preparation steps as above.
2. Air Fry: Place the fish strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the air fryer to 145°F (63°C) and air fry for 3-4 hours, checking for dryness and adjusting time as needed.
3. Cool and Store: Let the fish jerky cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. These treats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or frozen for longer storage.

Peanut Butter Banana Chips for Dogs

Peanut butter banana chips are a delightful and nutritious treat that dogs love. Combining the natural sweetness of bananas with the rich flavor of peanut butter, these treats are easy to make and perfect for rewarding your furry friend.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 ripe bananas
• 1/4 cup of natural peanut butter (ensure it’s xylitol-free)

Instructions:

Cool and Store: Allow the peanut butter banana chips to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. These treats can last for several weeks.

Prepare the Bananas: Peel the bananas and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds.

Coat with Peanut Butter: Place the banana slices in a bowl and gently toss them with the peanut butter until they are evenly coated.

Dehydrate:

Dehydrator Method: Arrange the peanut butter-coated banana 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 the bananas are dry and crispy.

Air Fryer Method: Place the banana slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the air fryer to 135°F (57°C) and air fry for 4-6 hours, checking for dryness and adjusting time as needed.