If you’ve ever side-eyed those store-bought dog treats with ingredients you can’t pronounce, it’s time to take things into your own hands—literally.
These dehydrated veggie chews are simple, wholesome, and totally dog-approved. Zucchini, carrots, sweet potatoes—just real food turned into chewy, crunchy goodness with nothing weird added.
You don’t need fancy skills, just a knife, some patience, and whatever you’ve got: a dehydrator, oven, or air fryer. Bonus: your kitchen’s about to smell amazing.
Dehydrated Zucchini Dog Chews
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Benefits |
|---|---|
| 1 large zucchini | Low-calorie, rich in fiber and vitamins |
| 2 tsp olive oil | Healthy fats for coat and skin |
Preparation Steps
1. Wash and Prep the Zucchini
Wash the zucchini thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or residue. Pat dry with a clean towel. Leaving the skin on provides additional nutrients and fiber.
2. Slice Evenly
Slice the zucchini into thin rounds, approximately ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Thinner slices will crisp up nicely, while slightly thicker slices remain chewy—perfect for dogs who love a satisfying chew. Aim for uniform slices for even dehydration.
3. Optional Step: Olive Oil Coating
In a bowl, toss the zucchini slices lightly with olive oil. This step adds healthy fats and improves flavor but can be skipped if your dog prefers simpler treats.
Choose Your Drying Method
#1 Dehydrator Method
- Arrange zucchini slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Set your dehydrator to 90°F (or the lowest possible setting).
- Dehydrate for approximately 8–10 hours or until slices are dry and chewy.
- Tip: Rotate trays halfway through dehydration for even drying.
#2 Air Fryer Method
- Lay zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Set your air fryer to 90°F (or lowest possible setting).
- Dehydrate for about 4–5 hours, checking regularly after 4 hours.
- They’re ready when edges are slightly crisp, but slices remain flexible and chewy.
- Note: Times vary by air fryer; adjust accordingly.
#3 Oven Method
- Preheat oven to lowest temperature setting (typically 170°F–200°F).
- Place slices in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Dehydrate for 3–5 hours, flipping slices halfway through drying.
- Prop oven door slightly open to prevent overheating.
- Check regularly after 3 hours to achieve desired chewiness.
Dehydrated Carrots for Dogs
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Fresh carrots (organic) | High in fiber, beta-carotene, vitamins & minerals |
Preparation Steps
1. Wash and Prep the Carrots
Scrub carrots well under running water to remove dirt. Organic carrots are preferable, as they’ll have fewer contaminants. Peeling carrots is optional, as the peel adds extra nutrients and texture.
2. Slice Evenly
Cut carrots into uniform slices or thin sticks, about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Uniformity ensures even drying, preventing some pieces from becoming too dry while others remain moist.
3. Blanch for Texture (Optional but Recommended)
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Blanch carrot slices or sticks for about 2–3 minutes to soften slightly and enhance nutrient retention. Immediately transfer carrots into ice-cold water to halt the cooking process. Drain thoroughly and pat dry.
Choose Your Drying Method
#1 Dehydrator Method
- Spread carrot slices evenly on dehydrator trays without overlapping.
- Set dehydrator to approximately 90°F (lowest setting).
- Dehydrate carrots for about 10–12 hours until they’re firm yet slightly flexible.
- Tip: Rotate trays mid-way for consistent drying.
#2 Air Fryer Method
- Place carrot slices in a single layer in air fryer basket.
- Set air fryer to lowest setting (around 90°F).
- Dehydrate for 5–7 hours, checking slices after 5 hours.
- Carrots should be firm but still bend slightly when done.
- Adjust time based on your specific air fryer model.
#3 Oven Method
- Set oven to lowest temperature (usually 170°F–200°F).
- Arrange carrot slices on a wire rack placed on a baking sheet.
- Dehydrate carrots for 4–6 hours, flipping halfway through.
- Leave the oven door cracked to allow moisture escape.
- Check carrots regularly after the 4-hour mark to prevent over-drying.
Dehydrated Sweet Potato Dog Chews
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Benefits |
|---|---|
| 5 medium sweet potatoes | High in fiber, beta-carotene, and complex carbohydrates |
| Cinnamon (optional) | Adds a pleasant aroma dogs often love |
Preparation Steps
1. Wash and Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Scrub each sweet potato under cool running water until thoroughly clean. The skins can be left on for additional fiber and texture, or peeled if your dog prefers a smoother chew.
2. Slice Uniformly
Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform slices about ¼ to ⅓ inch thick. Uniform slices help ensure even drying—thinner slices become crispier, thicker slices offer a chewier treat.
3. Blanching (Recommended)
Boil water in a large pot and carefully add sweet potato slices. Blanch for 4–6 minutes to soften edges and maintain nutritional integrity. Immediately transfer slices to cold water to stop the cooking. After cooling, drain and pat dry thoroughly.
Choose Your Drying Method
#1 Dehydrator Method
- Arrange slices on dehydrator trays without overlap.
- Dehydrate at around 90°F for 10–12 hours.
- Flip halfway for even drying.
- Optionally sprinkle with cinnamon before drying.
#2 Air Fryer Method
- Place slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket.
- Dehydrate at lowest setting (~90°F) for about 6 hours.
- Check after 5 hours; slices should be slightly crisp yet flexible.
#3 Oven Method
- Preheat oven to lowest temperature (170°F–200°F).
- Arrange slices on wire rack over baking sheet.
- Dry for 4–6 hours, flipping midway.
- Keep oven door slightly open if it gets too hot.
- Regularly check after 4 hours to prevent over-drying.
Feeding Guidelines
Offer treats in moderation. Dehydrated veggie treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Small dogs: 1-2 pieces/day; medium dogs: 2-4 pieces/day; large dogs: 4-6 pieces/day.
Storage and Serving Tips
Store treats in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Properly dried treats last up to 3 weeks at room temperature or 2 months refrigerated. For longer storage, freeze them up to 6 months. Thaw before serving.
Benefits of the Treats
- Provides essential vitamins and minerals.
- High fiber content supports digestion.
- Chewy texture helps maintain dental hygiene.
FAQs
Can dogs eat dehydrated vegetables daily?
Yes, but always in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
Are these treats suitable for puppies?
Introduce gradually after puppies are fully weaned and comfortable chewing solid foods.
Do dehydrated veggies lose nutrients?
Minimal nutrients are lost. Blanching beforehand can help retain more nutrients.
Should I rehydrate the treats before giving them to my dog?
No need—dogs typically enjoy the chewy texture of dehydrated veggies.
Final Words
That’s it—your homemade veggie treat stash is officially stocked.
They’re healthy, budget-friendly, and honestly kind of fun to make. Whether your pup loves a chewy bite or a crisp crunch, these veggies deliver. And the best part? You know exactly what’s in them.
Store ’em, freeze ’em, hand ’em out like doggy gold. You just leveled up your treat game—no preservatives, no guilt, just tail-wagging goodness.