Homemade chicken jerky for dogs can be an easy and healthy treat to make at home, perfect for dogs with food allergies or specific dietary requirements. Other meats may also work depending on your preferences.
Bake the treats in a preheated oven until they become crunchy and dry, which may take anywhere from 30 to 120 minutes depending on your oven and the thickness of your chicken strips.
Contents
Ingredients
Homemade chicken jerky is an easy and cost-effective way to provide your dog with delicious treats that are healthy for them and customized specifically to their taste buds. Plus, this recipe only requires minimal ingredients!
This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts. As they contain lean proteins to build muscle and promote overall health, as well as Omega-6 fatty acids and glucosamine to strengthen bones and teeth, this dish provides your pup with an ideal source of nutrition.
If you don’t own a dehydrator, an oven can still produce delicious homemade jerky. While cooking it at lower temperatures and longer, the result should still be satisfying; when done it should bend and crack without breaking in half. Keep in mind though that homemade jerky without preservatives only lasts up to two weeks on the counter unless stored in the fridge where its shelf life can extend further.
Preparation
Chicken dog treats are an easy, cost-effective solution for providing your pups with something tasty to chew on that doesn’t contain chemicals and extra salt. Plus, making your own saves both money and time when compared with store bought jerky!
When cutting chicken breasts for your dogs, try cutting with the grain for optimal chewiness and longevity. Freezing may make this step simpler for easier slicing.
Cooking times may differ slightly; therefore it’s wise to check on it every half hour until your jerky reaches a soft orange hue with an audible snap when broken and is fairly dry yet firm. If it appears too soft for your liking, continue baking it for one more hour; once cool use kitchen scissors or pizza cutter to cut into strips for serving!
Cooking
By following this quick and simple recipe, you can easily make all-natural dog treats yourself at home using all-natural ingredients. Home-made treats are much healthier than store bought options because you control what goes in them; plus you can tailor the flavors specifically for your pups’ taste – including cinnamon for blood sugar regulation or turmeric which promotes joint, digestion and heart health!
Avoiding extra salt found in commercial chicken jerky sold to humans is another benefit of making dog-safe versions of these chews, thanks to longer cooking times and lower temperatures used when creating them.
This recipe can be prepared using any meat, but chicken is an ideal option as it is lean and provides healthy protein to your pup. Livers and gizzards may be suitable alternatives; just ensure they have been thoroughly cooked beforehand to kill all harmful bacteria, making the entire experience less choppy for digestion by your pet.
Storage
Homemade jerky can provide your dog with an easily-digestible source of high-protein, low-fat nutrition. Unlike commercial chews, homemade jerky is made with all-natural ingredients you control – plus using an air fryer makes the process even simpler! Additionally, this process is useful in dehydrating other meats like turkey organs and gizzards!
After being thoroughly dried, your jerky will take on an orangish hue and texture similar to leather, snapping when bent and being somewhat brittle. This recipe yields about 27 pieces.
Keep in mind that homemade chicken jerky should only be offered in moderation as part of your dog’s healthy diet. Homemade jerky typically lasts approximately two weeks in an airtight container before needing to be frozen for extended storage. If reheating is desired, microwave for 30 seconds (depending on oven and thickness of slices).
