Jerky is a great snack for your dog, and when you choose the right beef jerky dog treats recipe, it can even be healthy!

Most jerky made for human consumption includes added salt, preservatives, and spices that can be dangerous for our pups. That’s why dogs should only eat jerky made specifically for the canine palette. So, we decided to take on the challenge of finding beef jerky for dogs recipes!

We tried and tested a range of homemade dog jerky recipes and here are 4 of our favorite ways to make jerky for dogs.

1. Homemade Beef Jerky for Dogs Recipe

This beef jerky recipe for dogs was so simple because it only includes a few ingredients, and I am lucky enough to have an organic butcher nearby who actually sold the beef, organ, and bone mix preblended.

Using organs is really good for your dogs because it gives them a wide range of vitamins and nutrients. If you can’t get your hands on organ meats, you can make this an only ground beef jerky dog treat recipe. You can store for 3 weeks in the cupboard or longer if you keep refrigerated. This recipe is from What Great Grandma Ate

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 hours

Ingredients

• 1 lb equal parts ground beef, organ meat, and ground bone (Can use only ground beef)

Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to130ºF.
2. Place the meat on parchment paper, and using a rolling pin flatten the meat to approx. 1/8 inch thick.
3. Use a knife to score into squares so you can break them later into pieces.
4. Place on a baking sheet, and dry in the oven for approx. 8 hours.
5. Remove from the oven and drain any fat.
6. Break into pieces along the lines, then place them on a rack back in the oven above fresh parchment paper.
7. Cook for a further 4-5 hours.

Note: If you own one, you can also make this beef jerky for dogs recipe in a dehydrator! Because this recipe uses a low-temperature oven to slowly draw out moisture over many hours, this is already essentially a dehydrated beef jerky for dogs recipe. 

2. Fish Jerky Treats

I wasn't too sure about this one as the salmon was cooking, my kitchen took on a fishy smell that infiltrated throughout the house. But my dog LOVED them!

She is a fan of fish anyway, but she never took her eyes off the oven door for 3 hours.

When they finally cooled she was drooling and lapped them up! Fish is great for dogs being high in omega-3 fatty acids and protein so we have included it for any fish fanatics out there! This recipe is from The Daily Puppy


Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 2-3 hours

Ingredients : Salmon or tuna steaks (as many as you would like to make)

Instructions
1. Place your fish steaks in the freezer and freeze until nearly frozen.
2. Remove from the freezer and slice them into strips approx. 1/8-inch-thick, 1 inch wide and 3 inches long.
3. Line your tray with aluminum foil, before adding the rack – makes for a quick clean up.
4. Dry your strips with paper towels and place on the tray.
5. Cook at 180ºF degrees with the door open an inch for circulation.
6. Cook 2-3 hours, checking the consistency is stiff.
Store at room temperature for 3 weeks, or keep in the fridge if planning to keep longer than that.

No Time To Cook?

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3. Chicken Jerky

• 1 pound of chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Optional dog-approved pices: Turmeric, and ginger (grounded)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 250ºF
2. Grease your wire rack with the oil and place the parchment paper underneath.
3. Remove all the fat from your chicken breasts.
4. Slice your chicken 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch thick.
5. (Optional) Sprinkle with dog-approved spices.
6. Place your chicken on the rack and place in the oven.
7. Cook 2-3 hours, checking the consistency is stiff and then flip them over.
8. Cook for a further 45 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

4. Dehydrated Pork Tongue Chews

This pork jerky for dogs recipe from Epoch.pet calls for pork tongue, but you can use any cut of pork you prefer! Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly. 

Preparation Time: 15-30 minutes

Cook Time: 16–20 hours

Ingredients: 

• ½ lb or more of pork tongue (can also use other cuts)

Instructions:

1. Cut your pork tongue into even strips appropriately sized for your pup. Remember that they will shrink by about ⅔ during the dehydrating process. 
2. Arrange the pork slices in an even layer on your dehydrator trays. 
3. Add the trays to the dehydrator, and turn it to the highest setting. Check the strips periodically for dryness, but expect to wait at least 16 hours for the entire process. 
4. Remove from the dehydrator and allow to cool, then transfer to an air tight container. 
5. Store in a refrigerator to preserve freshness, especially if using tongue, which is a fatty cut. 

Note: To make a venison jerky for dogs recipe, follow the same process using a lean cut of venison. 

Conclusion

And there you have three of our favorites, so whether your dog prefers fish, beef or chicken there is a
recipe for dog jerky that he or she can enjoy and you can be assured that there will be no added preservatives or ingredients that are bad for them. Bear in mind that drying out the meat will take a  few hours but prep time is low so you can get on with your day while the meat is toughening.

And the best thing is that your pooch will love it!

Healthy Jerky Choices -  Made In USA

Rocky Kanaka

Rocky Kanaka is an entrepreneur, pet rescue advocate and dog dad to a rescue boxer named Flip, a blind Cane Corso called Kobe, and a terrier mix named Zoey. He's also a pet chef and owner of The Dog Bakery, which specializes in dog birthday cakes and fresh baked dog treats. His three dogs can't get enough of the dog cakes and treats!

Lorna Ladd

Lorna Paxton Ladd is a passionate dog lover and enthusiast of The Dog Bakery. She loves spoiling her 3 rescue dogs with dog cakes and jerky. A 15 year veteran in the pet industry, her aim is to educate pet parents on the best recipes, products, tips and tricks to optimize the human/canine bond. Her favorite product at The Dog Bakery are the customizable dog birthday cakes.