Homemade Dehydrated Dog Treats

Published Feb. 25, 2010 at 5:59 p.m.

Buying dog treats at the pet store these days is so expensive.  One small bag of liver treats or chicken jerky can cost up to $12.00.  This is so outrageous.  It’s much cheaper to buy your own ingredients for dog treats or use leftovers from your own meals.  Here are a few of the homemade dog treats I make for my dog.  I usually use a dehydrator but these can be baked in a low temperature oven, as well.  My dog is a very picky eater and sometimes refuses store bought treats but he never refuses the homemade treats.  The dehydrated dog treats are perfect as rewards for training.Dehydrated Chicken Liver, Gizzards, and HeartsThis is one of my dog’s favorites.  I even break up a few pieces and add it to his kibble and he gobbles it up.I buy over a pound of chicken livers, gizzards, and hearts for a couple of dollars.  Just place all the chicken parts on the dehydrator trays and dehydrate overnight.  These fill a gallon baggie and last much longer than store bought dog treats for a fraction of the cost.  An added benefit is that they are completely healthy with no added preservatives, coloring, or flavors.  Store them in the freezer and just take out a few when you’re ready.Dehydrated Ground Meats and ApplesauceMix together two pounds of ground beef (the cheapest kind is fine) with about one cup of no sugar added applesauce.  The applesauce holds the meat together when it is dehydrated.  Add pureed butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or pumpkin to the mix for added flavor.  Spoon the beef mixture onto the plastic trays that fit onto the dehydrator trays.  If you don’t have any solid plastic inserts, you can use parchment paper on the dehydrator trays.  It works just as well.Dehydrate the mixture overnight.  This beef mixture fills two gallon baggies.  I take these to agility classes and just break off pieces as I need them.  These homemade dog treats also store perfectly in the freezer.Save some money and give your dog healthy treats by making dehydrated dog treats.  Be creative with the ingredients.  I’ve used my own leftovers, grinding or shredding the meat.  Some suggestions:  pot roast, fish, chicken, pork, or any leftover meat.I also dehydrate whole fish, such as:  sardines, mackerel, pieces of tilapia, and even fresh fish that I caught myself.  My dog also enjoys whole frozen fish as a treat.Hope this gives you some ideas to get started making your own healthy, inexpensive, dehydrated dog treats.

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