Ever watched your dog devour a store-bought treat and thought,
"I wonder if I could make that myself!"?
You're in the perfect spot to learn how to make chicken treats for dogs!
Many dogs find chicken jerky good to chew on as a tasty snack. Crafting homemade dog treats that your dog loves is not only a rewarding experience but also a health-conscious choice.
In this blog we'll be delving into the ingredients that make up these tasty treats, ensuring only wholesome ingredients go in with no hidden nasties.
As we journey through the process of how to make chicken treats for dogs, not only will you discover how to prepare these tasty treats correctly but also learn how to store jerky dog treats correctly.
Table Of Contents:
- Gather the Necessary Ingredients
- Prepare the Chicken
- Dehydrate or Dry the Chicken Treats
- Cool The Chicken Jerky Treats
- Store the Chicken Dog Treats Properly
- Monitor Your Dog's Intake of Chicken Treats
- FAQs in Relation to How to Make Chicken Treats for Dogs
- Ian's Wrap
Gather the Necessary Ingredients
For these homemade dog treats, you'll need a few simple things:
- Fresh Chicken Breast
- Water
Choosing lean cuts such as the breast ensures there are no added fats or oils that could upset your pup’s tummy.
If you want to mix things up a bit and add more flavoursome notes to your doggy delicacies, consider adding dog safe herbs such as parsley or rosemary.
Prepare the Chicken
Rinse the chicken with cold water to eliminate any bacteria on its surface, then pat it dry using paper towels.
Cut the chicken into bite sized pieces of similar size- this ensures even cooking.
Dehydrate or Dry the Chicken Treats
Food Dehydrator:
1. Place the chicken strips on the dehydrator trays. Make sure to leave some space between each piece for proper air circulation.
2. Set the dehydrator to 70°, let it run for 6-8 hours or until the chicken slices are thoroughly dried and resemble jerky.
Typically, it can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Chicken jerky should be fully dried but still flexible, not brittle.
Oven:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer. Make sure there's some space between them. Preheat oven to 70°C.
2. Bake at a low preheated temperature for 2-4 hours, checking periodically. Chicken jerky should be fully dry but still flexible, not brittle. The low heat is used to dry the treats thoroughly, not cook them.
Cool the Chicken Jerky Treats
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature You can speed up the cooling process by transferring the chicken to a wire rack or cooling rack.
Store the Chicken Dog Treats Properly
Storing your homemade chicken treats correctly is crucial to keep them fresh and safe for your pet.
A good start is to store jerky in an airtight container. This helps protect against moisture, which could lead to mould growth.
You may also consider keeping a few of your homemade chicken jerky treats in the fridge if they're not being consumed within the next few days.
But remember, like any other cooked meat product, their quality might deteriorate over time even under refrigeration.
Labelling your treat containers with dates can help track how long they've been stored.
Monitor Your Dog's Intake of Chicken Treats
Keeping an eye on your dog's treat intake is vital. While homemade chicken jerky is a healthy dog treat, too much can lead to issues like weight gain and nutritional imbalances.
Coops and Cages suggest that snacks should only make up 10% of a dog's daily caloric intake.
Serving size isn't just about calories though. It also depends on the size of your dog – smaller breeds need less than larger ones do. So keep those portions small.
FAQs in Relation to How to Make Chicken Treats for Dogs
How do you prepare chicken for dog treats?
To prep chicken for dog treats, give it a good wash and remove any bones. Cook the chook until there's no pink left.
How to make boiled chicken treats for dogs?
Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces. Boil them till they're well cooked, let them cool down, then serve as a special treat.
Is cooked chicken good for dog treats?
Cooked chook is great. It's easier on your dog's tummy than raw meat. Just make sure there are no bones or harmful seasoning in it.
How do you dry chicken breast for dog treats?
Dry out sliced bits of the breast by popping them in an oven at low heat or using a dehydrator until they're chewy but not brittle.
Ian's Wrap
Making homemade chicken treats for your canine companion is not only a delightful experience but also a nutritious choice that can benefit your dog's health and well-being. You've learnt how to make chicken treats for dogs from scratch - selecting, preparing and slicing the chook just right.
But that's not all! You also discovered how to properly dehydrate or dry these delicious morsels as well as how to safely store them.
We touched on the importance of monitoring your furry friend’s intake too because although we love our canine friends, we don't want them overdoing it.
You're now equipped with everything needed to whip up some delicious homemade goodies for your four-legged pals.
If you don't want to make treats yourself, Zach's Pet Shop stock a great range of Freeze Dry Australia treats including Chicken Breast, Chicken Necks, Chicken Hearts and Chicken Liver.
