It’s no secret that our Great Danes are a huge part of our lives and are considered family. So, we strive to provide them with the best quality products and ingredients. One way we like to treat our boys to something special is by offering them homemade beef jerky for dogs. These treats are delicious and nutritious and give you peace of mind knowing exactly what ingredients are going into your pet’s body.
The first time I made my own beef jerky for Magnus, our Great Dane, he went crazy! I couldn’t keep them on the counter because he could reach everything on the counter, for starters! But besides that, he would knock the container on the floor to get at them.
Store-bought dog jerky treats often contain preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, additives, and other harmful ingredients that may not be the best for your pup’s health. By making your own homemade jerky chewy treats, you have control over the quality of ingredients, ensuring that your dog gets a snack that’s not only tasty but also wholesome.
Ingredients for Homemade Beef Jerky
The ingredients are simple – Beef sirloin steak or other high-quality lean steak – sliced into 1/4 inch slices.
Tip – freeze the meat for about 1 hour so that it will slice more easily.
How to Make Homemade Beef Jerky for Dogs
Begin by slicing the beef into 1/4 inch strips. Slicing raw meat is always easier if it is slightly frozen, so I would recommend freezing the meat for about 1 hour before slicing.
Place the raw meat slices on the dehydrator trays.
Set the food dehydrator to meat/jerky setting, which is 160℉ (71℃) for most dehydrators. Dehydrate for about 2-4 hours, checking every hour or so.
If using oven-method, place the strips on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake 250℉ (121℃) for 1-3 hours, checking jerky every half hour after first hour of baking.
Storage
Once your jerky strips have cooled. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks at room temperature, or freeze for up to one year. Vacuum sealing the container will extend further.
No Artificial Ingredients for a Healthy Treat
One of the biggest advantages of making your own jerky dog treats is the ability to use natural highest quality ingredients. Opting for lean cuts of beef and avoiding added sugars and salts allows you to create a treat that’s both flavorful and healthy.
Training Treats
Homemade beef jerky treats are a great training tool. You pull-apart or break into smaller pieces to use for training. With our Great Dane puppy, a piece of beef jerky works much better than other treats for our training sessions.
Suitable for Dogs of All Sizes
Whether you have a petite pup or a Great Dane, homemade jerky treats can be tailored to suit dogs of all sizes. Simply adjust the portion sizes and the thickness of the slices to accommodate your furry friend’s needs. This versatility ensures that every dog can enjoy this delicious snack without worry.
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
Dehydrated Sweet Potato Treats for Dogs
Dehydrated Ground Beef Treats for Dogs
Equipment
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs. lean steak (sirloin, round roast or tenderloin) amount is a guide based on dog size
Instructions
- Begin by slicing the beef into 1/4 inch strips. Slicing raw meat is always easier if it is slightly frozen, so I would recommend freezing the meat for 1-2 hours before slicing.
- Place the raw meat slices on the dehydrator trays.
- Set the food dehydrator to meat/jerky setting, which is 160℉ (71℃) for most dehydrators. Dehydrate for about 2-4 hours, checking every hour or so.
- If using oven-method, place the strips on prepared baking sheets. Bake 250℉ (121℃) for 1-3 hours, checking jerky every half hour after first hour of baking.
- Cool completely and store in an airtight container.
