Did you know 80% of pet owners make homemade dog treats1? Dehydrated dog food is getting popular, and owners want to feed their dogs healthy meals. It’s easy and saves money.
This guide will show you how to make tasty, healthy meals for your dog. You’ll learn about meats, veggies, and how to store and travel with your dog’s food. It’s all you need to start making dehydrated dog food at home.
Key Takeaways
- Dehydrated dog food recipes often use lean meats like pork, beef, chicken, and turkey, as well as healthy veggies1.
- Homemade dehydrated dog treats can be made with just one main ingredient and take only 10 minutes to prepare2.
- Dehydrated dog treats can be stored at room temperature for 2-4 weeks or in the freezer for up to 12 months2.
- Dehydrated chicken jerky and other lean meat treats are considered healthy and low in calories for dogs2.
- Freeze-dried raw dog food is an alternative to dehydrated options for canines already accustomed to a raw diet1.
Why Dehydrate Dog Food
Dehydrating dog food has many benefits that make it popular. It’s lightweight and easy to carry3, perfect for travel or outdoor activities. The process also keeps most of the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals4.
Lightweight and Portable
Dehydrated dog food is a big plus for convenience. It’s much lighter than wet or canned food3. This is great for pet owners who love the outdoors or have small spaces.
Shelf-Stable and Long-Lasting
Dehydrated dog food is also great because it lasts a long time. The drying process stops bacteria from growing5. So, you can store it for months without worrying about it going bad.
It’s also healthier than traditional kibble. Dehydrated food is made at lower temperatures, keeping more nutrients3. This makes it a better choice for your dog’s diet.
Choosing dehydrated dog food means your pet gets a diet that’s easy to carry and full of nutrients. It’s perfect for any adventure or for keeping food on hand at home453.
Ingredients for Dehydrating Dog Food
When making homemade dehydrated dog food, choose lean, nutrient-rich ingredients. These should be safe and good for your dog. Use lean meats, dog-safe veggies, and consider a few important things to make tasty, healthy meals for your pet.
Lean Meats
Use lean meats like pork loin, ground beef, chicken, turkey, and liver. These are high in protein. They give dogs the amino acids they need for health and growth6.
Dog-Friendly Vegetables
Add dog-safe veggies like sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, and more. These add vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your dog’s diet6.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid foods toxic to dogs, like onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, and fruit seeds and pits. These can harm your dog and shouldn’t be in your recipes6.
By picking the right meats, veggies, and avoiding bad ingredients, you make healthy, tasty dehydrated dog food. Your furry friend will enjoy it.
Dehydrating dehydrated dog food recipes
Making homemade dehydrated dog food is easy. First, cook the ingredients. Then, spread the mix on dehydrator trays7. This method keeps nutrients in, making the food stable and easy to store7.
Try the Dehydrated Chicken Jerky Treats for Dogs for a budget-friendly treat7. You can find recipes online7. Or, make DIY Dehydrated Pumpkin Dog Chews with just a few ingredients7.
Dehydrating takes 6 to 12 hours, based on slice thickness8. Chicken takes 6 to 8 hours, while veggies need 4 to 6 hours at the right temperature8. This method keeps food nutritious and stable8.
Rehydrate the food before serving to restore texture and aid digestion8. Dehydrated dog food is healthy and easy, focusing on nutrients without preservatives8.
Creating your own dehydrated dog food lets you control ingredients for a balanced meal8. With some effort, you can make tasty, nutritious treats for your dog7.
Dehydrated Dog Food Recipes | Key Ingredients | Dehydration Time |
---|---|---|
Dehydrated Chicken Jerky Treats | Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 6-8 hours |
DIY Dehydrated Pumpkin Dog Chews | Pumpkin, flaxseed, sweetener | 4-6 hours |
Blueberry Banana Dehydrated Dog Treats | Blueberries, banana, oats | 6-8 hours |
Dehydrating your dog’s food ensures quality and lets you tailor flavors and textures8. With practice, you can make a healthy, tasty homemade option your dog will love7.
Cooking and Dehydrating Meats
When making dehydrated dog food, use lean meats with less than 10% fat1. Make sure to cook the meat fully before dehydrating to kill bacteria. You can fry, pressure cook, or bake the meat for this step1.
Dehydrate the cooked meat at 145°F to 155°F until it’s hard and dry, taking about 6 hours1. Some people dehydrate raw meat at 155°F to 165°F and then bake it for 10 minutes1.
Cooking Methods
- Pan-fry the meat to fully cook it before dehydrating.
- Use a pressure cooker to quickly and thoroughly cook the meat.
- Bake the meat in the oven until it is cooked through.
Dehydrating Temperatures and Times
- Dehydrate cooked meat at 145°F to 155°F for about 6 hours.
- Dehydrate raw meat at 155°F to 165°F, then bake for 10 minutes.
Dehydrating meat for dog treats is a budget-friendly way to give your dog healthy snacks9. By cooking and dehydrating correctly, your homemade dog food will be safe and full of nutrients1.
Meat Type | Cost per Pound |
---|---|
Chicken Liver | Less than $2 |
Beef Heart | Around $2.50 |
Lamb’s Lung | Generally Inexpensive |
The table shows that organ meats like chicken liver, beef heart, and lamb’s lung are cheap for dehydrating dog treats9. Dehydrating these can be a budget-friendly way to give your dog a healthy snack9.
“Dehydrating meat treats for dogs can take between 4 to 14 hours, depending on the desired texture and method used.”9
Remember, organ meats should not be more than 5% of a dog’s diet for balanced nutrition9. By following the right cooking and dehydration steps, you can make homemade dog treats that are both affordable and nutritious1.
Recipes for Homemade Dehydrated Dog Food
Making homemade dehydrated dog food is a fun and rewarding task for pet owners. A great recipe is the Pork and Vegetable Meal. It combines pork loin with dog-friendly veggies for a tasty and healthy dish.
Pork and Vegetable Meal
You’ll need pork loin, mashed potatoes, carrots, corn, applesauce, tomato sauce, flax seed oil, safflower oil, and honey for this recipe10.
First, mix all the ingredients until they’re smooth. Then, spread the mix thinly on dehydrator trays. Make sure it’s even. Dehydrate it for 6–12 hours, depending on how thick it is10.
This homemade dog food is crunchy and lasts a long time. You can serve it dry or rehydrate it. It’s a healthy meal that’s easy to store, saving you trips to the store and reducing waste10.
Always talk to a vet or pet nutritionist before making homemade dog food. They can help make sure it’s right for your dog’s needs and is balanced10.
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Pork Loin | 1 lb |
Mashed Potatoes | 1 cup |
Carrots | 1 cup, chopped |
Corn | 1 cup |
Applesauce | 1/2 cup |
Tomato Sauce | 1/4 cup |
Flax Seed Oil | 2 tbsp |
Safflower Oil | 2 tbsp |
Honey | 1 tbsp |
Dehydrating Dog Treats
Pet owners can make tasty, long-lasting treats for their dogs. Chicken and beef jerky strips are favorites. They’re made by cooking meat, slicing it thin, and dehydrating it.
Chicken Jerky Strips
Begin by cooking chicken breasts until they’re fully cooked. Then, slice them into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Place the strips on dehydrator trays and dehydrate at 165°F for 6-8 hours11.
This makes about 40 treats that last up to 3 months in an airtight container11.
Ground Beef Jerky Strips
Start by browning lean ground beef in a skillet. Spread it on a baking sheet and pat dry with paper towels. Slice it into thin strips using a knife or pizza cutter.
Dehydrate the strips at 165°F for 6-8 hours, until they’re dry11. This recipe also makes about 40 treats that last up to 3 months11.
Dehydrated dog treats like these are great for pet owners. They’re easy to make, lightweight, and last a long time. They’re perfect for hikes or trips11. You can also adjust the ingredients to meet your dog’s dietary needs, ensuring they get a healthy snack.
Raw and Freeze-Dried Options
Pet owners looking for something different from dehydrated dog food might find raw and freeze-dried options appealing1. Raw diets, mainly made of meat, offer a natural choice. Home-cooked meals with veggies provide a balanced, homemade option1. Freeze-dried raw dog food is great for traveling with dogs, as it keeps nutrients without high heat1.
When dehydrating meat for dog food, use lean cuts with less than 10% fat. Make sure to cook thoroughly to kill bacteria1. Dehydration takes about six hours at 145°F to 155°F1. You can also add dog-friendly veggies like sweet potatoes, carrots, and pumpkin to homemade recipes1.
For those who prefer store-bought options, many brands offer high-quality raw and freeze-dried dog food12. Vitalessentialsraw has raw dog food in sizes from 5.5 to 25 ounces, priced from $15.99 to $59.9912. Feline Natural’s Freeze-Dried Cat Food is available in 11-ounce packages for $37.4912. Primal Pet Foods offers Freeze-Dried Raw Pronto Puppy in sizes of 7, 16, and 25 ounces, priced from $13.59 to $40.7912.
Whether you make your own dog food or buy it, there are many healthy and easy alternatives to kibble13. Storing these products in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers can make them last longer, potentially doubling or tripling their shelf life13.
Brand | Product | Package Size | Price Range |
---|---|---|---|
Vitalessentialsraw | Raw Dog Food | 5.5 – 25 oz | $15.99 – $59.99 |
Against The Grain Pet Food | Hi-Bio for Dogs & Cats | 3.2 lb | $29.99 – $84.99 |
Feline Natural | Freeze-Dried Cat Food | 11 oz | $37.49 |
Redbarn | Air Dried Dog Food | 2.5 – 5 lb | $4.99 – $79.99 |
Green Juju | Freeze-Dried Raw Diet | 14 oz | $33.99 – $44.99 |
Primal Pet Foods | Freeze-Dried Raw Pronto Puppy | 7 – 25 oz | $13.59 – $40.79 |
Shepherd Boy Farms | Freeze-Dried Raw Recipes | 14 oz | $35.95 |
Montana Dog Food Co. | Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food | 12 oz | $36.69 – $38.79 |
Boss Nation | Boss Dog Freeze-Dried Lamb Nuggs | 12 oz | $26.99 |
Northwest Naturals | Freeze-Dried Chicken Diet for Cats | 11 oz | $23.99 |
Tips for Traveling with Dehydrated Dog Food
Portioning and Packaging
Traveling with your dog requires the right food. Dehydrated dog food is perfect because it’s light, compact, and easy to make by adding water14. A 2lb box can make 8lbs of food, enough for a 30lb dog for 8 days14.
Pre-portion meals and package them in bags or containers14. This ensures your dog gets the right amount and makes feeding easy on the go. Collapsible bowls and measuring cups save space for feeding and watering14.
Consider a travel pack for all your dog’s needs, like food, toys, and treats14. Also, pack extra food for delays or emergencies14. You don’t want to run out of food for your dog when you’re away.
Dehydrated dog food is great for air travel because it’s lighter than kibble14. Use clear plastic bags and label them clearly for security checks14. The TSA allows solid pet food in both checked and carry-on bags14.
Choosing the right dog food, packing smart, and doing research are key for a successful trip with your dog14. With some preparation, you and your dog can have a stress-free and nourishing journey14.
Conclusion
Homemade dehydrated dog food is a great way to feed your dog well. You can make tasty, healthy meals by following the recipes and tips in this article. This way, you can give your pet the best food, made just for them15.
More and more pet owners are choosing dehydrated dog food. They want natural, easy-to-digest food for their pets15. Dehydrated food lets you pick the flavors, textures, and nutrients your dog needs15.
If you want to save money, cut down on waste, or just give your dog the best, homemade dehydrated food is perfect16. It’s convenient, lasts a long time, and is full of nutrients. This keeps your dog healthy, happy, and full of energy, wherever you are16.
FAQ
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Source Links
- Dehydrating Dog Food & Treats – https://www.backpackingchef.com/dehydrating-dog-food.html
- Dehydrated Dog Treat Recipes – https://www.wiggleworthy.com/dehydrated-dog-treat-recipes.html
- Are Dehydrated Foods Good for Dogs? The Pros & Cons – https://www.thehonestkitchen.com/blogs/pet-food-ingredients/the-advantages-of-dehydrated-pet-food
- What’s the Difference Between Air-Dried, Dry-Roasted, & Dehydrated Dog Food, Exactly? – https://simplefoodproject.com/air-dried-vs-dry-roasted-vs-dehydrated-dog-food/
- Is Dehydrated Food Good for Dogs? – https://www.onlynaturalpet.com/blogs/holistic-healthcare-library/is-dehydrated-food-good-for-dogs?srsltid=AfmBOopde-thdmVvL6O3OiAX0w9gF3zjLTh268wyXaqWvVgTGbRNu3TX
- Dehydrated dog treat recipes – The only guide you need. – https://www.bdws.co.uk/dehydrated-dog-treat-recipes/
- Dehydrated Dog Food – https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/dehydrated-dog-food/913590986182/
- How To Prepare Dehydrated Dog Food – https://giveasht.com/blogs/news/how-to-prepare-dehydrated-dog-food?srsltid=AfmBOoqb4zAcWEKHt4UDpIdyU8kI7E2fPaOcSjxAisIgyOdYTZqbG6ys
- DIY Organ Meat Dog Treats – https://kolchakpuggle.com/2014/02/diy-organ-meat-dog-treats.html
- How To Prepare Dehydrated Dog Food – https://giveasht.com/blogs/news/how-to-prepare-dehydrated-dog-food?srsltid=AfmBOop-7mGjyzejVd6va1xtyY8Qk9NID84apnmdafbNXvyNOekAqAbL
- Dehydrated Dog Treats – Lesswithlaur – https://lesswithlaur.com/dehydrated-dog-treats/
- Shop These 10 Freeze-Dried, Dehydrated and Air-Dried Pet Foods for Your Store – https://petsplusmag.com/shop-these-10-freeze-dried-dehydrated-and-air-dried-pet-foods-for-your-store/
- Prepping For Your Pets – Dehydrating and Freeze Drying Pet Food – https://packfreshusa.com/blog/prepping-for-your-pets-dehydrating-and-freeze-drying-pet-food/
- Hit the Road, Pup! The Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Dog Food – https://www.thehonestkitchen.com/blogs/pet-obsessed/hit-the-road-pup-the-ultimate-guide-to-traveling-with-dog-food
- Dehydrated Dog Food: What You Need to Know Before Feeding Your Dog – https://www.thehungrypuppy.com/blogs/posts-from-the-pup/dehydrated-dog-food-what-you-need-to-know-before-feeding-your-dog
- Convenience meets Nutrition: How Dehydrated Dog Food Fits into Busy Lifestyles – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/convenience-meets-nutrition-how-dehydrated-dog-food-fits-ashu-saini-ku9le?trk=public_post