You want the best for your furry best friend, and like your own children you dont want to pump them full of junk and fillers and nitrates and preservatives. Storebought dog treats are ok, but they are made to last and to be cheap, which is why many of them are filled with things we cant pronounce and who knows what else.
If you have a dehydrator you can make your own dog treats that your pooch will go nuts for. (dont have a dehydrator? Set oven to 200 (thats as low as most ovens will go- if yours can go to 180 set it there.
Best part?? NATURAL treats that you know every ingredient! These treats can be kept in an air tight tupperware for about a week, so only make a small amount at a time, unless you are planning on freezing them .
LETS START WITH FRUITS:
APPLES: Apples are plentiful right now, so they make the perfect first choice for a dehydrator snack! Wash and core the apples, making sure all seeds are removed.. Slice into thin slices, about 1/8" thick. Arrange on dehydrator shelves with enough room for air to circulate around each piece. At this point you may lightly sprinkle with cinnamon. DEHYDRATOR: 145 degrees for 6 to 8 hours. OVEN: 200 degrees for 1 hour, flip and bake another hour.
BANANAS: If your pup is anything like Rico, then bananas are a real treat! Bananas can be a little tricky to dry out, but once you get the hang of it, they will be furever grateful! Slice the bananas between 1/8 and 1/4 inch slices. arrance on dehydrator plates so they are not touching. DEHYDRATOR: 135 degrees for 8 hours (they will be slightly chewy) to 10 hours (a little crisper). Let cool ad store up to 2 weeks in airtight container. OVEN: 180-200 degrees for 3 hours on a waxed cookie sheet. Peel off and let cool. Store in airtight container up to 2 weeks.
MANGO: This is one of Rico's favorite dry treats. Peel the mango and cut into thin slices, about 1/4". Arrange on dehydrator so they are not touching. DEHYDRATOR: 125 for 14 hours. OVEN: set oven to 180 to 200. Arrange on greased cookie sheets, prop oven door open. 6 hours, then flip .and another 2- 4 hours. store in airtight container.
STRAWBERRIES: Dehydrated strawberries are so sweet. you may sneak them for your own snacktime! Wash and stem the strawberries. dry strawberries. Slice into thin slices and arrange on trays so they are not touching. DEHYDRATOR: 135 degrees for 8-10 hours, longer if you want them crispier. OVEN. Arrange on greased cookie sheets and bake at 180-200 for 2 hours, turn and bake another hour. Longer if you want crispier. Keep in airtight container.
VEGETABLES
GREEN BEANS- Wash beans in cold water and snap ends off . At this point you can cut beans into halves or thirds for bite sized treats, or leave them long. Dry beans and arrange on trays so air can circulate. 135 for 4 hours or longer until nice and crispy. Airtight container.
KALE- Kale chips arent just for humans, our furry friends like them too. Wash and dry kale, you can cut into smaller pieces. Cover trays. 125 degrees for 4 to 6 hours, or until crunchy. Airtight container up to 2 weeks.
PUMPKIN- Rico is gaga for pumpkin. Pumpkin is pretty easy to make in the dehydrator. You do have to peel the outer hard rind off the pumpkin first. Slice pumpkin flesh into thin slices (1/8 to 1/4"). Arrange on trays so they are not touching to allow for proper circulation. 155 degrees for 10 hours. Test crunchiness, add another 2 hours if you want a crisper pumpkin chip.
SWEET POTATO- Scrub and slice your sweet potatoes. A Mandolin slicer is really helpful. The thinner the slice, the less time it takes to dry. Arrange on trays and set dehydrator to 125 and start at 10 hours. For a crispier treat, y9ou can go up to 12 hours. The thicker the slice, a longer drying time. If you want a chewier more flexible treat you can start ay 6 hours and go from there.
Did you know you can also make healthy meat treats for your dog in the dehydrator!!
CHICKEN AND BEEF: Remove any fat and trim up . slice boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1/8 to 1/4" slices arrange slices on trays. Slice beef into 1/4" to 3/8" slices. dehydrate for minimum 6 hours, or until dry on the outside and only slightly moist on inside. Color should be uniform throughout.
LIVER- You can choose any kind of liver and slice into thin slices . Arrange on trays and dehydrate about 4 hours. The thicker the slice, the longer the time needed.
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