Dehydrated Dog Treats: 10 Meat & Veggie Recipes

Ever watched your pup do that little happy dance when you reach for the treat jar? Yeah, me too. But have you checked what’s actually in those store-bought treats? I did, and honestly, I wasn’t thrilled with the ingredient list. That’s when I started making my own dehydrated dog treats, and let me tell you – it’s been a game-changer for my wallet and my dog’s health!

Making dehydrated treats at home isn’t just economical; it’s ridiculously simple. Got a dehydrator? Great! Don’t have one? No problem – your regular oven works just fine. The beauty of DIY treats is that you control exactly what goes into your furry friend’s snacks. No weird preservatives or mystery ingredients. Just pure, wholesome goodness.

Ready to become your dog’s favorite chef? Let’s jump into these super easy, tail-waggingly delicious recipes that’ll have your pup sitting pretty for more!

Why Homemade Dehydrated Treats Rock

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why making your own dehydrated dog treats is actually worth your time:

• You know exactly what’s in them – No sketchy ingredients or fillers you can’t pronounce
• Cost-effective – Seriously, you’ll save a ton compared to those fancy pet store treats
• Customizable – Got a pup with allergies? You can avoid problem ingredients
• Longer shelf life – Properly dehydrated treats can last for months
• Your dog will literally lose their mind – The smell alone will make you the household hero

I started making these after my Lab mix, Cooper, developed some food sensitivities. The first time I pulled a batch of dehydrated chicken from the dehydrator, you’d have thought I discovered the canine equivalent of gold. His nose went crazy, and that tail… I thought it might wag right off!

Basic Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy equipment to make amazing treats. Here’s what I use:

If You Have a Dehydrator:

• A food dehydrator (obviously!)
• Sharp knife or kitchen scissors
• Cutting board
• Parchment paper (optional but helpful)

If You’re Using an Oven:

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone mats
• Cooling racks (they improve air circulation)

Ever tried to cut partially frozen meat? Total game-changer for getting those thin, even slices that dehydrate perfectly. Just saying.

Meat-Based Dehydrated Dog Treats

1. Classic Chicken Jerky Strips

This is Cooper’s absolute favorite, and possibly the easiest treat to make. It’s a one-ingredient wonder!

You’ll need:

• 1-2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts

How to make it:

1. Trim all visible fat from the chicken.
2. Slice the chicken into ¼-inch strips (partially freezing the chicken for about 30 minutes makes this way easier).
3. Arrange the strips on dehydrator trays, making sure they don’t touch.
4. Dehydrate at 165°F for 3-4 hours until the chicken is completely dry and jerky-like.
5. For oven method: Bake at the lowest setting (usually 170°F) with the door slightly cracked open for 3-4 hours.

The treats should snap when bent, with no moisture inside. IMO, these are better than any store-bought version, and my dog practically does backflips for them!

2. Lean Beef Jerky

You’ll need:

• 1-2 pounds of lean beef (eye of round or top round work great)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (optional)

How to make it:

1. Trim any visible fat (fat can make treats go rancid faster).
2. Slice the beef into ¼-inch strips against the grain.
3. If desired, lightly coat with olive oil for a little extra flavor.
4. Arrange on dehydrator trays and dry at 160°F for 4-6 hours until completely dry.
5. For oven method: Bake at the lowest setting for 4-6 hours with the door cracked.

Ever seen a dog’s eyes roll back in pure bliss? That’s what happens when mine gets these treats.

3. Turkey and Sweet Potato Combo

You’ll need:

• 1 pound ground turkey (the leaner, the better)
• 1 medium sweet potato, cooked and mashed
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons coconut flour

How to make it:

1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Spread the mixture about ¼-inch thick on parchment paper.
3. Score into small squares or shapes before dehydrating.
4. Dehydrate at 155°F for 4-5 hours until completely dry and firm.
5. For oven method: Bake at 175°F for about 4 hours, checking regularly.

These are awesome for training because they’re easy to break into tiny pieces. Plus, the sweet potato adds some great nutrients!

4. Salmon Skin Crisps

Wait, don’t throw away those salmon skins! They make incredible, omega-rich treats.

You’ll need:

• Skins from 1-2 salmon fillets (make sure they’re from fish you’d eat yourself)

How to make it:

1. Rinse the skins well and pat dry.
2. Cut into small, treat-sized pieces.
3. Arrange on dehydrator trays and dry at 160°F for 3-4 hours until crispy.
4. For oven method: Bake at 200°F for 2-3 hours until crispy.

Warning: Your house will smell like fish. But your dog will think you’re a culinary genius, so totally worth it, right? 🙂

5. Liver Love Bites

These are stinky but oh-so-worth it for the nutritional punch they pack!

You’ll need:

• 1 pound of beef, chicken, or calf liver
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (helps reduce the strong odor)

How to make it:

1. Rinse liver and pat dry.
2. Slice into ¼-inch strips or small bite-sized pieces.
3. Toss in apple cider vinegar if desired.
4. Arrange on dehydrator trays and dry at 155°F for 4-5 hours until completely dry and firm.
5. For oven method: Bake at 175°F for 4-5 hours.

Pro tip: Make these when everyone’s out of the house. Trust me on this one! The smell is… memorable. But dogs go absolutely bonkers for liver treats, so you’ll be forgiven once they taste them.

Veggie and Fruit Dehydrated Dog Treats

Not all dogs are meat fanatics. Some love their veggies just as much! Here are some plant-based options that are still packed with flavor and nutrients.

6. Sweet Potato Chews

You’ll need:

• 2-3 medium sweet potatoes

How to make it:

1. Wash and scrub sweet potatoes thoroughly (I leave the skin on for extra fiber).
2. Slice into ¼-inch rounds or lengthwise for “fries.”
3. Arrange on dehydrator trays and dry at 135°F for 6-8 hours until chewy.
4. For oven method: Bake at 175°F for 3-4 hours, flipping halfway through.

These chewy treats double as natural dental aids. The slightly tough texture helps clean your dog’s teeth while they enjoy their snack. Two birds, one stone!

7. Apple Cinnamon Coins

You’ll need:

• 2-3 apples (avoid granny smith – too tart)
• ½ teaspoon of cinnamon (great for digestion and smells amazing)

How to make it:

1. Core the apples and slice into ⅛-inch rounds.
2. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon.
3. Arrange on dehydrator trays and dry at 135°F for 5-7 hours until crisp.
4. For oven method: Bake at 175°F for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through.

Important note: Remove all seeds as they contain small amounts of cyanide, which isn’t good for dogs.

My dog actually sits by the dehydrator when these are cooking. The smell is absolutely heavenly – like apple pie without all the sugar and guilt!

8. Pumpkin Pie Bites

You’ll need:

• 1 can of pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional)
• 3 tablespoons coconut flour

How to make it:

1. Mix all ingredients together until smooth.
2. Spread mixture about ¼-inch thick on parchment paper.
3. Score into small squares before dehydrating.
4. Dehydrate at 145°F for 5-7 hours until completely dry and firm.
5. For oven method: Bake at 175°F for about 4-5 hours.

These are perfect fall treats that help with digestion. Plus, pumpkin is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Ever had a dog with tummy troubles? These treats are like magic!

9. Banana Chips

You’ll need:

• 2-3 ripe but firm bananas

How to make it:

1. Slice bananas into ¼-inch rounds.
2. Dip in lemon juice to prevent browning (optional).
3. Arrange on dehydrator trays and dry at 135°F for 6-8 hours until crisp.
4. For oven method: Bake at 175°F for 3-4 hours, flipping halfway through.

These are super economical treats, especially when you’ve got bananas that are just a bit too ripe. My dog actually prefers these over some meat treats, which was a total surprise!

10. Green Bean Crunchies

You’ll need:

• 1 pound fresh green beans
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

How to make it:

1. Wash and trim the ends of the green beans.
2. Toss with olive oil if desired.
3. Arrange on dehydrator trays and dry at 135°F for 8-10 hours until crisp.
4. For oven method: Bake at 170°F for 4-5 hours, checking regularly.

Green beans are low in calories and high in fiber, making them perfect for pups who need to watch their weight but still deserve treats. And that crunch? Doggy satisfaction guaranteed!

Storing Your Homemade Dehydrated Dog Treats

All your hard work will go to waste if you don’t store these treats properly. Here’s how I keep mine fresh:

• Airtight containers – Mason jars or vacuum-sealed bags work best
• Keep in a cool, dark place – Away from direct sunlight which can cause spoilage
• Refrigerate – For longer shelf life, especially meat treats
• Freeze – For extra-long storage (up to 6 months)

How do you know if they’ve gone bad? Trust your nose! If they smell rancid or off, it’s time to toss them and make a fresh batch. But honestly, in my house, they rarely last long enough to spoil!

Safety Tips and Considerations

Before you go treat-crazy, keep these important points in mind:

• Start with small amounts – Introduce any new treat gradually to watch for allergies or tummy upset
• Size matters – Make treats appropriate for your dog’s size to prevent choking
• Reduce regular food – Treats should only make up about 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake
• Avoid seasoning – No salt, sugar, garlic, or onion powder (they’re harmful to dogs)
• When in doubt, check with your vet – Especially if your dog has health conditions or dietary restrictions

Wrapping Up

Making dehydrated dog treats at home isn’t just economical—it’s a labor of love that your furry friend will absolutely appreciate. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching your dog enjoy something you’ve made especially for them.

Have you tried making dehydrated treats before? Got any recipes your pup goes crazy for? I’m always looking to expand my doggy menu options!

Remember, the joy is in the process as much as the result. Your kitchen might get a little messy, your dehydrator might run for hours, but that excited tail wag when your dog hears the treat jar open? 100% worth it. Happy dehydrating!