Make Your Own Dog Jerky Treats

Jerky for dogs made from chicken, turkey, duck and even beef and pork is the newest craze to hit local mega marts and pet store shelves. These treats while good for your pet (be sure to read the ingredients as some products to add artificial flavor, color and other additives), they can become expensive. Prices range from $10 to $20 per bag (not including tax) and you really do not get that much even though the package might say that it is one or two pounds of goodness for your pet.

You can make the same jerky at home for half the price. This article offers a simple process to help you create the same store quality jerky that will be healthy for your pet and even you might enjoy along with them. Although this recipe called for chicken, it can easily be adapted for any meat that your dog may like. The ingredients are common around any home and there is no need for special items or equipment. This recipe is courtesy of Coco the blogging dog and you can find out more at www.cocothebloggingdog.com/2009/05/make-home-made-dog-jerky-treats.html.

Chicken jerky for dogs - ingredients: a) 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast; b) ¼ cup olive oil; c) Juice of 1 lemon; and d) optional ingredients can include, peppermint, rosemary, parsley, turmeric, cinnamon [these are to taste].

To make: 1) Trim away any excess fat and cut chicken into strips, keeping thin and even. 1/8 to 1/4 inches thick; 2) Combine remaining ingredients into a resealing bag such as a Ziploc and add chicken strips; 3) Seal bag, making sure that most of the air is out and rub/mix items in bag to make sure that all of the chicken strips are coated. Marinate overnight; 4) Preheat oven to 300°. Remove chicken from marinade and place evenly into a glass baking and bake for 30 minutes. Let chicken cool; 5) Preheat oven to 145°. Transfer cool chicken to a wire rack that is over a baking sheet that has been lined with foil. Place into over and cook four to six hours until chicken is leathery. 6) Allow chicken to fully cool before giving to your dog.

This jerky is also tasty and you can enjoy same along with your pet. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind: 1) Slice with the grain of the chicken as this will make the final product chewier for your pet. 2) This jerky must be stored in the refrigerator and will last up to three weeks; however, it can be frozen and stored for up to eight months. 3) To test for doneness, the chicken should be firm and leather with no soft spots as they indicate undercooked chicken. It is better to extend cooking time to make sure that all of the chicken is properly cooked. 4) Cutting the jerky is easier with kitchen scissors or a pizza cutter rather than a standard kitchen knife.