Welcome to the Pet Rescue by Judy Blog! In this post, we delve into the fantastic world of food dehydrators and how they can be a game-changer for pet owners looking to create healthy treats for their furry friends.
Food dehydrators allow you to preserve the natural goodness of fruits, vegetables, and meats, making it easy to whip up nutritious snacks for your pets. Here are some benefits of using a food dehydrator:
- Healthier Treats: Control the ingredients and avoid preservatives found in store-bought options.
- Cost-Effective: Save money by making your own treats in bulk.
- Variety: Experiment with different recipes to find what your pet loves best.
Whether you have a dog, cat, or other small animals, dehydrating food can be a fun and rewarding way to provide them with delicious and healthy snacks. Stay tuned for more tips and recipes on our blog!
Making Safe Dehydrated Jerky and Chews for Your Pet
Homemade jerky is one of the most popular dehydrator projects among pet owners, but a little care goes a long way. Start with lean cuts such as chicken breast, turkey, or lean beef, and trim away visible fat, which can turn rancid during storage and may upset sensitive stomachs. Slice the meat thinly and evenly, around a quarter of an inch, so every piece dries at the same rate. Partially freezing the meat for an hour or so makes clean slicing much easier.
Food safety comes first
Raw meat can carry bacteria such as Salmonella, and a dehydrator's low, gentle heat is not always enough on its own to make it safe. Many food safety guides recommend heating meat to a safe internal temperature before drying, or using a dehydrator with a setting high enough for meat, typically around 160°F. Wash your hands, trays and cutting boards thoroughly, and keep pet treat prep separate from other food where you can.
Keep it plain
Skip the marinades, salt, garlic, onion and spice rubs that make human jerky tasty. Garlic and onion are toxic to dogs and cats, and heavy seasoning is unnecessary for pets. Plain meat, sweet potato slices, pumpkin, apple rings without seeds, or green beans make simple, well-loved options for many dogs. Never dehydrate grapes or raisins for pets, as they are dangerous for dogs.
Storage and portion sizes
Fully dried treats should be firm and leathery with no moist spots. Cool them completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge, using them within a week or two, or freeze larger batches. Treats should make up only a small part of your pet's daily food, so break pieces into bite-size portions, especially for small dogs, cats and newly adopted pets still adjusting to a new diet.
If your pet has allergies, kidney issues or a special diet, check with your veterinarian before introducing anything new. Homemade treats also make great training rewards for foster animals building trust; you can read more about that on our foster page or browse real-life experiences in our adoption stories.
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