Your dog loves you. That's a given. But your dog will love these homemade beef jerky recipes, too, and may even love you more for making them for him. These treats make great rewards, easy to pack camping treats and are ideal to have with you when you go to the park or for a ride in the car. Tuck a few in a plastic bag and never be without a wholesome dog treat again.
Basic Jerky Making Tools
While it is possible to make jerky in your oven, it is not recommended as it is hard to regulate the temperature, and you have to keep fans going to circulate the air in the oven. If you have a food dehydrator or a smoker, you can make tasty jerky by following the manufacturer's directions.
Basic Recipe
Freeze a cheap cut of beef until it will slice easily in 1/8-inch strips. Cut across the grain. Marinate the strips of beef in beef broth in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Add Italian seasoning if you wish, although your dog it plain.
Do not add garlic, onion or more than a bit of salt. None of these are good for your dog, and the garlic and onion can be toxic. If you want a sweet treat for your dog, put a tablespoon of sugar or some teriyaki sauce in the marinade. You can also add soy sauce, but use a low-sodium one as your dog does not need the salt. However, you don't need to add anything to the meat. Your dog's palate is not as fussy as yours, and he doesn't need all the additives we like in our food.
Making the Jerky
Lay the jerky on the racks of your food dehydrator or smoker per the manufacturer's instructions. Your jerky is done when it is leathery and fairly dry. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two to three months. If it lasts that long, once your dog knows it's there.
Tags: dehydrator smoker, food dehydrator, food , , will love