I prefer to make these popular homemade dog treats for my dogs rather than purchase chicken jerky. You can make it in the oven at home quickly and easily with just one ingredient: chicken!.
The chicken jerky recipe is made from thin strips of chicken (chicken strips) that have been slow-cooked almost to the point of crispness.
Slicing the chicken is the most time-consuming part; the chicken should be baked for a few hours to become chewy like jerky.
Chicken jerky is an easy healthy treat that most dogs love. Making your own chicken jerky at home ensures you control the ingredients so there’s no need to worry about harmful preservatives or additives. Homemade jerky is also much more affordable than buying treats from the store.
In this comprehensive guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make delicious chicken jerky for your dog.
Why Make Your Own Chicken Jerky?
There are several benefits to making homemade chicken jerky rather than buying pre-packaged versions
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You control the ingredients. Many commercial dog treats contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and other questionable ingredients. When you DIY, you can ensure the jerky contains just one ingredient – chicken!
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It’s more affordable. Buying high-quality dog treats adds up quickly. Making your own is cheaper per serving.
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You can customize it. Season the chicken with dog-safe spices or switch up the cuts of chicken you use. Cater to your pup’s preferences.
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Avoid recalls. Commercial jerky and treats are frequently recalled. Make your own to avoid potentially contaminated products.
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Make large batches. Dehydrated homemade jerky stores well. Make big batches just once or twice a year.
Chicken Jerky Ingredients
Chicken is the only thing you need to make chicken jerky. For the best results, use organic, high-quality chicken whenever you can.
Some options for cuts of chicken include:
- Chicken breasts
- Chicken tenders
- Chicken thighs
- Ground chicken or turkey
Avoid using chicken with the skin or excess fat, as these parts won’t properly dehydrate. Lean cuts work best.
For added flavor, you can also mix in dog-safe seasonings:
- Garlic powder
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Parsley
- Rosemary
- Thyme
Make sure any seasonings you include are safe for dogs. Slowly add new tastes so they don’t make your stomach upset.
Equipment Needed
To make chicken jerky, you’ll need:
- A sharp knife to slice the chicken
- A dehydrator or oven
- Non-stick oven trays or dehydrator trays
- Parchment paper (optional)
A food dehydrator is ideal, but an oven set to the lowest temperature works as well. You’ll get the best texture and longest shelf life by using a dehydrator.
Prep the Chicken
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Partially freeze raw chicken for 30 minutes. This makes it easier to slice thinly.
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Remove any excess fat, skin, or bones. With a very sharp knife, cut the chicken into 1/4-inch-thick strips.
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Evenly coat both sides of the chicken strips with seasonings if desired. Popular options are garlic powder, turmeric, ginger, or fresh herbs.
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Lay the seasoned strips flat in a single layer on dehydrator trays or parchment paper on oven racks. Make sure airflow can circulate around each piece.
Dehydrate the Chicken Jerky
If using an oven:
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Preheat oven to 160-170°F.
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Place chicken strips on racks in the oven. Prop the door open slightly to allow moisture to escape.
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Cook for 2-3 hours then flip each strip. Cook 2-3 more hours.
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Jerky is done when strips crack but don’t snap when bent. They shouldn’t have any moist spots.
If using a dehydrator:
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Set temperature between 145-155°F.
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Load trays with chicken strips and dehydrate for 5-8 hours.
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Halfway through, flip the strips. Return to dehydrate until done.
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Jerky is finished when hard and cracks when bent but doesn’t break fully. No moist spots should remain.
Test a piece after 5 hours to check doneness. Depending on thickness, jerky can take 6-12 hours to fully dehydrate.
Storage Tips
Properly stored, homemade chicken jerky will last 2-3 months. Follow these storage guidelines:
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Let jerky cool completely before storing.
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Store jerky in an airtight container at room temperature. Mason jars or zipper bags work well.
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For longer shelf life, store in fridge or freezer. Fridge extends life to 6 months; freezer 1 year.
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If humidity is high where you live, fridge or freezer storage is best.
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Label containers with the date jerky was made.
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For maximum freshness, use within 2 weeks.
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Discard if mold appears. Don’t take chances with food safety.
Feeding Guidelines
Chicken jerky is safe for most dogs in moderation alongside a balanced diet. Follow these tips:
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Only give jerky as an occasional treat, not a meal replacement.
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Supervise your dog while eating to avoid choking.
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Introduce new flavors slowly.
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Avoid jerky if your dog has pancreatitis or kidney disease.
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Reduce jerky feeding if you notice loose stools or upset stomach.
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Don’t leave unattended jerky within reach. Consumption of large amounts can cause an intestinal blockage.
Make Jerky from Ground Chicken
You can also make jerky from ground chicken or turkey. The process is almost identical.
Simply mix ground meat with spices, then spread thinly on dehydrator trays. A jerky press gun can help spread the meat mixture evenly.
Dehydrate ground jerky for 4-6 hours. Check frequently to avoid over-drying. It will have a brittle, crumbly texture when fully dried.
Follow the same storage guidelines as for whole muscle jerky. Keep an eye on shelf life, as ground meats don’t store as long.
Jerky Safety Tips
It’s important to follow food safety practices when making any type of homemade jerky:
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Always use fresh, high-quality meat. Don’t take chances with spoiled or questionable ingredients.
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Freeze meat for 30 minutes before slicing to eliminate bacteria.
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Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces before and during prep.
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Dehydrate meat completely to avoid bacterial growth. No moist spots should remain when done.
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Let jerky cool fully before storing. Don’t store warm jerky.
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Monitor jerky for mold growth each time you feed it. Discard at first signs.
Following these safety tips will ensure your jerky stays fresh and mold-free so you can enjoy guilt-free homemade treats!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, frozen chicken works well. Partially thaw just until sliceable, then proceed as usual. The jerky texture may be slightly softer.
What if I don’t have a dehydrator?
You can make jerky in the oven by setting it to the lowest temperature, usually around 170°F. Prop the door open and rotate trays frequently for even drying.
How long does homemade jerky last?
In an airtight container, jerky lasts 2-3 months at room temperature or 6 months in the fridge. For maximum shelf life up to 1 year, freeze chicken jerky.
Can puppies have chicken jerky?
In small amounts, chicken jerky is safe for puppies over 12 weeks old. Supervise puppies when eating to avoid choking.
What if my dog has food allergies?
For dogs with poultry allergies, swap chicken for other lean meats like rabbit or venison. Always avoid ingredients your dog is allergic or sensitive to.
Is chicken jerky safe for diabetic dogs?
In moderation, chicken jerky can be fed to diabetic dogs alongside their normal diabetic diet. Avoid sweet flavors and keep portions small. Monitor blood sugar closely when introducing any new treat.
The Final Takeaway
Making homemade chicken jerky for dogs is simple, budget-friendly, and ensures you control exactly what’s in your pup’s treats. Dehydrate lean chicken seasoned to your dog’s taste for a nutritious, yummy snack. Follow proper food safety and storage guidelines for optimum freshness and shelf life. Soon you and your dog will be hooked on these easy homemade treats!
Making chicken jerky dog treats – tips and tricks.
When the chicken is partially frozen rather than wholly thawed, its easier to slice than when its completely thawed; you can use your heel to “chop” the slices rather than try to saw through them.
Slice chicken breast with the grain rather than against it. This will make the treats chewier and last a little longer when you give them to your dogs.
While you dont want the chicken pieces to be crispy, you want them to be chewy.
Add extra baking time if you cook more than one pound of chicken.
In the absence of a drying rack, you may lay a dish towel over the top of a dish drainer and allow it to dry. To cool your treats, place them on the towel. So they can cool crispier, the treats should be lifted off the cookie sheets.
However, be warned: these treats for dogs are very popular…theyll disappear fast!
Is it worth it to make your own chews?
The advantage of homemade chicken jerky chews is that you can customise the thickness and chewiness to suit your dogs specific needs!.
You can make chicken jerky softer if you have an older dog with missing teeth.
Do you have a puppy chewing machine in your house? By creating your own chicken jerky, you can make more robust chews for a fraction of the cost of store-bought jerky.