You can use this recipe with any lean meat you have on hand. If you’re pressed for time (or just don’t enjoy handling raw meat) check your grocery store for packages of meat sliced thin or in strips ready to go.
A marinade is completely optional, of course, but makes this jerky into a recipe that works equally well for dogs and people. We use low-sodium ingredients and do not add sugar to ensure that this treat is as healthy as it is tasty. You can make as much or as little of this marinade as you need.
Mix up your marinade. You will need one batch of marinade per pound of meat.
Prep your lean meats by first removing all visible fat and discarding.
Slice your proteins into whatever shape you like, bearing in mind that:
Place your protein in the marinade, stirring to make sure everything is evenly covered.
Marinate in the refrigerator for 4-24 hours.
When you’re ready to dehydrate, preheat your dehydrator to 160 degrees F, or your oven to 160 degrees F or your lowest setting.
Remove all the trays from your dehydrator. You don’t want to get raw meat juice all over the trays you aren’t using and it will increase airflow dramatically.
Set timer for 4 hours.
Check for doneness at 4 hours for the dehydrator, 3 hours if you’re using the oven since the temp will likely be higher.
You want to see the meat shrunk by at least half, dark and consistent in color, and dry all the way through. The meat should bend but not feel rubbery or puffy (chicken, I’m looking at you.)
When meat is completely cooled, store in an airtight container.
Thoroughly clean your dehydrator trays and the inside of your dehydrator, the bottom shelf will get sticky and you don’t really want these flavors transferring to your next cooking project!
Jerky will keep for one week on your counter or two weeks in the fridge. If you want it to last for a couple of months you could use a vacuum sealer. But we’re pretty sure your dog will help you make it disappear in a matter of days, if not hours.
Find it online: https://www.rover.com/blog/make-dog-jerky-treats/