Table of Contents

Super Jerky Dog/Cat/Ferret Treats

I’ll never forget the first time I made these jerky treats. My old beagle, Gus, was notoriously picky. Store-bought treats held his attention for about five seconds. But the moment he caught a whiff of the dehydrator working its magic with these homemade delights, he sat glued to the spot, eyes wide and tail wagging furiously. He practically inhaled the first piece and spent the rest of the evening nudging my hand for more. From that day on, “jerky day” became a celebrated event in our household.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
Servings: Varies
Yield: Approximately 100 small treats
Dietary Type: High-Protein, Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free (depending on substitutions)

Ingredients

1 Beef Heart
3 Beef Kidneys
1 (5 ounce) can Albacore Tuna in Water

Optional additions:

Cow or Pork Kidneys
Pork Liver
Gizzards
Ground Chicken Bones (available online)
Fresh Fish such as Salmon (must be COOKED first)
Fresh plain Yogurt for cats
Other types of canned fish

Ingredient Notes:

It’s essential to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Your pet deserves the best!
You can adjust the protein sources based on your pet’s preferences and dietary needs.
If using canned fish other than tuna, be mindful of the salt content.

Equipment Needed

Meat Grinder (or food processor)
Piping Bag (or Ziploc bag)
Dehydrator
Dehydrator Tray Liner (or clean trash bag)
Kitchen Scissors
Cookie Sheets
Freezer Bags

Instructions

Begin by preparing your ingredients. If you don’t have a meat grinder, your local butcher may be able to grind the heart and kidneys for you. This will save you a lot of time and effort.
Grind up the beef heart and beef kidneys using the meat grinder until they are finely ground.
Add the can of albacore tuna to the grinder and continue grinding until it is well incorporated. If you don’t have a grinder, a food processor will also work. Pulse until the tuna is finely processed.
Thoroughly mix all the ground ingredients together in a bowl to ensure they are evenly combined. This step is crucial for a consistent flavor and texture throughout the treats.
Transfer the mixture into a piping bag (without a tip). If you don’t have a piping bag, a Ziploc bag will work just fine. Simply fill the bag about halfway and cut off a small corner.
Prepare your dehydrator trays. If you have a special tray liner, use it. If not, here’s a handy trick: Place a clean trash bag over the tray.
Pipe the mixture onto the lined dehydrator tray in a spiral pattern. Once the food is applied, carefully cut away the extra plastic, including the center circle, leaving only the plastic directly under the mixture.
Place the dehydrator in a safe, well-ventilated area, preferably outside the main living space (a garage or covered porch works well). This is to minimize any lingering odors from the dehydrating process. A high table near a window is also a good choice, allowing you to keep an eye on it.
Set the dehydrator to the highest heat setting. Dry the mixture until the top is dry to the touch. This typically takes several hours, so be patient.
Once the top is dry, carefully peel off the plastic from the treats. Turn the treats over; the plastic is no longer needed.
Continue drying until the treats feel like jerky. It’s better to over-dry them slightly than to leave them under-dried, as this will ensure they are safe for your pet. This stage will also take several hours.
Allow the jerky to cool completely before making your final assessment of dryness. The texture will firm up as it cools.
Using kitchen scissors, cut the large spiral into smaller, bite-sized jerky pieces that are appropriate for your pet’s size.
Store a small portion of the jerky treats in a baggie at room temperature for immediate use.
Spread the remaining jerky pieces out on cookie sheets and freeze them completely. Once frozen, transfer them to freezer bags for long-term storage. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from spoiling.

Expert Tips & Tricks

If your pet has allergies, be sure to substitute ingredients accordingly. For example, use chicken or turkey instead of beef.
For a softer treat, reduce the dehydration time slightly.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. A little bit of cooked sweet potato or pumpkin can add extra nutrients and flavor.
Make sure your dehydrator is clean before starting. This will prevent any unwanted flavors or odors from transferring to the treats.
If you’re using a dehydrator with adjustable temperature, start with a lower temperature (around 135°F/57°C) to prevent the edges from burning before the center is fully dried.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these treats sparingly, especially for indoor pets, as they are high in protein. Keep the treat sizes small. Store a small baggie at room temperature for easy access (use within a week). Store the remaining jerky in the freezer for long-term storage (up to 3 months). No need to reheat; they are best served at room temperature.

Nutritional Information

(Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx. 1 treat)	% Daily Value (estimated for a small dog)
Calories	2 kcal	<1%
Total Fat	<1 g	<1%
Saturated Fat	<1 g	<1%
Cholesterol	<1 mg	<1%
Sodium	<1 mg	<1%
Total Carbohydrate	<1 g	<1%
Dietary Fiber	<1 g	<1%
Sugars	<1 g	<1%
Protein	<1 g	<1%

Variations & Substitutions

Fish-Free Version: Omit the tuna and substitute with an equal amount of ground chicken or turkey.
Organ Meat Medley: Include other organ meats like spleen or lungs in addition to the heart and kidneys.
Adding Vegetables: Puree cooked carrots, sweet potatoes, or green beans and add a small amount to the mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
Herb Infusion: Add a pinch of dried parsley, rosemary, or thyme to the mixture for a flavorful twist.
Cat-Specific Version: Substitute the beef with cooked salmon or white fish for a cat-friendly treat. Always ensure the fish is fully cooked and boneless.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use other types of meat besides beef?
A: Yes, you can substitute with other meats like chicken, turkey, or lamb. Just make sure they are lean and appropriately ground.

Q: How long do these treats last?
A: The treats will last for about a week at room temperature, up to a month in the refrigerator, and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Q: My dog has a sensitive stomach. Are these treats suitable?
A: Start with a very small amount and monitor your dog’s reaction. If they have any adverse effects, discontinue use. You can also adjust the recipe to use ingredients that are easier on their stomach.

Q: Can I add salt to the recipe?
A: It is generally not recommended to add salt to pet treats, as excessive salt can be harmful to their health. The canned tuna provides a small amount of salt, which should be sufficient.

Q: What if I don’t have a dehydrator? Can I use an oven?
A: Yes, you can use an oven on the lowest possible setting (ideally around 170°F/77°C). Spread the mixture thinly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for several hours, flipping occasionally, until the treats are dry and brittle. However, a dehydrator is highly recommended for more even drying.

Final Thoughts

These homemade jerky treats are a fantastic way to show your furry friend some love with a healthy, all-natural snack. It takes a little time and effort, but the wagging tails and happy purrs make it all worthwhile. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find your pet’s favorite combination. And most importantly, enjoy the process and the bond it creates with your beloved companion. Please share your feedback and variations – I’d love to hear about your successes!

Super Jerky Dog/Cat/Ferret Treats Recipe