Chicken Jerky for Dogs

Dreamer in Ontario's Note:

You can dehydrate your own chicken for you dogs at a fraction of the cost of commercial chicken jerky. I found the method on expertvillage.com. Edited to add: Well, here's a great example why you shouldn't make a recipe public until after you've tried it. I've now made the recipe (after it was reviewed and found to be in need of a much longer cooking time) and the instructions have now been corrected. Note: Regarding garlic and dogs: Many dogs enjoy the taste of garlic and it's a natural flea repellent. A small bit of cooked garlic should not be toxic. However, according to the American Animal Hospital Association, raw and spoiled garlic is toxic and potentially fatal to dogs. Consult with your veterinarian before using and use in small quantities.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 5 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients:

Yield: 7 slices

• 1 cooked boneless chicken breast
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 200°F.
2. Slice the chicken into thin strips. You should end up with about 7 or 8 slices.
3. Place chicken slices on a baking sheet and bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours to remove moisture (cooking time will depend on thickness of chicken and whether chicken is refrigerated or warm from oven. I baked raw chicken until no longer pink then allowed it to cool enough to be handled before slicing into strips).
4. Allow to cool.

Reviews

[lucy5398]

One thing I think we should keep in mind ... when making a bigger "batch" they should be kept in the freezer until ready to pull out for eating as there are no preservatives. I take a few out and put in the fridge which will last me a bit.

[breezermom]

I have to admit, my chicken jerky did not turn out pretty like the ones pictured. Mine fragmented and ripped apart as I tried to slice them. But, my dogs didn't care! That's what is so great about dogs...you can make as many mistakes as you want, and they still are happy to see you and love you just the same! Regardless of how my treats looked, my precious dogs loved them! Tucker and Bailey are very happy that I tried this recipe! I made this for 1234 Zaar Tag!

[PaulaG]

Update: 04/03/2008 My babies really love these. Dreamer has updated the recipe and it is truly a winner. Original Comments: I made these for PAC Spring 2008. While I had some problems with the recipe as written the end result was a hit with my fur babies. The chicken was boiled, cooled for easier slicing and placed in the oven first at 170 degrees as my oven won't go below that. They were baked for 30 minutes and barely warm. The temp was bumped up to 250 degrees F and they were baked for 1 1/2 hours, turning ever 30 minutes. Finally, the oven was turned off and the jerky was allowed to continue drying as the oven cooled down. I really enjoyed making these for my babies and they really enjoy eating them.