Dehydrated Venison, Quinoa & Yogurt Jerky For Dogs
Introduction
Oh boy, let me share a little story about how I stumbled upon the magical world of homemade dog food—something I call “Dehydrated Venison, Quinoa & Yogurt Jerky For Dogs.” It all started one chaotic afternoon when I decided to treat my furry companions to something special. Picture this: my kitchen was a scene out of a doggie version of a cooking show disaster! There were tiny paws everywhere, and even a daring tail swipe that knocked over the flour! The dogs were barking, and I was trying to juggle a phone call and my doggie recipe book at the same time. It was a miracle I didn’t burn anything. Somehow, amidst all that chaos, I created a concoction that my dogs absolutely devoured. I mean, who knew that mixing venison, quinoa, and yogurt would be such a hit? Seriously, they acted like I had just served them a five-course meal.
Fast forward to today, and this recipe is a staple in my household. All seven of my dogs wait eagerly as the dehydrator hums away. I can already see the drool dripping when they catch a whiff of that rich venison scent wafting through the air. It’s almost as if they’re camped out with signs that read “Venison Jerky or Bust!” And let me tell you, when I see their wagging tails and bright eyes, I know making dog food was one of the best decisions ever!
What I love most about this recipe is that it’s not just a treat for my dogs; it’s a way for me to bond with them. After all, what’s better than sharing a homemade delicacy with your furry friends? It’s not just food; it’s love (and maybe a bit of madness, too). Plus, I can’t help but laugh every time they perform their little happy dance when they know it’s treat time. It’s a sight that could melt even the iciest of hearts! So, let’s dive into this delightful treat that not only keeps my dogs healthy and happy but also gives me ample joy and plenty of laughter in the kitchen!
Reasons Why This Dog Food Recipe Is Simply Paw-some
- It’s ridiculously easy to make – You don’t need to be a kitchen wizard to pull this off! Seriously, if you can press a button, you can do this. Just throw some ingredients into a dehydrator, and voila! Paws-itively amazing jerky awaits!
- It’s impressively delicious – Don’t be shocked if your friends think you hired a personal chef. The aroma while it’s cooking might just make your humans drool too. Who knew dog food could smell like something straight out of a gourmet magazine?
- It’s comforting – The kind of dog food recipe that makes you feel like everything’s going to be okay. On tough days, nothing beats the satisfaction of knowing your dogs are munching on something wholesome that you made with love. It’s like giving them a warm hug in edible form.
- It’s packed with nutrients – You know you’re on the good side of the dog parenting spectrum when you provide a protein-filled treat that’s also full of fiber and other healthy goodness. You’re basically a superhero, saving your pups from boring store-bought snacks!
- It promotes tail-wagging joy – Seriously, if you want to see some energetic jumping and tail chasing, just whip up a batch of this jerky. The happiness is contagious, and let me tell you, it makes my heart swell watching them delight in every bite!
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 20 jerky strips
- Calories per serving: Approximately 40 calories
- Key Nutrients:
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fat: 1g
Ingredients You Need
Oh, it’s time to gear up and go shopping! Grab your reusable bags, and let’s hunt for these goodies.
- 2 cups of venison – Because what’s a jerky without this star ingredient? It’s so flavorful your dogs will think they’re beating the culinary game!
- 1 cup of quinoa – The magical grain that gives this recipe its wonderful crunch. Plus, it’s like a little protein party in each bite!
- 1 cup of plain yogurt – This creamy addition is like a hug for your pup’s tummy. Who knew healthy could taste so good?
- 1/2 cup of carrots, finely grated – Because dogs adore the colorful crunch, and it makes the jerky look fancy too! Do you think they care? No! But it looks good!
- 1/4 cup of parsley, finely chopped – This ingredient is like the cherry on top! Full of antioxidants and it leaves their breath smelling nicer—what’s not to love?
Ingredient Highlights & Variations
Let’s take a little detour and talk more about our fabulous ingredients. Did you know that venison is leaner than beef? It’s true! It’s like the gym instructor of meats, helping your pups stay fit. Quinoa is not just any grain; it’s packed with protein and is a great alternative for dogs with grain sensitivities. My dogs love it, and honestly, it makes me feel sophisticated when I say it!
Now, yogurt! This creamy goodness does wonders for your dog’s gut health. You could even swap it for goat’s milk yogurt if you want to offer a nice twist. Carrots are low-calorie and packed with beta carotene. They’re like little crunchy snacks that double as a fun chewing experience! And let’s not forget parsley; it helps freshen the breath and is a great source of vitamins! You could also use sweet potatoes instead of carrots for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here comes the fun part, where we make this delicious jerky! Don your apron (or just a stained t-shirt because we’re all friends here), roll up those sleeves, and let’s get cooking!
- Step 1: Gather all your ingredients. Make sure to do a little happy dance while you do so! Just a quick jiggle to get the good cooking energy flowing.
- Step 2: Preheat your dehydrator to 160°F (71°C). No need for a fancy thermometer; just trust your gut!
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground venison, quinoa, yogurt, finely grated carrots, and chopped parsley. Give it a good mix until it looks like a delicious paste. You might be tempted to taste it—don’t. It’s for your dogs!
- Step 4: Spread the mixture evenly onto the dehydrator trays. Make sure they’re not too thick. Nobody likes chewy jerky, right? Just imagine trying to chew through that!
- Step 5: Load up the dehydrator and let it work its magic. This is where the patience game starts—4 hours and 30 minutes can feel like an eternity when you’re waiting on something so scrumptious!
- Step 6: After it’s done, let it cool down before serving. Your pups will thank you for letting it breathe! Once you’ve resisted the urge to devour it yourself, cut it into strips and share it with your furry friends.
How to Serve It
Now that you’ve got a batch of the most delectable dog jerky, let’s talk presentation! Just like a fine dining experience, serving matters.
– Serve it with a smile! You’ve earned it, friend!
– Garnish with a sprig of parsley to lift the fancy factor. Even though we know dogs don’t care about garnishing, it’ll look cute on Instagram!
– Pair it with a cozy doggie dinner or a side of fresh water. It’s like a full-course meal tailored for those cute little snouts.
Your doggo might even look at you with those big puppy eyes, as if asking for more. And who can resist those? You’re the gourmet chef now!
FAQ
What if I don’t have venison?
No problem! You can substitute with chicken, turkey, or even beef. Just make sure it’s lean to keep your tail-waggers healthy!
Can I use white quinoa instead of red quinoa?
Of course! Just remember, your jerky might lose out on that Instagrammable color but keep its fantastic taste. So no worries!
Can I make this jerky without a dehydrator?
Totally! You can spread it out on a baking sheet and pop it in the oven on the lowest setting for 4-6 hours. Just remember to check in between to avoid a pup’s culinary disaster!
Will my dog like this?
If you’re looking for a pawsitively enthusiastic response, the answer is a resounding yes! It’s a tasty little treat for all sizes of pups. And trust me, they won’t be able to get enough!
Can I store this jerky?
Absolutely! Just pop them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They should last for about two weeks—though, let’s be honest, they’ll be gone much sooner than that!
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Dehydrated Venison, Quinoa & Yogurt Jerky for Dogs! Give it a whirl and don’t forget to share the fun! I’d absolutely love to hear how your pups react and any silly antics that happened in your kitchen! Cooking for my furry friends has not only filled their bellies but also created countless happy memories. So, grab those ingredients, make some jerky, and feel free to drop a comment with your experiences or even share your own quirky variations! After all, in the chaotic symphony of puppy parenting, it’s all about the smiles and the love we pour into every bite!
