Frozen Venison, Lentil & Parsley Jerky For Dogs

Let’s Talk About My Dogs and the Quest for the Perfect Dog Food Recipe

I vividly remember the day I first decided to tackle homemade dog food. I had just hosted a dinner party with friends, and amidst the laughter and excitement, my 7-year-old Golden Retriever, Charlie, decided to make a grand appearance—by stealing a steak right off the plate. The gasp from my friends was almost as loud as Charlie’s exaggerated chomping. That was the moment I knew I had to do better for my four-legged friends. I mean, who could resist a dog who boldly steals food? But I didn’t want to feed him just table scraps; I needed to create something special that both I and my dogs could find joy in. You see, when my pups are happy, I’m happy—no more unappetizing stolen steak episodes!

So there I was, armed with my laptop and surrounded by like a million dog food recipes from Pinterest, elbow-deep in ingredients, wondering if I would end up creating a culinary masterpiece or simply a canine catastrophe. After a few experimental attempts, I finally unlocked the secret: Frozen Venison, Lentil & Parsley Jerky. Now, the dogs go wild for it! Seriously, if you’ve ever seen a group of dogs wagging their tails with such exuberance, you’d think they were at a canine Christmas party. Talk about a confidence booster for me—who knew I could turn kitchen trials into canine talismans of joy?

Before I knew it, this simple, wholesome recipe became a staple in my doggie kitchen. Now, not only do I make it for my own pack of five dogs (yes, five!), but I have friends placing orders too. It’s like I opened a doggie deli right in my home! So, grab your apron, and let’s get started on this delightful recipe that even your most discerning dog will adore.

Reasons Why This Recipe Is Pawsitively Amazing

• It’s ridiculously easy to make: Forget about culinary school. I’m not a professional chef, and with this recipe, a basic understanding of how to chop and sauté is all you need!
• It’s impressively delicious: You’ll find yourself wondering if you should be sharing it with your dogs or just enjoying it yourself. They might side-eye you as you taste test, I promise.
• It’s comforting: This recipe is like a warm hug on a cold day, but for dogs! It’s the kind of food that makes you believe everything will be alright.
• Health benefits galore: Packed with proteins from venison, lentils, and nutrients from parsley, it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Your dog will have bouncy energy levels and a shiny coat—they might become the canine equivalent of a fitness influencer!
• Customization options: Just like building a pizza, you can play around! Swap out venison for chicken or add an extra carrot or two if that tickles your pup’s fancy.

Preparation & Cooking Time

Total Time: 90 minutes

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 70 minutes

Servings: 20 servings

Calories per serving: Approximately 120 calories

Key Nutrients:

• Protein: 15g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fat: 5g

Ingredients You Need

Alright, my dog-loving friend—let’s get to the fun part: shopping! Grab your reusable bags as we embark on a tailor-made adventure to prepare the ultimate dog food!

• 3 cups of venison – Yes, you read that right! We’re going gourmet for those pooches.
• 1 cup of lentils – The fantastic little legumes that pack a punch (and a nutritious one at that).
• 1 cup of fresh parsley – Feeling fancy and a bit green? This will do the trick!
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil – The liquid gold that adds richness to the mix.
• 1 large carrot, shredded – Because every dog deserves a bit of crunch, right?
• 1/2 cup of peas – Perfect for color and perfect for pups.
• 1 teaspoon of salt (optional) – But let’s leave this out for our furry friends.
• 1/2 teaspoon of pepper – Because a little seasoning doesn’t hurt. Just a smidge, since we’re cooking for dogs!
• 1 to 2 cups of water – Just enough for all that goodness to bubble and blend together.

Ingredient Highlights & Variations

Let’s dive a little deeper into why I love these ingredients. First up, the venison! Did you know venison is low in fat and high in protein? If my dogs had their way, they would choose this over any reality TV series—for them, it’s the ultimate in feast.

Next, those lovely lentils. They’re so versatile! Toss in some more lentils or switch them out for sweet potatoes if your dog has dietary restrictions. It’s like a culinary game of spin the wheel—except it’s beneficial for your furry buddies.

Now, parsley—oh yes! Not only does it add a burst of color, but it also freshens your dog’s breath. Dogs everywhere will be dancing with glee and potentially flirting with the postman. And let’s be honest: nothing is cuter than a dog with minty breath!

If you’re feeling adventurous, try replacing venison with chicken or ground beef. Some people even use good ol’ turkey! You know what they say: “Variety is the spice of dog life.” Just watch their wagging tails as they sample various flavors you whip up!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s keep it light and breezy while we go through the magic of making this delectable dog treasure. Follow me!

1. Step 1: Chop up that venison like you’re on a culinary mission. Get those pieces small enough for your furry friends to handle but big enough for their taste buds to rejoice!
2. Step 2: In a pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your venison and get it sizzling! This is the sound of joy echoing through your kitchen as you channel your inner chef.
3. Step 3: Next up, toss in the lentils. Give them a good stir—it’s like a party in there! You want to get them all joyful and excited.
4. Step 4: Pour in the water, and let it all dance together, bringing in the secret ingredients one at a time. Throw in the peas, shredded carrots, and parsley. Your kitchen is going to smell like pure magic. Trust me!
5. Step 5: Season with the salt (skip if you prefer, but don’t forget the pepper!), and let it simmer. You’ll want this mixture to cook until the lentils are tender, which typically takes around an hour. Don’t worry. You can relax while it does its thing—you totally deserve it.
6. Step 6: Once all is tender and delicious, let it cool. This is where you can make the jerky form with a dehydrator or simply spread it on a baking tray and pop it in the oven.
7. Step 7: Cut into appropriate pieces when cooled and freeze. You now have treats ready to make tails wag!

How to Serve It

Now that we’ve prepared our masterpiece, let’s think about serving it. Presentation matters—even for dogs! Pour those hearty morsels into their favorite bowls, and maybe take a moment to marvel at your cooking prowess.

Serve it with a smile! Your dogs can sense your energy. If you’re smiling, they’re wagging!

Feel like adding a little bling to their meals? Garnish with chopped parsley to keep the theme alive. For an extra health boost, add a spoonful of pumpkin puree—perfect for digestion and a favorite among my dogs!

Consider pairing it with a side of sweet potato. It’s like their cozy evening snack that makes story time perfectly complete. And while your pups dig into their bowl of joy, enjoy a cozy cup of your favorite tea, so you can have that fido bonding moment. Everyone’s feeling good!

FAQs

Ah, the frequently asked questions, or as I like to call them, “the things I wish I had answers for before I tried this.”

Can I use regular ground beef instead of venison? Sure thing! Just know that they might wake up dreaming of a cow named Bessie if they love it too much.

What if I want to make it grain-free? Easy peasy. Ditch the lentils and focus on nutrients from fats like coconut oil, paired with veggies. You’re on a roll!

Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely, my adventurous friend! Weeknight meals for your pups? You’re basically running a dog food restaurant at home. Talk about meal prep goals!

How do I know my dog will love it? If they wag their tail so hard they look like they might launch into the air, you know it’s a hit! Dogs have a knack for special moments, and you might find yours dancing just waiting for a treat!

There’s No Place Like Home with Dogs and Good Food

Cooking for my fur babies has turned out to be one of my favorite pastimes. I can only imagine you will feel the same once you start whipping up treats at home. Each time I see those excited little faces, especially when I present the Frozen Venison, Lentil & Parsley Jerky, it’s like Christmas morning for them! I love bonding over meals, whether tail-wagging or sharing my own food tales. So give this recipe a go, make dogs jump for joy, and let’s share some paw-sitive vibes in the comments below—maybe even swap our quirky variations. I’d love to hear how your dogs enjoy this delightful snack and add it to the long list of doggie adventures!