Oven-Baked Beef Jerky for Dogs Recipe

Shell & Katy Pretty Fluffy Editors

Shell & Katy are two style-savvy dog mums celebrating the best in pet-friendly living. A pet photographer and dog lifestyle writer, together they share trending pet products, recipes, inspiration and expert tips with discerning dog lovers around the world.

Warning…this beef jerky for dogs recipe won’t leave your kitchen smelling too great!

But hear us out.

Not only will your pup absolutely love these homemade beef jerky dog treats, they’re also rich in nutrients and protein – making them a super healthy snack too.

Liver treats can be made using either a dehydrator or an oven. For this recipe we’ll be using the oven, as we don’t have a dehydrator (and we guessed many of you wouldn’t either!)

The key to properly oven-baking your beef jerky dog treats? Drying them out properly using a slooooww cook time.

All you need to do is slice them, then let the oven do its thing. It’s literally that easy!

You’ll then be rewarded with crunchy, tasty morsels of beef jerky goodness your dog will drool over time and time again.

Let’s get baking, shall we?

RELATED: Homemade Chicken Jerky For Dogs Recipe

Benefits of Homemade Beef Jerky for Dogs

Not used to cooking with beef liver? Don’t worry, neither were we! 

If the ick-factor means you need a little more convincing, take a quick look at all the benefits:

• Liver treats are packed with iron, copper, phosphorus, zinc and essential fatty acids, as well as vitamin A (aids digestion and is a powerful antioxidant) and B vitamins (boosts metabolism and prevents anemia)
• Liver is budget-friendly and cheap to buy from your local butcher or supermarket
• Homemade beef jerky dog treats are the best training treats for dogs – the strong scent and flavour is excellent for holding their attention
• Although this beef jerky for dogs recipe has minimal ingredients, it packs plenty of flavorsome, healthy rewards!

Oven-Baked Beef Jerky for Dogs Recipe

What You Need:

• Beef liver (support local by visiting your nearest market or neighbourhood butcher!) 
• Knife
• Baking paper
• Oven tray

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat your oven to a low heat setting, around 100ºC/212ºF.
2. Rinse the liver, then dry well with paper towel.
3. Cover oven tray with baking paper (two trays may be needed depending on your liver size).
4. Using a sharp knife, chop the liver into thin slices (the thinner the slice, the crispier it will be).
5. Place liver slices onto the tray, being careful not to let any pieces overlap.
6. Bake in the oven on the lowest heat setting for 4.5 – 7 hours, depending on how crispy you want them (our batch was baked for 4.5 hours, which left them a bit crunchy and a bit chewy too – Ziggy loved it!)
7. Be sure to turn every 2 hours to cook evenly.
8. Leave to cool in the oven.

How to store beef jerky dog treats

As a general guide, oven-baked beef liver dog treats will last around 3 to 5 days stored in the refrigerator or a cool, dry place. We recommend using an air-tight container.

You can also freeze your treats so they last much longer – up to six months in fact!

** The above recipe is for treats only and should not replace your dog’s regular meal plans. Always check with your vet about any major changes to your dog’s diet.