At Casa de Kolchak, we believe in real food.
My dogs are used to getting fresh, wholesome foods like lean meats, unseasoned vegetables and seasonal fruits. These real food additions are a part of their everyday diet, so when the holiday roll around. I don’t hesitate to share a bit of Thanksgiving leftovers in a dog-friendly way by turning them into healthy dog treats.
Not all dogs are ready for a Thanksgiving feast. If your dog eats kibble or dog food most or all of the time, the holiday indulgence can cause stomach upset or worse, trigger a bout with pancreatitis.
These turkey jerky dog treats made from left over turkey are the perfect, safe holiday treat.
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The Stuff (aka Ingredients)
- Leftover Turkey - White meat is great, but dogs love dark meat too
- optional:
- - 1/4 c. olive oil
- - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley or other fresh, dog friendly herb
How We Do It (Instructions)
Thinly slice turkey, carving with the grain of the meat.
If desired, mix together oil and parsley in a Ziploc bag. Add turkey meat and toss to coat. Squish out air, seal the bag and allow to marinate overnight. (This step isn't vital, but it can help revive meat that might have been over cooked or left out and got a bit dry.)
Oven Method:
Preheat oven to 150F. Lay out turkey on parchment lined baking sheets or on drying racks. Bake with door open for 3 - 6 hours, until jerky is crispy and crunchy.
Dehydrator Method:
Lay out turkey on drying racks. Turn on dehydrator. Dry for 3 - 6 hours until crispy and crunchy.
Store in an airtight container.
oh dear this makes me wish we were making a turkey this year. we are not as I hate turkey, instead I am making stuffed pumpkin. I have to hide this post from the dogs they will be so mad
urban hounds
Mmmmmm stuffed pumpkin sounds amazing too! Emma at my GBGV Life shared a recipe for turkey jerky using ground turkey on today’s hop. Maybe you can appease them with that?
You’ve got such good ideas! 🙂 I was considering making jerky with our leftover turkey, now I’m definitely going to! Thanks for the tips!
Awesome! I hope you love it Nailah!
do you actually think our over door could be open with Delilah in the house?
Only about as long as it can be open at Casa de Kolchak? Full disclosure: I make these in the dehydrator ON THE DECK. It’s the only way or the puggle will know.
I really need to get the dehydrator out of the cupboard …
It’s in the cupboard?! I feel like I never put mine away!
We must bake a turkey so we can make these! Like the marinading in a ziplock bag idea!
Thanks! Mama usually marinates everything that way. If you have a vaccuum sealer (we do!) that works even better!
Roooo that jerky looks pawsome *drooling*
Hey! Were we on the same wavelength today or what???
You know what they say about great minds, right Emma?
The only way I could conceivably leave my oven door open that long with food inside is if my dog somehow lost her sense of smell. It’s either that or I bribe the cat to stand guard. But even he would be tempted!
That is honestly what pushed me to buy a dehydrator. I can plug it in out on the deck and shut the slider and no doggy is the wiser.
I am so lazy. I just use raw turkey. My husband is a vegetarian, so the only turkey that comes in our house is meant for Silas from the get-go.
Ha ha ha ha! That is the opposite of lazy! Most people are too lazy to make these from fresh meat, which is why I suggest trying them with leftovers! Either way, we have lucky dogs!
Will have to keep this in mind next month!