If your pup loves fish, then they will beg for these treats. Homemade salmon jerky for dogs is so much better than store-bought! These dehydrated salmon dog treats are a tail-wagging delight.
Jerky treats are so much fun to make – and they are so good for dogs, too! You’ll feel good about sharing the jerky strips with your furry friend.
FYI – This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
FYI – This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Why You and Your Dog Will Love Dehydrated Salmon Dog Treats
Does your dog like to chew? Then make them some jerky dog treats. They can gnaw on them and still get the benefits of the salmon.
Dogs of all sizes will love some chewy salmon as a savory treat. It’s made without any artificial colors. That bright orange color is natural to the fish! And with no artificial preservatives, you’ll feel good sharing them with your dog as a tasty reward for being a good pup.
Benefits of Salmon for Dogs
Salmon is a healthy treat for dogs because it’s packed with brain-boosting fatty acids. If you can, use wild-caught salmon for the best nutrition.
Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3, which is great for healthy skin and gives your dog a shiny coat.
It’s also pure protein. And dogs need plenty of protein for building lean, healthy muscles.
Ingredients
You only need 1 ingredient to make this jerky:
- Salmon – Fresh or frozen fillet that’s skinless and boneless
You can use farmed or wild caught salmon, sockeye salmon, king/chinook salmon, Alaskan salmon, or coho salmon. You can also use any other fish that is safe for dogs to eat.
Equipment Needed
You may have the kitchen items you need to make this fish jerky. But just in case, here’s what you need:
- A plastic dishwasher-safe cutting board is best for raw meat.
- A good, sharp chef’s knife to cut through the salmon.
- Food Dehydrator to dehydrate the salmon. Or use your oven or an air fryer.
How to Make Salmon Jerky for Dogs
Making this jerky starts with preparing the salmon:
If it’s fresh caught and has never been frozen, you must freeze it to kill any parasites. Freeze it at -4° Fahrenheit or below for at least 7 days.
If it’s frozen, let it thaw for about 30 minutes or until it’s easy to slice.
If it’s previously frozen and thawed, freeze it for about 30 minutes or until it’s easy to slice.
Slice the salmon into ¼ inch strips.
Oven Method
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lay the strips on the baking sheet in a single layer with space between them.
- Bake the salmon at 170°F for 4 to 6 hours.
Air Fryer Method
- Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer with space between them.
- Air fry at 250°F for 2 to 3 hours.
Dehydrator Method
- Lay the strips on the dehydrator tray in a single layer with space between them.
- Dehydrate at 160°F for 6 to 8 hours.
Salmon jerky is done when it is fully dried but not crunchy. It will have a slightly chewy texture. Check about 2/3 into the cooking time and then in 20-minute increments.
Serving Size
How many pieces of salmon jerky you give your pet depends on what else they ate that day. This is a low-calorie snack, but it is still a snack. This should not be their main source of calories.
The serving size also depends on your dog’s size. Smaller dogs need fewer calories than larger dogs.
Generally, I would say that a serving is 2 treats. However, you can use your own judgment or consult with your veterinarian to determine the proper amount for your dog.
How to Store Homemade Salmon Jerky and How Long It Lasts
Allow the jerky to cool to room temperature. Store salmon jerky in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to 1 month. Discard the treats if there is any sign of mold or spoilage.
For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 4 months in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag.
Can people eat this jerky?
Yes, they certainly can. You may enjoy this jerky if you love salmon. Give one a try and see if you like it.
More Homemade Dog Treats
Do you want to make some more dehydrated treats for your spoiled hound? Try these recipes:
Find lots of easy recipes for meaty dog treats right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Salmon Jerky for Dogs
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen or fresh salmon fillet skinless and deboned
Instructions
- If using frozen fillets, allow to thaw for approximately 30 minutes or until the fillet is semi-frozen. This allows it to be cut easier.
- If fresh, place it in the freezer at -4°F or below for at least 7 days to kill any parasites. Remove from freezer and allow to thaw for approximately 30 minutes.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the fillet into 1/4″ strips.
Oven
- Place the sliced salmon filets onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Set the oven temperature to 170°F or the lowest temperature setting. Bake for 5-6 hours. Checking for doneness after 5 hours. The salmon will shrink and become flaky. It will be dried all the way through but slightly chewy. Allow to cool completely and remove from the tray and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Air Fryer
- Place the sliced salmon filets onto the air fryer tray. Set the temperature to 250°F or on the dehydrate setting if your air fryer has that setting. Air fry for 2-3 hours, checking for doneness near the end of the time. The salmon will shrink and become flaky. It will be dried all the way through but slightly chewy. Allow to cool completely and remove from the tray and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Dehydrator
- Place the sliced salmon filets onto the dehydrator tray. Set the temperature to 160°F or the meat setting. Dehydrate for 6-8 hours. Checking for doneness near the end of the time. The salmon will shrink and become flaky. It will be dried all the way through but slightly chewy. Allow to cool completely and remove from the trays and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
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