If your pup goes wild for fishy flavors, this homemade salmon jerky is going to be a hit! It’s chewy, savory, and made with just one simple ingredient. You can make it in a dehydrator, oven, or air fryer, and it’s a great way to turn a fresh fillet into a high-value treat your dog will love. Perfect for training, rewarding, or just spoiling your furry friend.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
There’s something extra satisfying about making treats for your dog, and even more so when it’s this easy. This salmon jerky for dogs recipe is as simple as it gets, and here’s why you’ll want to make it on repeat:
Only 1 Ingredient – All you need is salmon. No additives, preservatives, or mystery ingredients – just real fish.
Easy to Make in 3 Ways – Use a dehydrator, oven, or air fryer. Whatever works best for you!
High in Protein – Salmon is loaded with lean protein to help support muscle strength and overall health.
High Value and Great for Training Treats – Dogs go nuts for the smell and taste of these chewy bites, making them perfect for training or as extra-special rewards.
Economical – Store-bought dehydrated salmon dog treats can be pricey. Making your own saves money and gives you way more bang for your buck.
Ingredients
You only need one ingredient to make these dehydrated salmon dog treats:
- Salmon – Fresh or frozen fillet that’s skinless and boneless
Any variety works, including wild-caught or farm-raised, sockeye, king (chinook), coho, or Alaskan 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
Start by preparing the salmon:
- If it’s fresh caught and has never been frozen, freeze it at -4° Fahrenheit or below for at least 7 days to kill any potential parasites.
- If it’s already frozen, let it thaw for about 30 minutes or until it’s firm but easy to slice.
- If it’s previously frozen and thawed, freeze it for about 30 minutes to make slicing easier.
Once it’s prepped, slice the salmon into ¼-inch thick strips and choose your cooking method below.
Oven Method
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lay the salmon strips in a single layer with space between them.
- Bake the salmon at 170°F for 4 to 6 hours, checking for doneness toward the end.
Air Fryer Method
- Spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray.
- Arrange the strips in a single layer with space between each one.
- Air fry at 250°F for 2 to 3 hours, checking frequently toward the end.
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.
All Methods – Check for Doneness
Check the jerky about two-thirds of the way through the cooking time, then every 20 minutes. The salmon jerky is done when it’s fully dried but still chewy, not crunchy.
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. This jerky is made with plain salmon and nothing else, so it’s perfectly safe for people. If you enjoy the taste of salmon, give one a try!
More Homemade Dog Treats
Do you want to make some more dehydrated treats for your spoiled hound? Try these recipes:
And make some salmon skin dog treats in an air fryer.
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.
Air Fryer
- Place the sliced salmon filets onto the air fryer tray. Set the temperature to 250°F or on the dehydrate setting. Air fry for 2-3 hours, checking for doneness near the end of the time.
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.
All Methods
- As the salmon is dehydrating, it will shrink and become flaky. Salmon jerky is done when it’s fully dried but still chewy, not crunchy.
- Allow to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
Serving Amount
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. If you’re unsure how much jerky to give, talk to your vet.
If your dog has never had salmon before, start with a small piece to make sure they don’t have any sensitivities or allergic reactions.
Can freeze dry salmon…
Yes, you would need to use a freeze dryer machine and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for freeze drying fish.
Is one way better then the other – freeze dried versus dehydrated?
They’re about the same by giving similar results of removing the moisture from the skin.