Fish jerky treats are a good choice of a training treat because your furry friend will covet them. He also benefits from the high protein and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids in his treats. It’s easy to make fish jerky for your pet in your oven at home. Your dog will definitely thank you for the new homemade treats.
Place salmon or tuna steaks in a single layer on a cookie sheet and put it in the freezer for a few hours until they are mostly frozen. Partially freezing fresh fish makes the texture firmer so it is easier to cut into thin strips.
Remove the fish steaks and slice them with a fillet knife into strips about 1/8-inch thick, 1 inch wide and about 3 inches long.
Cut off a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil to a size that fits in the bottom of your oven. Remove the bottom oven rack and lay the foil in the bottom of the oven cavity. Replace the rack. The foil catches dripping juices from your fish jerky and allows quick and easy cleanup of your oven. You only have to pull up the four corners, trapping juices in the center, and toss it in the garbage.
Dry each strip of fish with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This minimizes cooking time.
Pull out each oven rack and place the fish jerky on the racks with the length perpendicular to the bars on the rack. Drape each strip of fish over two or more bars on the racks. Leave about half an inch between each two strips so the heat will circulate around all pieces evenly.
Turn the oven on to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Crack the oven door slightly to allow steam to escape.
Check the fish jerky for doneness in about two hours. When the strips are done, the meat is stiff and leathery just like beef jerky. Remove the fish jerky from the oven and allow it to cool completely before offering your pooch a healthy snack.
Tips
Store your fish jerky in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. If you make larger amounts, place them in freezer bags and keep them in the freezer for up to eight months.
Purchase fish steaks instead of whole fish to avoid the scaling and cleaning process.
You can use any type of fish that is readily available in your area. Try different types to tempt your four-legged friend’s taste buds.
Warnings
Do not use canned fish for making dog jerky. Canned fish contains a lot of sodium, which isn’t good for dogs.
Never feed your dog raw fish; it can contain a parasite that causes fish poisoning.
Warnings
Do not use canned fish for making dog jerky. Canned fish contains a lot of sodium, which isn’t good for dogs.
Never feed your dog raw fish; it can contain a parasite that causes fish poisoning.
Tips
Store your fish jerky in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. If you make larger amounts, place them in freezer bags and keep them in the freezer for up to eight months.
Purchase fish steaks instead of whole fish to avoid the scaling and cleaning process.
You can use any type of fish that is readily available in your area. Try different types to tempt your four-legged friend’s taste buds.
Items You Will Need
- Salmon or tuna steaks (fresh)
- Cookie sheet
- Fillet knife
- Aluminum foil (heavy-duty)
References
Resources
Tips
- Store your fish jerky in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. If you make larger amounts, place them in freezer bags and keep them in the freezer for up to eight months.
- Purchase fish steaks instead of whole fish to avoid the scaling and cleaning process.
- You can use any type of fish that is readily available in your area. Try different types to tempt your four-legged friend’s taste buds.
Warnings
- Do not use canned fish for making dog jerky. Canned fish contains a lot of sodium, which isn’t good for dogs.
- Never feed your dog raw fish; it can contain a parasite that causes fish poisoning.
Writer Bio
Mary Lougee has been writing for over 10 years. She holds a Bachelor's Degree with a major in Management and a double minor in accounting and computer science. She loves writing about careers for busy families as well as family oriented planning, meals and activities for all ages.