When a 1/2lb of dried chicken heart dog treats cost upwards of $30, but a 1/2lb of fresh chicken hearts at the grocery store is $1.28…. well! It’s worth setting up the dehydrator, that’s for sure!
Besides being a healthy, high-value treat, chicken hearts are rich in vitamin B12, zinc, iron, essential fatty acids, and a nice protein punch. And the doggos LOVE them!
How to make Chicken Heart Dog Treats
Before dehydrating, ensure your dehydrator goes up to 70C/155F.
- Slice hearts in quarters and place them onto the racks of the dehydrator.
- Dehydrate for approximately 12-15 hours. (The fresh raw heart contains a significant amount of moisture. I ran the hearts through the dehydrator in the hot, humid summer, so dehydrating took closer to 15 hours.)
- When the meat is firm – not squishy, it’s done. The liver strips should be slightly pliable but not squishy.
Homemade dehydrated dog treats can be made from many types of meat. Depending on tissue density, each will have a slightly different amount of time in the dehydrator. Estimated dehydrating times for different types of meat: Chicken (8-12 hours), Lean beef (7-9 hours), Turkey (8-10 hours), Duck (6-8 hours), Organ meat such as hearts, liver, or kidneys (10-12 hours), and Salmon (8-10 hours).
Storing your Chicken Heart Dog Treats
Dehydrated dog treats will last three months at room temperature when stored correctly in an airtight container. You can extend their shelf life by freezing them for an additional three months. If you keep chicken hearts in the freezer so you can use a few at a time when needed.
Feeding Chicken Heart Dog Treats
The heart is not a secreting organ like the liver, so it can be considered muscle meat and is not a high risk for causing loose stools! Recommended feeding up to 10-15% of the diet, depending on the size of your pet, of course. Give chicken hearts, raw or cooked, to your pet in moderation. The heart is not a secreting organ like the liver, so it can be considered muscle meat and is not a high risk for causing loose stools! Recommended feeding up to 10-15% of the diet, depending on the size of your pet, of course. Give chicken hearts, raw or cooked, to your pet in moderation.
*Note, I am not a “raw feeder,” nor do I recommend or prescribe quantities for your dog. Talk to your veterinarian about specific dietary needs for your pet.
~ Lola
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