Pork heart jerky is an all-natural treat that is inexpensive and easy to make. In addition, your dog will be getting a highly nutritious snack that is a good source of fat, iron, thiamin, vitamin B, riboflavin, magnesium and pantothenic acid.
Cut slices according to your dog’s size. Giving smaller pieces to larger dogs can cause a choking hazard. Generally, one pig heart will yield 4 slices 1/2(ish) inches thick with trimmings left over for mealtime. These 4 larger slices can be cut in half or quarters (before dehydrating) to feed to small dogs.
How your dog eats these treats will also determine if they are a potential choking hazard. While some dogs will take their sweet time chewing these bite by bite, others (extra-large breeds for instance) may have a tendency to gulp the treats. Slice the heart accordingly. To slow fast eaters down cut larger slices.
The slices pictured are cut vertically. For larger treats you can cut the heart in slices from top to bottom (horizontally).
Set your dehydrator to 160 degrees or on the highest setting. Dehydrate for a minimum of 16 hours (16-20 hours is recommended). Adjust cooking time according to how thick your slices are.
If you don’t own a dehydrator there is an easy alternative. Set your oven on its lowest setting and slightly prop the door open (no more than an inch or two).
These treats keep for several months (about 4-6) in the freezer and can also be refrigerated for several weeks or left out in a cookie jar. If you do plan on keeping them in a jar dehydrate for closer to 20 hours so they’ll stay fresher, longer.
Want to see what dehydrator I use to make these healthy treats? Click here.