Homemade Dehydrator Dog Treats Recipe With Cottage Cheese & Blueberries

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Sick of guessing what’s in those store-bought dog treats? You’re not alone. It’s easy to worry about odd fillers and weird additives hiding in there, especially if your dog’s stomach is a little fussy.

Honestly, who wants to feed their pup something questionable? The good news: you can whip up homemade dehydrator dog treats that taste great and actually use ingredients you recognize. Here’s how.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dehydrator dog treat recipe is super simple and takes about 15 minutes of active prep time.
• The dehydration process itself takes longer, usually 6-8 hours, but it’s hands-off.
• You’ll get a batch of about 30-40 treats, depending on how you cut them.
• These treats are packed with protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants, great for sensitive pups or just a healthy snack.

Ingredients List

• 1 cup (8 ounces) full-fat cottage cheese: $2.50
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries: $2.00
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce: $0.75
• 1 large egg: $0.30
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for grain-free): $0.50
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: $0.20
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: $0.10
• Optional: 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley (fresh): $0.50

Total Estimated Cost: $6.85

Substitutions:

• Cottage cheese: Plain Greek yogurt (ensure no xylitol).
• Blueberries: Raspberries or cranberries.
• Whole wheat flour: Oat flour or rice flour for grain sensitivities.
• Olive oil: Coconut oil or flaxseed oil.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Get a large mixing bowl.
• Add the cottage cheese, blueberries, unsweetened applesauce, egg, olive oil, and cinnamon to the bowl.
• If you’re using parsley, add that in now too.
• Mix everything together really well until it’s combined.
• Slowly add the flour, a little at a time, and mix until a soft dough forms.
• It should be firm enough to roll out but not crumbly.
• Lightly flour your counter or a large cutting board.
• Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
• Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut the dough into small treat shapes.
• Place the cut treats onto your dehydrator trays.
• Make sure there’s a little space between each treat so air can move around.
• Set your dehydrator to 145°F (63°C).
• Dehydrate for 6-8 hours, or until the treats are completely dry and firm.
• They should not be soft or pliable in the middle.
• Check them periodically and rotate trays if your dehydrator doesn’t heat evenly.
• Once done, turn off the dehydrator and let the treats cool completely inside for better crispness.

Feeding Guidelines

• These treats are best as occasional rewards, not a meal replacement.
• Small dogs (under 20 lbs) can have 1-2 treats a day. For example, a Chihuahua might get one, a Beagle two.
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs) can have 2-3 treats a day. Think a Corgi getting two, or a Border Collie three.
• Large dogs (over 50 lbs) can have 3-4 treats a day. A Golden Retriever might enjoy three, a Great Dane four.
• Adjust these amounts based on your dog’s activity level. A very active dog might need a bit more.
• Puppies and senior dogs might need smaller, softer pieces, so you can break them.
• Always talk to your vet to figure out the best feeding plan for your specific dog.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Cottage cheese gives a great protein boost, which is important for muscle health and overall repair. It also has calcium for strong bones.
• Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, helping to protect cells from damage. They’re also good for immune support.
• Eggs add more high-quality protein and essential fatty acids, contributing to a shiny coat and healthy skin.
• Whole wheat flour provides complex carbohydrates for energy and fiber, which helps with digestion.
• Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar.
• Olive oil gives healthy fats, including Omega-3s, good for skin, coat, and brain health.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store these dehydrated treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 weeks.
• If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
• To freeze, put them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Thaw frozen treats at room temperature before serving.
• You can serve them as is, or break them into smaller pieces for training.
• Some dogs like a slightly warmed treat, but room temperature is usually fine.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting (FAQ)

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, you can, but full-fat cottage cheese offers more beneficial fats and flavor for your dog. If your dog needs to lose weight, then low-fat is a good option.

Do I need a dehydrator for this recipe?

This recipe is made for a dehydrator to get the best texture and shelf life. You can try baking them on a very low temperature (around 175°F / 80°C) in your oven for several hours until dry and firm, but they might not be as crispy or last as long.

Are these treats suitable for dogs with allergies?

This recipe contains dairy (cottage cheese), egg, and gluten (whole wheat flour). If your dog has allergies, use the suggested substitutions like oat flour for gluten, or talk to your vet about dairy alternatives if that’s an issue.

My treats aren’t crispy, what went wrong?

They likely need more time in the dehydrator. Make sure they are completely dry and firm to the touch, with no softness in the middle. Sometimes rotating trays helps with even drying.

Wrapping Up

Making your own dog treats is such a rewarding way to show your pet love, and these dehydrated cottage cheese and blueberry treats are a healthy, tasty option. Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!