Are you looking for a natural and healthy treat for your furry friend?
Look no further than beef tendon chews! These 100% natural dried beef tendons are not only delicious but also provide a great way to naturally scrape away plaque buildup. Plus, they are extra strong chews suitable for all levels of chewers.
But how can you make these tasty treats at home?
In this article, we will guide you through the process of dehydrating beef tendons. With just a few simple steps, you can create a homemade treat that your dog will love.
So, let’s get started!
How To Dehydrate Beef Tendon?
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Tendons
The first step in dehydrating beef tendons is to prepare them for the dehydrator. Start by slicing the tendons into thin pieces, making sure they are all of the same size. This will ensure that they dehydrate evenly.
Step 2: Set the Dehydrator
Next, set your dehydrator to a temperature of 155 degrees F or 160 degrees F. This temperature range is ideal for dehydrating beef tendons.
Step 3: Line Up the Dehydrating Tray
Line up your dehydrating tray with the sliced beef tendons. Make sure that there is enough space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation.
Step 4: Dehydrate the Beef Tendons
Dehydrating beef tendons can take anywhere from 48 hours up to 3 days, depending on their moisture content. The best way to determine if they are ready is to check on them periodically and feel them until they are firm enough to be called jerky.
Step 5: Store the Beef Tendons
Once your beef tendons are fully dehydrated, store them in a dry place or in a plastic bag in the freezer to preserve them longer.
Why Choose Dehydrated Beef Tendon Chews For Your Dog?
Dehydrated beef tendon chews are a great choice for your furry friend for several reasons. Firstly, they are a natural and healthy alternative to other high-fat treats that can cause stomach problems in sensitive dogs. Beef tendons are rich in protein and low in fat, making them an excellent source of nutrition for your dog. Additionally, beef tendon chews are safer than rawhide chews, which can create unnecessary risks for both choking and intestinal blockages when small indigestible pieces become lodged.
Moreover, beef tendons are a great way to improve your dog’s dental health. As your furry friend chews on the tough and fibrous texture of the tendon chews, the scraping action gently cleans teeth and gums, reducing plaque buildup and keeping their teeth healthy. Additionally, beef tendons contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which help to improve joint health, making them an ideal choice for older dogs or those with joint problems.
Another benefit of dehydrated beef tendon chews is that they provide mental stimulation for your dog. Chewing is an important activity for dogs, as it has calming benefits and relieves stress. Beef tendon chews offer a long-lasting chew that can keep your dog engaged for hours, providing mental stimulation and keeping them entertained.
Finally, dehydrated beef tendon chews are easy to store and transport, making them a convenient option for busy pet owners. Once fully dehydrated, they can be stored in a dry place or in the freezer to preserve them longer.
Preparing The Beef Tendons For Dehydration
Before you can begin dehydrating beef tendons, it’s important to prepare them properly. Beef tendons are usually taken from the Achilles tendon of a cow or any other long, thick tendon. They are often sourced from all over the world, but Turkey is known to be one of the main producers of beef tendon chews for dogs in Europe.
To prepare the beef tendons for dehydration, start by slicing them into thin pieces. It’s important to try and get them to be the same size so that they can dehydrate evenly. Tendons are usually quite large, at six to ten inches long, so you may need to use a sharp knife or a meat slicer to cut them into thin slices.
Once you have sliced the beef tendons, line up your dehydrating tray with the sliced pieces. Make sure that there is enough space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. This will help the tendons to dehydrate evenly and prevent them from sticking together.
Next, set your dehydrator to a temperature of 155 degrees F or 160 degrees F. This temperature range is ideal for dehydrating beef tendons. It’s important not to set the temperature too high as this can cause the tendons to dry out too quickly and become brittle.
Dehydrating beef tendons can take anywhere from 48 hours up to 3 days, depending on their moisture content. The best way to determine if they are ready is to check on them periodically and feel them until they are firm enough to be called jerky. You can also use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the tendons. They should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F before they are considered safe for consumption.
Once your beef tendons are fully dehydrated, store them in a dry place or in a plastic bag in the freezer to preserve them longer. Properly dehydrated beef tendons can last for months if stored correctly.
Dehydrating The Beef Tendons
Dehydrating beef tendons is a great way to preserve them and make them a tasty treat for your furry friend. Whether you are making them for your own dog or as a gift for a friend’s dog, dehydrating beef tendons is a simple process that can be done at home.
To start, make sure that you have fresh beef tendons. You can source them from your local butcher or purchase them online. Once you have the tendons, slice them into thin pieces that are of the same size. This will ensure that they dehydrate evenly.
Next, set your dehydrator to a temperature of 155 degrees F or 160 degrees F. This temperature range is ideal for dehydrating beef tendons. Line up your dehydrating tray with the sliced beef tendons, making sure that there is enough space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation.
Dehydrating beef tendons can take anywhere from 48 hours up to 3 days, depending on their moisture content. The best way to determine if they are ready is to check on them periodically and feel them until they are firm enough to be called jerky. Once your beef tendons are fully dehydrated, store them in a dry place or in a plastic bag in the freezer to preserve them longer.
Dehydrated beef tendons are a great alternative to store-bought dog treats that often contain additives and preservatives. They are also an excellent source of protein and can help keep your dog’s teeth clean by providing abrasion against their teeth. So why not try making some at home and see how much your furry friend loves them!
Storing And Serving The Dehydrated Beef Tendon Chews
After dehydrating the beef tendons, it is important to store them properly to ensure their freshness and longevity. You can store the beef tendons in a cool, dry place or in the freezer. If you plan on storing them for an extended period of time, it is recommended to freeze them.
To serve the dehydrated beef tendon chews, you can feed them as is or put them in the freezer to last longer. You can also add them to your dog’s meal as part of their 80% muscle meat intake. For a softer texture, you can soak the tendon in warm water for 2-10 minutes before serving.
It is important to always supervise your dog while they are enjoying these chews, especially if it is their first time trying them. Make sure to discard any large or sharp pieces if they break off, and feed in moderation. It is also important to be aware that feeding bone or products with bone comes with inherent risks, so know your dog’s chew strategy and watch them carefully while they are chewing.
Tips And Tricks For Making Perfect Beef Tendon Chews Every Time
1. Use a Good Quality Dehydrator
Investing in a good quality dehydrator will ensure that your beef tendons are dehydrated evenly and thoroughly. The Presto Dehydrator is a great all-around dehydrator that is easy to use and has four stackable tiers.
2. Use a Sharp Knife
A sharp knife is essential when slicing the beef tendons. This will make the process easier and ensure that the pieces are of the same size, which is important for even dehydration.
3. Preheat the Oven
Before you start dehydrating, preheat your oven to its lowest possible setting. This will help to speed up the process and ensure that the beef tendons are dehydrated thoroughly.
4. Use Olive Oil and a Kitchen Brush
Brushing the beef tendons with olive oil before dehydrating them will help to keep them moist and prevent them from drying out too quickly.
5. Use Tin Foil and a Drying Rack/Drippings Pan Combo
Using tin foil on the bottom of your drying rack/drippings pan combo will help to catch any drippings and prevent them from sticking to the pan. This will make cleaning up much easier.
6. Keep an Eye on the Beef Tendons
Check on your beef tendons periodically while they are dehydrating to ensure that they are not over-drying or under-drying. You can also feel them to determine their firmness.
7. Store in a Dry Place or Freezer
Once your beef tendons are fully dehydrated, store them in a dry place or in a plastic bag in the freezer to preserve them longer. This will ensure that they stay fresh and tasty for your furry friend.
