Homemade jerky recipes

[Georgia]

I did a quick search on the recipe list posted but I didn't spy anything for homemade jerky. We got a dehydrator for Christmas and (assuming dried meat is good for dogs) I'm trying to make some jerky treats for both humans and the dog.

The problem seems to be mostly the marinade. Thus far the recipes I find are for humans (of course) and they entail soy sauce or various other common ingredients for a marinade that I don't think would be good for the dog. I suppose I can just keep it simple and not even bother with a marinade but I've read that just adding a bit of salt can be a good idea to prolong the life of the jerky.

Anyone using a dehydrator to create jerky treats? Any tips?

[skunkstripe]

I think you're stuck with the salt for preservation purposes. But most of the recipes I've seen call for onion powder, which I definitely wouldn't use. Garlic is fine though.
One of the most important ingredients is salt. This is an essential part of preserving the meat as well as a key to the flavor.
http://thehowzone.com/how/HomemadeJerky/
http://cahe.nmsu.edu/news/1999/102199_JERKY.html

I think if it were me I would use the "Old Fashioned Jerky" marinade from this site:
http://www.solareagle.com/PREP/JERKY.HTM

[Georgia]

Thanks for the links. Some good information there.

I'm surprised you say the garlic is ok. Seems like I've seen reports that lump garlic and onions into the same batch when it comes to being ok for dogs. Last time I researched it I think it was a 50/50 debate but since then I try to avoid anything with garlic for the dog (which can be hard when it comes to buying treats).

One thing drives me nuts with this jerky thing - it seems like there is a lot of advice that doesn't agree. For example, I have yet to see anyone mention a precook phase in the marinade at a boil like it says in that link you sent. But it does make sense. Hard to tell what level of paranoia to have to be safe.

[DLS]

Georgia, if you have a dehydrator you do not need to marinate the meat. Just get it sliced as thin as you can and dry it in the dehdrator till bone dry. Bag up and freeze some the rest store in a dry container and give to your pets. Or marinate half for you and leave the rest plain for the dogs.