You know, when it comes to our furry best friends, we want to give them the absolute best, right? I’m all about whipping up wholesome goodies in my kitchen, and that passion totally extends to my pup, Buster! That’s why I was so excited to nail down this Chicken Pumpkin Digestive Jerky recipe. It’s not just a tasty snack; it’s packed with goodness that helps keep his tummy happy. Seriously, seeing Buster’s tail wag for these simple, homemade treats makes all the effort so worth it. You get that amazing peace of mind knowing exactly what’s going into his body.

Why Your Dog Will Love This Chicken Pumpkin Digestive Jerky

Seriously, why wouldn’t they? This jerky is a total win-win:

Yummy Taste: Dogs go crazy for the savory chicken flavor.
Happy Tummies: The pumpkin and ginger are superstars for digestion.
Easy to Make: You can whip these up with simple ingredients and minimal fuss.
Pure Goodness: No weird fillers, just wholesome, natural stuff your pup deserves.

Ingredients for Chicken Pumpkin Digestive Jerky

Okay, so for these little digestive delights, you’ll only need a few things. Trust me, simple is best here! You’ll need about a pound of ground chicken – I usually grab whatever’s on sale. Then, grab about a half cup of plain, unsweetened pumpkin puree. Make sure it’s NOT the pie filling stuff, that’s a whole different ballgame! Two little flavor boosters that work wonders are a tablespoon of dried parsley and just about a teaspoon of dried ginger. That’s it! Seriously, that’s all you need for these yummy treats.

Essential Equipment for Making Chicken Pumpkin Digestive Jerky

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe, which is part of why I love it so much! Just grab a big mixing bowl – one that’s sturdy enough to really get in there and mix things up. You’ll also need a good baking sheet, and trust me on this, lining it with parchment paper is a game-changer for cleanup. A spatula or even just your clean hands will do for spreading the mixture out nice and even. That’s really all there is to it!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Pumpkin Digestive Jerky

Alright, making these Chicken Pumpkin Digestive Jerky treats is super straightforward! You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up something so good for your furry pal. Let’s get started!

Preheating and Preparation

First things first, get that oven preheating to a nice low 170°F (77°C). This low and slow heat is key for jerky! Grab a baking sheet and line it really well with parchment paper. Trust me, this makes life so much easier later – no stuck-on mess!

Mixing the Chicken Pumpkin Digestive Jerky Base

Now for the fun part! In your mixing bowl, toss in the ground chicken, that lovely plain pumpkin puree, the dried parsley, and the ginger. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to really get everything mixed together. You want to make sure that pumpkin and those spices are evenly distributed through the chicken so every bite is packed with flavor and tummy-loving goodness.

Spreading and Baking the Jerky

Wipe your hands and grab that chicken-pumpkin mixture. Spread it out onto the parchment-lined baking sheet in a nice, thin, even layer, about 1/4 inch thick. A rolling pin works great, or you can just use your hands to pat it down evenly. Now, pop it into the oven and let it bake for about 4 to 6 hours. The exact time really depends on your oven, so keep an eye on it. You’re looking for it to be dry and firm to the touch.

Cooling and Finishing Your Chicken Pumpkin Digestive Jerky

Once it looks good and dry, turn the oven off but leave the jerky inside with the door cracked open just a bit. This lets it cool down slowly and finish drying out perfectly. After it’s completely cool, just break or cut your amazing Chicken Pumpkin Digestive Jerky into bite-sized pieces. Easy peasy!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Digestive Jerky

Let’s talk about these ingredients for a sec, because they really matter for making these treats truly great for your pup! First up, that pumpkin puree. You absolutely *have* to use the plain, unsweetened kind. Seriously, no pumpkin pie filling allowed – that stuff has sugar and spices your dog doesn’t need and can even be harmful. The plain stuff is where all the magic happens for digestion, and it’s super gentle on their tummies. The ginger is also a little digestive superhero; it’s great for soothing upset stomachs and can help with gas. As for the chicken, you can totally mix it up! If your doggo likes turkey or even lean beef, go for it! Just make sure it’s plain ground meat, no added seasonings or fats. You could even try adding a pinch of something like turmeric, which is also great for inflammation!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Pumpkin Digestive Jerky Every Time

You know, making the perfect Chicken Pumpkin Digestive Jerky is totally achievable, even if your oven acts a little quirky! My biggest tip is to really pay attention to the thickness when you’re spreading the mixture. Aim for that 1/4 inch – too thick and it takes ages to dry out, too thin and it can get brittle. Also, ovens can be funny! Some run hot, some run cool. So, don’t be afraid to check it a bit earlier than the 4-hour mark. You want it dry and firm, not crumbly or overly browned. If you get it out and it feels a little soft, just pop it back in for another 30 minutes. Seriously, a little patience goes a long way for these yummy digestive treats!

Storing Your Homemade Chicken Pumpkin Digestive Jerky

Okay, so you’ve just made these amazing Chicken Pumpkin Digestive Jerky treats, and you want them to stay yummy and safe for your pup, right? The best way to do that is to store them in an airtight container. Pop that container in the refrigerator – this keeps them nice and fresh. They should be good for up to two weeks that way. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before you seal them up!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Pumpkin Digestive Jerky

Got questions about these yummy Chicken Pumpkin Digestive Jerky treats? I’ve got you covered!

Can I use different meats for this jerky?

You sure can! While chicken is fantastic, lean ground turkey or even lean ground beef works wonderfully. Just make sure it’s plain and doesn’t have any added seasonings or fats. The key is just keeping it simple for your dog’s tummy!

How long does it take to bake these treats?

Baking time can vary a bit because ovens can be so different, but you’re looking at about 4 to 6 hours. I always check them after about 4 hours – you want them to be dry and firm to the touch. If they’re still a little soft, just give them another hour or so. Low and slow is the name of the game here!

Are these treats safe for puppies?

Generally, yes, these treats are great for puppies! The ingredients are simple and gentle. However, puppies have sensitive stomachs, so I’d start with just a small piece to see how they do. Always supervise puppies when they’re enjoying any treat.

What if my jerky seems too hard or too soft?

No worries if your first batch isn’t perfect! If it’s too soft, just pop it back in the oven (turned off with the door ajar) for a bit longer. If it feels too hard, it might just need a little time to soften up at room temperature, or you might have baked it a tad too long. For very hard jerky, you can always break it into smaller pieces or even grind it up a bit to sprinkle on their food. If you’re curious about other similar recipes, check out this one or even this one for more ideas on homemade dog snacks!

Can I add other digestive aids?

You can definitely experiment! A tiny pinch of turmeric is a popular addition and great for inflammation, like in Golden Paste. Just remember to keep it simple. The pumpkin and ginger in this Chicken Pumpkin Digestive Jerky are already doing a fabulous job!

Nutritional Information for Chicken Pumpkin Digestive Jerky

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for homemade treats can change depending on exactly how you make ’em! But, for a serving of about 1 ounce of this yummy Chicken Pumpkin Digestive Jerky, you’re looking at roughly 150 calories. It’s a good source of protein with about 18g, around 7g of fat, and about 4g of carbs. Super healthy and satisfying for your furry pal!

Chicken Pumpkin Digestive Jerky

Author: dogtf.com
Total Time: 6 hours 15 min
Yield: Approx. 1 lb jerky
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Homemade jerky made with chicken and pumpkin, designed to support your dog’s digestion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup pumpkin puree (plain, unsweetened)
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried ginger

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 170°F (77°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, combine the ground chicken, pumpkin puree, dried parsley, and dried ginger. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet in a thin layer, about 1/4 inch thick. You can use a rolling pin or your hands to spread it out.
Bake for 4-6 hours, or until the jerky is dry and firm to the touch. The exact time will depend on your oven and the thickness of the jerky.
Once baked, turn off the oven and let the jerky cool completely inside the oven with the door slightly ajar. This helps to further dry it out.
Break or cut the jerky into desired treat sizes.
Store the jerky in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Notes

Ensure you use plain, unsweetened pumpkin puree. Do not use pumpkin pie filling.
The ginger is included to aid digestion.
Adjust baking time as needed to achieve your desired texture.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Category: Dog Treats
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 oz
Calories: 150
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 70mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chicken jerky, pumpkin jerky, dog treats, digestive treats, homemade dog food, healthy dog snacks