Okay, so the other day, I decided to make some freeze-dried fish for my dogs. I know, it sounds a bit weird, but trust me, they go nuts for it! Plus, it’s a healthier option than some of those store-bought treats.

First things first, I went to check the prices online. I don’t have time to go to the local market to buy the fish, and I just want it delivered to my home directly. I don’t want to take the risk of buying those not fresh. I saw some great deals on fish on Amazon and eBay, but eventually, I did not buy it. Then I did some research to make sure I could freeze-dry fish myself, and I can find so many benefits from it. So, I decided to make some on my own.
So I started with picking the right kind of fish. I read online that salmon, white fish, mackerel, and sardines are good choices, but avoid fish that contain too much mercury. So, I finally ordered some salmon from a local market.
- I got myself some fresh salmon. You want the good stuff, not the old, questionable fish.
Prepping the Fish
Then I started to prepare the fish. I cleaned it and then made sure to remove all the skin and bones. Then I started to cut it into small pieces.
- I washed the fish thoroughly under cold water.
- Next, I deboned the fish. This is a crucial step because bones can be a choking hazard for dogs. I carefully ran my fingers along the fillet to feel for any remaining bones and pulled them out with tweezers.
- Once the fish was cleaned and deboned, I sliced it into small, bite-sized pieces. The pieces should be small enough for your dog to eat comfortably without choking.
Freeze-Drying Time
After cutting the fish into small pieces, I arranged them evenly on the trays of my freeze dryer. I set the machine to the appropriate settings for fish, which typically involves a specific temperature and time. The freeze-drying process can take several hours, sometimes even a full day, depending on the thickness of the fish and the efficiency of the freeze dryer.
- I laid out the fish pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You don’t want them touching each other.
- I popped the sheet into my trusty freeze dryer. This thing is a lifesaver! It sucks all the moisture out while keeping all the nutrients in.
Waiting Game
The waiting is the hardest part, as always. Freeze-drying took a whole day, but it’s worth it for sure. So, I’ll have to let the freeze-drying process finish.
- It took a while, but finally, the fish was fully freeze-dried. It should be light and crispy, not soft or mushy.
Storing the Treats
After the fish was completely freeze-dried, I took them out and stored them in an airtight container. This keeps the treats fresh and prevents them from absorbing moisture from the air. I learned that it’s important to store freeze-dried treats properly because if they’re exposed to moisture, they can lose their crispness and become less appealing to dogs.
- I let the fish cool completely, and then I packed them into an airtight container. I like to use those vacuum-sealed bags. Keeps them fresh for ages!
And that’s it! My dogs absolutely loved the homemade freeze-dried fish treats. They were a big hit, and I felt good knowing exactly what was going into their snacks. Plus, I’ve heard that freeze-dried fish can help with their coat and joints, thanks to all those Omega-3s. It’s a win-win!
I’ll definitely be making these again. Maybe next time, I’ll try a different type of fish. If you’ve got a furry friend at home, give it a shot! It’s easier than you might think, and your dogs will thank you for it.
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