Strawberry Ground Pork Jerky

Strawberry Ground Pork Jerky for Dogs – A Tail-Wagging Delight Straight from Your Kitchen!

If there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s that the way to a dog’s heart is through their stomach—and nothing makes their tails wag faster than homemade treats made with love. Today, I’m beyond thrilled to share one of my favorite jerky recipes: Strawberry Ground Pork Jerky for Dogs! This one is bursting with flavor, super simple to whip up, and a surefire way to make your pup feel extra special. Whether you’re an experienced dog treat baker or just starting your journey into the wonderful world of DIY canine snacks, this jerky is a treat you and your pup won’t want to miss.

There’s something so fun and satisfying about making jerky from scratch. Maybe it’s the slow bake that fills your kitchen with savory smells. Or maybe it’s watching your dog sniff the air with pure curiosity as they try to figure out what’s cooking. Either way, jerky-making days are always a hit in our house! And this particular recipe—combining the sweet brightness of strawberries with the savory richness of pork—brings something a little different to the table.

Let’s talk about why this recipe is such a standout.

First, the ingredient list is delightfully simple, just three components that come together to make something magical. Ground pork, fresh strawberries, and a few mint leaves are all you need. These ingredients work together in the best way, creating a flavor profile that’s unique and totally irresistible. The strawberries bring that natural sweetness dogs love, while the ground pork gives it a hearty, meaty chew. And that little whisper of mint? It adds a refreshing twist that makes this jerky truly one-of-a-kind.

But beyond the flavor, the process of making this jerky is such a joy. There’s a tactile, hands-on quality to it. Mixing the meat, spreading it out, cutting it into just the right sizes for your pup. It feels like a craft project made entirely for your best friend. And let’s be honest, our pups deserve treats made with the same level of care and attention we’d give to our own snacks. When I’m in the kitchen mixing up a new dog treat recipe, I’m not just cooking, I’m creating something special for the dogs who bring so much joy into our lives.

So, if you’re ready to spoil your pup with something homemade, heartfelt, and 100% tail-wag approved, let’s dive into the details.

The Ingredients: Simple, Fresh, and Flavorful

Before we jump into the step-by-step process, let’s take a moment to appreciate the ingredients that make this recipe shine.

Ground Pork (1/2 pound)
This is the hearty base of your jerky. It’s rich, satisfying, and has just the right texture to form that chewy consistency dogs love. Make sure you’re using plain ground pork—nothing seasoned or pre-mixed with other ingredients. You want it clean and simple so your pup gets nothing but pure, delicious flavor.

Strawberries (1 cup chopped)
Strawberries bring a juicy burst of sweetness to this recipe. They blend beautifully into the pork and add a lovely depth to the jerky’s taste. Plus, they make your kitchen smell amazing while the jerky is drying in the oven.

Basil Leaves (3-4 fresh leaves)
This is the little twist that makes a big impact. Mint gives the jerky a refreshing pop and brightens the overall flavor. Don’t overdo it, a few leaves are all you need to make this treat extra special.

The Process: From Kitchen to Canine Happiness

Now, let’s get into the fun part, making this incredible jerky! This is a low and slow recipe that’s perfect for a cozy day at home. It doesn’t require any fancy equipment or complicated steps. Just a little love, a few hours of oven time, and you’ll be rewarded with a batch of chewy, savory treats that your pup will go absolutely crazy for.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 175 degrees Fahrenheit. This low temperature is perfect for drying the jerky slowly and evenly. You’re not cooking the meat in the traditional sense—you’re gently removing the moisture over several hours until you’re left with that perfect chewy consistency.

Or, if you have a food dehydrator, you’re in luck! You can absolutely use it to dry the jerky instead of the oven. Just follow your manufacturer’s instructions for drying ground meat. Every dehydrator is a little different, so be sure to check the temperature and timing recommended for meats to get that perfect jerky finish. It’s a great hands-off way to make this treat, and it frees up your oven too!

Step 2: Puree the Strawberries and Basil

In a food processor or blender, toss in your cup of strawberries and 3-4 basil leaves. Blend them until smooth. This puree is what gives the jerky its unique flavor and a beautiful, slightly pink tint. Once everything’s blended into a vibrant, fragrant mix, you’re ready to combine.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

In a large bowl, place your ground pork and pour the strawberry-basil puree over it. Now comes the fun part use your hands to mix everything together. Get in there! It’s like squishing together a meatloaf, and it’s the best way to make sure all the ingredients are fully combined. Once you’ve got a nice, uniform mixture, you’re ready to spread it out.

Step 4: Flatten and Shape

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Place your meat mixture on top, then cover it with a second sheet of parchment. Use your hands or a small rolling pin to press the jerky mixture into an even layer across the pan. You’re aiming for a thickness of about 1/4 inch, any thinner and it might become brittle, any thicker and it might not dry properly.

Once the mixture is evenly spread, use scissors to cut the jerky into pieces. I love this step because it lets you tailor the sizes exactly to your pup’s needs. Whether you’ve got a tiny Yorkie or a big ol’ Labrador, you can cut your jerky to the perfect bite-size shape for them. Place the slices on your drying tray or baking sheet.,

Step 5: Bake Low and Slow

Place the baking sheet in the oven and set a timer for 4 to 5 hours. I know that seems like a long time, but that slow drying process is key to getting the right texture. You want the jerky to be completely dry and no longer soft in the center. The edges might curl a little, that’s totally fine!

Step 6: Cool and Store

Once your jerky is fully dried, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely. The pieces should be firm and dry to the touch, with no squishy spots. Once cooled, you can break them into smaller bits if needed and store them in an airtight container.

I like to keep mine in the fridge if I plan to use them within a week or two. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully, just pop them in a freezer-safe bag and thaw them out as needed.

The Joy of Sharing Homemade Treats

There’s nothing quite like the joy of handing your dog a treat that you made just for them. Watching their eyes light up, their tails start thumping, and their whole body go into happy wiggle mode .. it’s the kind of moment that makes all the effort worthwhile.

This Strawberry Ground Pork Jerky is one of those recipes that feels like a little celebration every time you make it. It’s perfect for:

• Training rewards: Break it into small bites for positive reinforcement.
• Special surprises: Hide a piece in a toy or puzzle for enrichment time.
• Just because moments: Give one when your pup does something cute. Which, let’s face it, is all the time.

And if you have more than one dog in the house? Get ready for a crowd. The first time I made this recipe, both of my dogs practically formed a line in the kitchen. They knew something special was happening, and they didn’t want to miss a second of it.

Make It Yours: Tips and Variations

One of the best things about making homemade dog treats is how easy it is to customize them. This recipe is fantastic just as it is, but you can also tweak it to suit your pup’s preferences. Here are a few fun ideas:

• Switch up the fruit: Try blueberries or apples instead of strawberries.
• Add a hint of spice: A sprinkle of dried rosemary or parsley adds even more depth.
• Try different meats: Ground turkey or beef can be swapped in for pork if your dog prefers a different protein.

The key is to keep the ratios the same so the texture and drying time stay consistent. Once you’ve got the base method down, you can play around with all kinds of flavor combinations. It’s a great way to keep things interesting for your pup and make the treat-baking process feel fresh every time.

Why Dogs Love It (and Why You’ll Love Making It)

There’s something incredibly rewarding about the ritual of making treats from scratch. It’s a way to connect with your dog, to give them something made with your own two hands, and to take a break from the busyness of the day to do something purely joyful.

And your dog? They’ll notice. They might not understand every step of the process, but they absolutely know that something good is coming their way. Every tail wag, every eager nose bump, every satisfied chomp—it’s all part of the magic.

This Strawberry Ground Pork Jerky has quickly become a favorite in our house. It’s easy, it’s fun, and it’s a guaranteed hit every single time. If you’re looking for a new recipe to add to your homemade treat rotation, give this one a try. I promise your dog will thank you, with kisses, tail wags, and maybe a dramatic sit or two in hopes of getting one more bite.

So roll up your sleeves, fire up that oven, and get ready to bake something wonderful. Because when it comes to showing our dogs how much we love them, nothing beats a treat that’s made from the heart.

Happy baking, and happy tails!