Homemade Dehydrated Watermelon Jerky Recipe for Dogs

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A Sweet Way to Say “I Love You” to Your Pup

Some of my fondest memories with my dog, Daisy, are of us sprawled out on the porch during those golden summer evenings. The sky would turn into soft sherbet hues, and I’d be munching on fresh watermelon slices while Daisy sat beside me, eyes locked on every bite. It didn’t take long for me to wonder: Could she enjoy this with me—safely, and in a form made just for her?

That question led me down a wonderful path of experimenting with one of nature’s juiciest fruits—watermelon—and transforming it into something special just for her: homemade dehydrated watermelon jerky.

In this recipe article, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned—from choosing the best watermelon to slicing it just right, drying it perfectly, and offering it as a healthy, tail-wagging treat. If you’ve ever wanted to make something nourishing and fun for your pup, this is an easy and rewarding place to start.

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Why Watermelon Jerky Makes a Fantastic Dog Treat

Watermelon is about 92% water, making it a refreshing and hydrating fruit for both humans and dogs. When you dehydrate it, you concentrate all that natural sweetness into chewy, nutrient-rich strips that pups go crazy for.

Moreover, it’s:

• Low in calories – great for training treats or light snacking.
• Free of fat and cholesterol – supports a healthy weight.
• Packed with antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene.
• A good source of vitamins A, B6, and C – helps support immune health and coat shine.

And most importantly: Dogs love the taste.

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The First Time I Made It – A Lesson in Patience

The very first batch I made for Daisy was a bit of a mess. I had no dehydrator, no parchment paper, and an oven that ran hot. I sliced the watermelon too thick, forgot to remove the rind, and walked away too long. What I pulled out hours later looked like lava rock—blackened and rubbery.

But she still tried to eat it.

That’s when I knew: if she loved the failed version, the perfected one would send her to the moon.

After a few more tries, I figured out how to get it just right—and now, watermelon jerky has become a staple in Daisy’s treat jar.

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Choosing the Right Watermelon for Dogs

Not all watermelons are equal when it comes to making treats.

Here’s what to look for:

• Seedless Watermelon: Seeds can cause intestinal blockages, especially in small dogs. Always go seedless or remove all seeds thoroughly.
• Ripe but Firm: You want something sweet but not overly soft. Overripe watermelon becomes mushy and harder to dehydrate evenly.
• Organic (If Possible): Since you’re drying and concentrating the sugars, choosing organic minimizes pesticide exposure.

I also love using smaller personal-sized melons when making treats in small batches—they’re easier to manage and usually just the right amount for a week or two’s worth of jerky.

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How to Slice Watermelon for Jerky

Here’s where technique really matters. You want thin, consistent slices so they dry evenly and quickly.

1. Wash the outside: Always start with a good rinse, even if you plan to remove the rind.
2. Cut off both ends: This creates a stable base for slicing.
3. Stand it upright and slice away the rind. Some people keep a little bit of the white rind on for texture—I actually like leaving a thin layer because it gives the jerky a satisfying snap.
4. Slice into slabs about ¼" thick.
5. Cut into strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your dog’s size.

I found that using a sharp, non-serrated knife makes cleaner cuts that dry more evenly. If you want a fun twist, try using cookie cutters to make heart or bone-shaped pieces—it doesn’t help the taste, but it sure boosts the cuteness factor.

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Dehydrator vs. Oven: Which Works Best?

I’ve used both, and here’s my honest take.

Using a Dehydrator

This is by far the easiest and most consistent method.

• Temperature: Set to 135°F (57°C).
• Time: 8–12 hours, depending on slice thickness and water content.
• Texture Goal: Chewy, pliable, not sticky or wet.

Dehydrators allow even airflow and precise temps, which is ideal for fruit-based treats. I now use mine weekly!

Using an Oven

Totally doable—but takes a bit more babysitting.

• Temperature: Set to the lowest (usually around 150–170°F / 65–75°C).
• Keep the oven door cracked open using a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape.
• Time: Around 6–10 hours.
• Tip: Flip the pieces halfway through to dry both sides.

If your oven runs hot, check more often to prevent crisping or burning. You want chewy—not crunchy.

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Flavor Tips and Creative Twists

Watermelon jerky is amazing on its own, but you can play around with a few dog-safe flavor additions:

• Coconut Dusting: Lightly roll the slices in unsweetened shredded coconut before dehydrating for a tropical twist.
• Mint Hint: A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint not only tastes great but helps with breath freshness.
• Banana Boost: Mix slices of watermelon and banana together on the tray—dogs love the combo!

If you enjoy exploring different dog treat flavors, you’ll love this recipe for Banana and Honey Biscuits for Dogs from My Dog Recipe—it’s one of Daisy’s favorites when she’s in the mood for something baked and crunchy.

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Storing Homemade Watermelon Jerky

Proper storage is key to keeping your treats fresh and safe.

• Cool completely before storing: Any trapped moisture can lead to mold.
• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• Freeze for longer storage (up to 3 months)—they thaw quickly!

I like using small mason jars or reusable silicone bags labeled with the date. That way, I always know when to rotate stock.

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Serving Size and Frequency for Dogs

Even though this treat is fruit-based and natural, it’s best served in moderation due to the sugar content.

• Small dogs: 1–2 small pieces per day
• Medium dogs: 2–3 pieces
• Large dogs: 3–4 pieces

Always introduce new treats slowly, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach. I started Daisy on just a single piece and waited a day to ensure there was no upset tummy.

Creative Ways to Personalize Your Watermelon Jerky Recipe

By now, you’ve mastered the basics of making dehydrated watermelon jerky for your pup. But one of my favorite things about making dog treats at home is how flexible the recipes can be. You can experiment, tweak, and truly make it your own based on your dog’s preferences and your kitchen setup.

Let’s dive into a few more ways to get creative with this naturally sweet treat.

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Mixing in Other Dog-Safe Fruits

Watermelon jerky is amazing solo, but mixing it with other dog-safe fruits can create a fun variety pack of flavors and textures. Just make sure the fruits you choose are safe, seedless, and sliced evenly so they dry at the same rate.

Some great pairings include:

• Strawberries – These dry beautifully and add a touch of tartness to the mix.
• Blueberries – They’re a bit trickier to dehydrate because of their size and water content, but they’re packed with antioxidants. Try slicing them in half before drying.
• Pumpkin – Try thinly sliced or pureed pumpkin spread thin like a fruit leather on parchment paper. It pairs wonderfully with watermelon.

If your pup enjoys the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, definitely check out the Blueberry Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews for Dogs recipe. It’s a great chewy treat loaded with gut-friendly ingredients.

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Infusing Herbal Goodness

Did you know you can lightly infuse watermelon slices with herbs before drying them? While this is optional, it can add aroma, subtle flavor, and even digestive benefits for your dog.

Some dog-safe herbs include:

• Fresh Mint – Known to help with breath freshness and digestion.
• Parsley – Another breath freshener that’s packed with vitamins.
• Chamomile – Gentle and calming, it’s great for anxious pups.

To infuse: Simply steep the herbs in warm water for 10–15 minutes, then soak the watermelon slices for 30 minutes before drying. Pat them dry well to reduce drying time.

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Making a Savory Version

For dogs who prefer savory over sweet (yes, they exist!), you can experiment by creating a lightly seasoned jerky using:

• Low-sodium bone broth soak – Gives the slices a meaty aroma dogs love.
• A dash of turmeric – Offers anti-inflammatory properties.
• Chia seed sprinkle – Adds texture and omega-3s (in moderation).

When going the savory route, I recommend pairing the jerky with something classic like Homemade Peanut Butter for Dogs. A small swipe of dog-safe peanut butter on watermelon jerky creates a delicious, chewy combo treat.

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Using Watermelon Rind (Safely!)

This topic is a bit controversial, but here’s my take.

Yes, dogs can eat small amounts of watermelon rind, but only the white part—not the tough outer green skin, which can be hard to digest. If your dog is used to high-fiber treats, you can leave a thin layer of rind on the jerky slices for extra texture and a longer chew.

However, always introduce rind slowly, and never give it to small breeds or dogs with sensitive digestion. When in doubt, stick to the red fruit only.

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Batch Prep and Dehydrating in Bulk

Once you get into the rhythm of making jerky, it becomes incredibly efficient to batch-prep large quantities. I now do this monthly, usually on a Sunday, while prepping meals for the week.

Tips for efficient bulk dehydration:

• Use multiple trays if your dehydrator allows stacking.
• Choose uniform slice thickness—this reduces drying time and energy use.
• Label jars with the date and fruit type (especially if mixing varieties).
• Make smaller batch sizes for new flavors so you can test before committing to large batches.

I keep an assortment of labeled jars in my pantry so I can grab a treat based on the season or Daisy’s mood. Honestly, I’ve even snuck a few pieces myself—they’re naturally sweet and satisfying.

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Jerky as a Training Tool

One of the unexpected benefits of watermelon jerky is how effective it is for training. The chewy texture keeps Daisy focused, and since I cut them into smaller bits, they’re perfect for reward-based commands.

If you want to use it for training:

• Cut into small squares before drying.
• Store the smallest bits in a treat pouch or bag for walks.
• Use sparingly—just enough to keep your dog excited and motivated.

For more training treat options, the Banana and Honey Biscuits for Dogs recipe offers a crunchy, sweet alternative that’s ideal for reward reinforcement.

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Watermelon Jerky for Special Occasions

Let’s be honest—half the fun of homemade treats is using them to celebrate your dog’s milestones and personality.

Here’s how I use watermelon jerky for special moments:

• Birthday Toppers: Add a heart-shaped jerky piece on top of a pupcake.
• Holiday Gifts: Package slices in decorative bags with a ribbon and gift tag for your dog’s friends.
• Dog Park Meetups: Bring a jar to share with other pups—just check with owners first!
• Post-Bath Reward: Because bath time deserves a bonus.

And yes, Daisy even had watermelon jerky as part of her “cake” on her 5th birthday. I sandwiched it between two layers of sweet potato mash and topped it with a bone-shaped biscuit. She devoured it in seconds.

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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Here are a few things I’ve learned (the hard way) while perfecting this recipe:

1. Slicing Too Thick

Leads to uneven drying and rubbery centers. Stick to ¼ inch or thinner.

2. Not Checking for Dryness

Jerky should be fully dry but still bendable. Sticky or moist spots mean it needs more time.

3. Storing Before Fully Cooled

This causes condensation, which can lead to mold.

4. Overloading the Tray

Crowded slices = longer dry time. Space them out evenly for better airflow.

Take your time, and don’t rush the drying process—patience is part of the magic with this treat.

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Your Dog Deserves the Best—And So Do You

Making homemade treats like watermelon jerky isn't just about nutrition—it’s about intention. It’s about slowing down and saying, “I care enough to make this for you.” Whether it’s after a long walk, during a thunderstorm snuggle session, or just because it’s a Wednesday, these little pieces of joy go a long way in deepening the bond you share with your dog.

And it’s not just Daisy who benefits. Every time I prep her jerky, I’m reminded to be more present, more patient, and more creative. It’s a ritual of love that fills our home with warmth (and a delicious aroma).

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Looking for More Homemade Dog Recipes?

Watermelon jerky is just the beginning. If you’re excited to keep experimenting with natural, nourishing treats, here are a few must-try recipes from My Dog Recipe:

• Blueberry Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews – a soft, chewy favorite with anti-inflammatory ingredients.
• Pumpkin Pupsicles for Dogs – a cool summer treat with only a few ingredients.
• Bull Penis Dog Treats – packed with protein and great for serious chewers.
• Homemade Peanut Butter for Dogs – perfect as a dip or add-on to any jerky or biscuit.

And don’t forget to check out their Pinterest page for weekly updates, visual inspiration, and new seasonal ideas.

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Final Thoughts: A Recipe Worth Repeating

Homemade dehydrated watermelon jerky might seem simple, but it holds so much meaning. It’s sweet, healthy, and full of personality—just like your dog.

Every slice you make is a gesture of care, and every wag of the tail is your pup’s way of saying, “Thank you.”

Keep experimenting, keep sharing, and most importantly—enjoy every moment with your best friend.

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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods into your dog’s diet, especially if they have allergies, sensitivities, or medical conditions.

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