1Serve Boiled or Grilled
Let’s start with the most basic option—a plain, cooked hot dog. You can boil it or cook it on the grill to get some of that tasty char. Don’t add any oil or seasonings, especially garlic or onion.
Once fully cooked, let the hot dog cool. Then, cut it into small, bite-sized pieces and serve the appropriate amount (scroll up!).
Note: Hot dogs, even right out of the package, are technically pre-cooked—so they’re not raw in the same sense as raw ground beef or raw chicken. However, they can still harbor bacteria and other pathogens that may pose a risk to your dog’s health. For safety purposes, always cook the hot dog before serving it to your pup.
2Make Dehydrated Training Treats
Looking for a drool-worthy training treat that will motivate your pup to learn and follow commands? These dehydrated hot dog pieces are a must-try!
Here’s how to make them:
- Set your oven to 200°F.
- Cut up 2 to 8 hot dogs (depending on how many treats you want to make) into small pieces, about the size of a dime.
- Place the pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 2.5 hours, stirring the pieces every 30 minutes.
- Remove from the baking sheet and place on a plate lined with 2 to 3 paper towels. Place another 2 to 3 paper towels on top of the pieces and press down repeatedly to dab away any excess grease.
- Store in the refrigerator for 2 weeks or freeze for months.
These can also be made using a dehydrator (3 to 4 hours) or microwave (6 to 8 minutes).
3Stuff in a Filler Toy
Interactive food-dispensing toys, like KONG Classic Dog Toy, are a fantastic way to keep your dog entertained and reward them with treats.
You can stuff a KONG with a few small pieces of cooked hot dog, along with other dog-safe fillers, like sweet potato or KONG Stuff’N Easy Treat.
4Make a Hot Dog "Gravy"
This might sound unappetizing to us humans, but your dog will go crazy for this hot dog gravy!
Simply pour 1 cup of dog-friendly broth into a blender, add one cooked hot dog, and blend. Pour 1 to 4 tablespoons of the “gravy” (depending on your pup’s size) over your dog’s regular kibble as an occasional treat.
5Choose a Store-Bought Hot Dog Treat
Want to let your dog in on the hot dog fun without the fuss of cooking? Consider ready-to-serve hot dog treats, like Canine Carry Outs Beef Flavor Hot Dog Minis.
