5 Simple Dehydrated Snacks (Dog-Friendly + Beginner Tips)

Let’s be real—I’m not a dehydrating expert. I’m just a regular human with two very nosy dogs and a slowly growing obsession with turning whole foods into simple dehydrated snacks that make life easier (and tastier). I started dehydrating for a bunch of reasons (okay, mostly for the pups at first), but it’s turned into something I genuinely love.

These five dehydrated snacks are some of the first staples I’ve tried, and honestly? They’re delicious, easy, and they make me feel a tiny bit like I’ve got my life together. Some are great for on-the-go snacking, a few are pup-approved, and one or two might even surprise you with how fun they are to make.

I’m sharing them here as a little peek into what’s currently in my snack stash—and hopefully to inspire your own pantry adventures. I’ll note which ones are safe to share with your pups (because mine are basically quality control at this point), and I’ll keep it simple, honest, and beginner-friendly.

Let’s dig in.

A Quick Note on Storage (Because Mold is Not the Vibe)

Before we dive in too deep, let’s talk storage real quick—because no one wants to open a cute little mason jar of snacks and find a science experiment inside.

When you’re dehydrating for long-term storage, you want to make sure the food is completely dry—no squish, no hidden moisture in the middle, no sticky clumps. That’s what helps your snacks stay shelf-stable and mold-free.

Once mine are fully dried, I store them in glass jars—usually Ball mason jars—and I keep them in a cool, dark cupboard. For the first five days after filling a jar, I give it a little shake every day (sometimes twice a day), just to make sure nothing is clumping or sticking to the sides. It’s called conditioning, and it helps prevent spoilage by revealing if there’s any leftover moisture hiding in there.

I basically start my mornings shaking my jars like tiny maracas before I make my tea. If anything sticks? It’s not dry enough—back into the dehydrator it goes.

If you’re planning to eat something within a few days or a week, texture is totally up to you! Want chewier apples or bananas? Go for it. Just know they won’t be shelf-stable—so pop them in the fridge to keep them fresh.

Alright, PSA over. Let’s get into the good stuff.

Bananas (Dog-Safe)

Bananas were one of the very first things I tried in my dehydrator, and they’ve stayed a favorite. They’re naturally sweet, super easy to prep, and—bonus—both of my dogs love them. Like, love love them.

Every time I slice up a banana, I’ve got two little shadows underfoot. Magnus stands right at my feet, waiting patiently like a little banana gentleman. Phoenix usually wanders off halfway through and then dramatically reappears the second she hears Magnus get his reward. It’s a whole thing. But honestly? Sharing little banana bits with them while I prep is one of my favorite parts of the whole process.

How I prep them:
I slice mine into thin, even rounds (about ¼ inch thick). You can go thinner if you want them crispier, or a little thicker for chewier bites.

Time & Temp:
135°F (57°C) for about 8–10 hours. Start checking them around the 8-hour mark—how done you want them really depends on your texture preference. I like mine a little chewy in the center but not sticky.

How I use them:
These are perfect for a snack bento box (yes, I totally keep a little dry snack box for myself), tossing into trail mix, or just munching a few pieces when I need something sweet. And again—dog safe! So they’re also a perfect little shared treat if you’ve got pups around.

Apples (Dog-Safe)

Apples are one of those classic snacks that are just… satisfying. They’re naturally sweet, easy to prep, and they look really cute in a jar. Something about a stack of dried apple rings feels like you’ve got your life together, even if you absolutely do not.

They’re also dog-safe—so these go into both my snack box and the pups’ treat stash. I always make sure to core them before slicing, just to avoid giving the dogs any seeds (since those aren’t safe), but otherwise, apples are super low-maintenance and beginner-friendly.

How I prep them:
I core them and slice them into thin rings or half-moons—about ¼ inch thick. I usually leave the peels on for extra fiber and that pretty rustic look, but you can peel them if you want something softer.

Time & Temp:
135°F (57°C) for about 8–12 hours, depending on how thick your slices are and how dry you want them. I like mine crisp-chewy in the middle, but you can take them all the way to crunchy town if you want longer storage.

How I use them:
Honestly? I just eat them plain. They’re perfect as-is. But you can also toss a few into hot tea, simmer them in cider, or even chop them up and mix them into oatmeal. They play nice with both sweet and spiced flavors, so cinnamon is always welcome.

Marshmallows (Not Dog-Safe)

Okay, so this one? Pure chaos. But in the best way. Dehydrated marshmallows were never on my “essentials” list, but the moment I made them, I felt like I had unlocked some kind of whimsical snack cheat code.

They puff up a little, dry out perfectly, and end up with that crunchy-yet-soft texture that’s basically the exact middle of a Lucky Charms marshmallow. If you were a cereal kid, you know the texture I’m talking about.

The real win? I handed a handful of these to my nephew and great-niece, and they acted like I had just invented candy. It’s now officially a “cool aunt” activity. Kid-approved, no question.

How I prep them:
Honestly, I just toss regular mini marshmallows straight onto the dehydrator tray. No slicing, no fuss. Spread them out a bit so they don’t stick together.

Time & Temp:
150°F (65°C) for around 6–8 hours. Keep an eye on them—they go from sticky to crisp fairly quickly once the moisture starts to really cook out. You want them dry and crunchy all the way through.

How I use them:
Hot cocoa. Coffee. Straight into the mouth. You can toss them into homemade trail mix for a fun surprise or use them as a topping for sweet potato casserole if you’re feeling extra. Just a note—these are not dog-safe, so make sure the pups aren’t sneaking any dropped pieces!

Cucumbers (Dog-Safe)

Okay—this one surprised me. I wasn’t expecting cucumbers to be that girl, but ohhh they are. When you slice them super thin and dehydrate them, they turn into the crunchiest, most satisfying little chips. Like, actual chip chips. Light, crispy, totally snack-worthy.

They’ve got this really clean flavor that works amazingly with whatever seasoning you throw on them. Think: ranch powder, BBQ spice, even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast if you’re feeling fancy. They are chef’s kiss as a savory snack, and they totally satisfy the “I need a crunch” craving.

How I prep them:
I use a mandoline to slice them super thin—paper thin if I can manage it. The thinner, the crispier. I usually leave the peel on for the extra texture and nutrients. If you want a chip that’s a little heartier, go just a tad thicker.

Time & Temp:
125°F (52°C) for about 6–8 hours. It really depends on your slice thickness and water content, but once they start snapping instead of bending? You’re in business.

How I use them:
Snack box staple. Hands down. I keep a bento box with bananas, apples, cucumbers, and marshmallows for on-the-go snacking, and the cucumber chips are the first thing I grab every time. They’re also dog-safe in moderation (no seasoning for the pups, though—plain only!).

Ginger Root (Not Dog-Safe)

This one makes me feel like I’m straight-up running an apothecary out of my pantry. Dehydrating fresh ginger root is honestly one of the most satisfying things I’ve done in this whole journey. It’s earthy, spicy, and smells amazing while it’s drying. And once it’s done? You’ve got a powerful little ingredient you can use in so many ways.

It’s not dog-safe, so this one is just for the humans—but it’s got major benefits for us. I like having it on hand for teas, especially if I’m feeling off, bloated, or just need something warming. It’s also great to toss into soups, broths, or any cozy winter concoction.

How I prep it:
I wash and peel the ginger root, then slice it into thin coins or rough little cubes—whatever feels good. The thinner it is, the faster and crispier it’ll dry.

Time & Temp:
135°F (57°C) for about 8–10 hours. You want it completely dry—no squish, no bend. It should snap when you break a piece in half.

How I use it:
Tea is my go-to. Just drop a piece or two into hot water and let it steep—it adds that gingery warmth and helps soothe digestion. You can also toss pieces into simmering soups for that earthy kick. It’s like having a little herbal first-aid kit in a jar.

Wrap-Up: The Snack Box Grows On

So there you have it—five fun, beginner-friendly snacks I’ve been loving in my dehydrator lately. None of them require fancy prep, most are dog-safe (the pups thank me daily), and they all make my pantry feel like a tiny apothecary-meets-snack-station.

Whether you’re dehydrating to build up your shelf-stable stash, prepping snacks for the week, or just looking to feel a little more connected to your food—I hope this gives you a few ideas to try.

I’m still learning as I go, and I’m keeping it real every step of the way. If you’ve tried dehydrating something fun—or you’re planning to—drop a comment or message me! I love swapping ideas, especially if you’ve found something pup-safe that your dogs go wild for.

And hey—if you’re curious about more dog-friendly dehydrator ideas, stay tuned. A post just for the pups is coming soon.

Until then, happy snacking. And don’t forget to shake your jars.