Good tip! I got a recipe for liver treats, and considering all the disgusting revolting and harmful crap that goes into the base for pet food and treats, I have decided to start making my own treats as well. As for the regular food, I switched to Natures Variety after much research and my dog and cat loved it from the start. It is a little more expensive but much healthier so could save in vet bills in the long run. If you email Natures Variety and say you would like some samples, they send you a coupon for a FREE 5lb bag. (valued at around $9 depending on where you buy it)

Anyway, here is the recipe for liver jerky

Cook some calves liver in water, till done (don't overcook, look for timing on poached liver either in a cookbook or online)
Add some chopped garlic to the water for extra flavor

Remove liver and cut into bite size chunks appropriate for your dog's size. Place on cookie sheet and into a 200 degree over for 2 or 3 hours, till dried. Store in a container in the fridge. The whole point is to turn it into "jerky" and some new ovens, like mine, have a food dehydrating setting, but the low heat/long time setting in a regular oven should work fine.

If you try it, I would love to hear how it works out. I have finals this week, but will have more time next week and plan on making a huge batch to give as xmas presents to dogs of friends and family and to the rescue group where I got Oobi.

Now, Ms minnamouse, I wonder if I add lemon juice to the liver at some point if it would help it to keep longer, so it won't have to go in the refridgerator...any suggestions on when to add it?
Although, jerky is supposed to keep forever, AND these treats are so delicious that they won't last long!

Lemon juice is often used as a preservative along with vinegar too since the raised acidity level can inhibit the growth of bacteria. You can even cook fish with lemon juice!

I would still be far more comfortable with refrigeration and keeping them wrapped up and at a safe temperature (below 41 degrees).

You can find dorm room fridges on craigs list or freecycle and that might be of sufficient size.

I know I know but dogs can eat raw food... But I'd still refrigerate it anyweay just to be on the safe side.

I just add the lemon juice at the point when I'm working with the liquids for the batter. Not with the milk. I put that in later so it doesn't curdle from the lemon.

I actually had two batched of treats. One I put lemon juice into and the other without, b/c I forgot. The one with lemon is still good!

Thanks for the jerky recipe! My oven also have a dehydrator setting. It takes so long that I usually cheat and take things out before they're ready but I get great results when I just leave it for the designated time.

Quirkyquercus, I'm a firm believer in not feeding dogs and cats raw meat. I won't get into a huge discussion over it but one big reason I'm against it is that it's a good way for your dog or cat to get internal parasites.

Dogs are far from the wolves they used to be.

That's an area of discussion that you and I clearly agree.

funny, I know of someone on a chi website who feeds ONLY raw meat to her dogs...and is a huge advocate of it, and is also a health nut herself. I just couldn't do it, for other reasons, I don't eat meat myself and kind of gag at the thought of handling it everyday or having my dog covered with raw meat particles and blood....blecch! I do feel that commercial pet food is lacking good and full of bad and that the Natures Variety I mentioned above is great stuff.