These homemade dehydrated mussels are a healthy snack or meal topper for your dogs! They are an excellent source of protein, omega-3s, & essential minerals.
2lbsGreen lipped New Zealand mussels on half shellyou may substitute any kind of mussels, but green lipped are the best
Instructions
Start by thoroughly cleaning the mussels under cold water to remove any dirt.
If using frozen mussels, set the oven to 320F and bake the mussels for 7-8 minutes.If using fresh mussels, steam or boil until they open. This should only take a few minutes. Discard any mussels that don't open.
Remove and discard the shells and beards if any, then pat the cooked mussels dry with a paper towel. Gently remove as much moisture as possible.
Line up the cooked mussels on your dehydrator tray in one even layer. Dehydrate for 2 hours at 155 F degrees, then for another 6-8 hours at 135 F degrees
After the first 8 hours, they should be hard and brittle, with no moisture remaining. If they are still slightly soft or pliable, continue drying them until they reach the desired consistency. This recipe should yield about 3 oz of dehydrated mussels.
Once the mussels are fully dehydrated, remove them from the dehydrator and let them cool completely. Store in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bags in a cool, dry place.
Notes
FAQ's
How do I store them and how long are they shelf stable?
When stored in an airtight container (or vacuum-sealed bags) in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, dehydrated mussels can last for several months to a year.
Can I dehydrate more than 2 lbs worth of mussels?
Yes, as long as your dehydrator has the space to make more! You may or may not need to extend the dehydrating time.
Can I use other kinds of mussels?
Yes you can, but green lipped mussels are the best nutrition-wise.
What dehydrator do you use?
For this recipe, I use my Ninja 10-in-1 Countertop Convection Oven. It's so convenient and perfect because it functions as an oven AND as a dehydrator, among many more functions!