Biltong, also spelled “biltong,” is a type of cured meat that originated from the Dutch settlement in South Africa. A traditional form of dried biltong is prepared by first curing and then air-drying the heart (usually beef). It was initially made with the muscle meats of the animals, but more recently, almost any type of meat may be used to make jerky and biltong.
Beef Jerky Food Safety Tips:
– Store opened jerky packages in an airtight container for storage between 30 – 45 days at room temperature or 5 – 10 days in the refrigerator. For extended storage beyond these periods, if necessary, store jerky treats in your freezer for up to 12 months. Freezing all portions before the expiration date on the jerky package is strongly recommended.
– Freezing any opened jerky packages for storage at a later date will help maintain quality and freshness after opening. Use frozen jerky within six months of the freezer storage date for best results—Thaw in the refrigerator or microwave before feeding your dog or cat if desired.
– Keep sealed bags in an airtight container with minimal air in it; do not store in direct sunlight; keep the container away from heat sources (such as water heater).
– Store all treats securely when traveling to prevent your dog or cat from ingesting broken pieces or getting into containers that may contain foreign objects (like trash when you are out and about).
– Keep treats out of your pet’s reach when not in use.
– Making jerky treats for dogs or cats can potentially expose you to pathogens that could make you ill. When making homemade dog treat recipes with meat, remember that meat products are considered “unprocessed” and have a greater risk of bacteria than other processed pet food products. So it is essential to take the following steps:
CLEANLINESS IS KEY ~ Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling any meats.
Use meat within three days after thawing at refrigerator temperatures ~ Do not refreeze all portions until completely melted.
For longer storage times, freeze all portions before the expiration date on the jerky package.
– It is not advisable to add any supplements or additives when making all homemade dog treat recipes, including meat-based treats such as beef, chicken, turkey, and fish jerky treats. Adding additional ingredients may significantly change the nutritional profile of the resulting recipe. Beef jerky dog treats recipes should meet a minimum Moisture/Moisture requirement for your pet’s health insurance company to be reimbursed for a regular diet. Please check with your specific pet insurance provider if you are unsure about their minimum moisture requirements.
Always read product labels carefully to ensure that they do not contain items other than what was mentioned on this list (i.e., seasonings, additives, preservatives, or other non-meat ingredients).
– Additionally, be sure to check with your supplier for their policies and practices on product formulation before placing an order. This will help ensure that you are following safe food handling procedures and maintaining a quality recipe for your dog’s enjoyment.
Biltong is a sort of dried meat – often beef – popular in South Africa and other African countries. It is prepared by the process of dry curing, where cuts of meat are seasoned before being left to cure. After this initial stage, it is air-dried until the moisture content reaches a low level enough to resist fungal growth and to rot when stored at room temperature. The air drying may take several weeks depending on the climate and the thickness of the cuts used.