Extra Cash For Paying Off Debt In The New Year!
Novel Idea - So Easily Within Your Grasp.
Someone reached out and reminded me how they made extra cash to pay off bills this year!
Recently, I wrote the following article: WOW, Holidays and Black Friday Almost Here! and it promoted a fan to remind me of something they did. DOG TREATS! Yes, DOG TREATS. But first.
Globally, the pet snacks and treats market (for all pets) was estimated at about US $36.38 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach roughly US $79.23 billion by 2030, but in the U.S., the broader pet food & treats category was reported at US $65.8 billion in 2024 for food and treats alone. Actually, I had no idea the market was that huge!
If that was not enough to be amazed at, I learned that freeze dried liver dog treats is the top seller and the numbers go like this: On average they sell for $4 and ounce, but they cost only $0.50 an ounce to make. Either way you slice it - that’s an excellent margin. Of course there are some other costs involved, but the margin ratio is amazing and all she is doing is packing them up and selling at her farmers market and she has sold thousands of packages.
This is how you can take your passion for food safety and security and turn it into extra cash.
AND HERE’S YOUR FIRST $1,000 TO GET STARTED!
Starting a home-based business with a freeze dryer is one of those ideas that seems simple at first, but the more you think about it, the smarter it gets. A good freeze dryer isn’t cheap—BUT HERE IS $1,000 OFF—but that’s where creativity and community come in. Imagine gathering a few friends or family members who are already interested in food storage, gardening, or healthy eating. Instead of one person carrying the full cost, you all pitch in to buy a machine together. Suddenly, a big expense turns into a shared investment, and everyone gets to benefit.
Let’s say you have four people in your circle. Each person contributes a portion toward the purchase and the setup maybe even alternating use by week. One week, you might be freeze-drying leftover Thanksgiving meals or big batches of soup; the next week, a friend might be preserving garden produce or snacks for their kids. Everyone gets time on the machine, everyone saves money, and over time the cost of that machine feels like nothing compared to what you’ve all produced together.
Now take it a step further. Once you’ve mastered the basics such as learning what foods freeze-dry best, how to store them in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers, and how to label everything neatly you can start thinking like an entrepreneur. There’s an entire market out there for freeze-dried foods. Hikers, campers, survivalists, pet owners, and even busy parents are all looking for lightweight, long-lasting, preservative-free food options. You could package your freeze-dried fruits, meals, or pet treats and sell them locally, at farmer’s markets, or online through Etsy or Facebook Marketplace. Some people even make freeze-dried candies such as Skittles or marshmallows. Each of these are become viral hits on social media.
The beauty of this model is flexibility. You don’t need a factory or storefront, just your kitchen, your freeze dryer, and some creativity. If you and your friends are sharing the equipment, you could even organize it like a small co-op, which means each person takes turns operating the machine, packaging products, or managing sales. One person might handle social media, another might focus on recipes, and someone else could handle labeling and shipping. Before long, that one freeze dryer isn’t just a tool, it’s the engine of a small home business that builds community while generating income.
And there’s another layer of benefit that goes beyond dollars and cents: security. In uncertain times, when grocery store prices spike or supply chains break down, having a freeze dryer gives you independence. You can buy food in bulk when prices are low, preserve it, and store it for years without worrying about spoilage. It’s like having your own miniature food factory, quietly working in the background while you sleep. You can freeze-dry whole meals, meats, vegetables, and even dairy. When it’s time to eat, just add water and enjoy food that tastes like it was made yesterday.
The cost of entry might seem high at first, but if you think about it in terms of long-term value, it’s one of the smartest investments a household or small group can make. Commercially prepared long-term food is expensive and often filled with preservatives or artificial ingredients. With a freeze dryer, you control the ingredients, the quality, and the recipes. You can make food that tastes like home, not like something out of a can.
So, whether your goal is saving money, earning a little side income, or just making sure your family is prepared for the unexpected, a freeze dryer can be a game changer. Start small, share the cost with trusted friends, learn together, and before long, you’ll have both a valuable tool and a thriving community around it. What begins as a shared machine could easily grow into a shared success story one batch of freeze-dried goodness at a time.
NOW IF YOU LIKE THE DOG TREATS IDEA - HERE’S HOW TO GET STARTED!
PRODUCT IDEAS:
Freeze-dried dog treats are one of the best beginner-friendly items because they’re easy to make, have great shelf life, and sell well to pet owners who want healthy, additive-free options. Here are five solid ideas to start with:
1. Chicken Hearts & Liver Bites
These are the classics. Dogs go crazy for the natural flavor and nutrition of organ meats. You just trim, rinse, and freeze-dry small pieces. They retain their shape beautifully, are packed with protein and iron, and require no additives. You can sell them as “single-ingredient treats” — a huge selling point for health-conscious pet owners.
Prep:
Rinse fresh chicken hearts and livers in cold water, trim off any connective tissue or excess fat.
Cut into ½–inch pieces.
Pre-freeze on trays overnight to shorten drying time.
Freeze-dry cycle:
Place on trays in a single layer.
Typical cycle: ~30–36 hours total (–40°F freeze, 8–10 hours dry, 6–8 hours final dry).
You’ll know they’re done when they’re light and crisp all the way through.
Yield: 1 lb raw = about 7 oz finished.
Storage: Mylar bag with oxygen absorber, up to 20 years shelf life.
2. Beef or Venison Jerky Chunks
Use lean beef, venison, or bison, sliced into small cubes or strips. After freeze-drying, they stay crunchy but rehydrate well when chewed. You can market them as “Wild Game Protein Treats” or “Farm-to-Bowl Snacks.” These are especially great if you have local meat sources or hunters who’d like to use their extra harvest.
Prep:
Use lean cuts (top round, sirloin, or venison backstrap).
Slice into ¼-inch thick cubes or strips.
Optionally marinate in low-sodium bone broth overnight for added flavor (avoid salt or seasoning).
Pre-freeze.
Freeze-dry cycle:
36–40 hours total, depending on fat content.
Turn halfway if thick pieces.
Yield: 1 lb raw = 6–7 oz dried.
Tip: Fatty cuts may need a second dry cycle to prevent spoilage.
3. Sweet Potato Chews
Slice sweet potatoes into coins or thin strips, bake lightly to soften, then freeze-dry. They turn into light, crunchy treats dogs love, and they’re vegan-friendly too. They store incredibly well and appeal to pet owners looking for grain-free, hypoallergenic options.
Prep:
Wash and slice sweet potatoes into ⅛-inch coins or fry-shaped strips.
Steam or bake for 10 minutes to soften (optional but improves texture).
Pre-freeze.
Freeze-dry cycle:
28–32 hours total.
They should be completely brittle when done.
Yield: 2 medium potatoes = ~5 oz finished treats.
Shelf life: 15–20 years in Mylar or 2 years in jars.
4. Yogurt & Blueberry Drops
Mix plain yogurt with blueberries or pumpkin puree, spoon into small dots, and freeze-dry. The result is a crunchy, probiotic-rich treat that’s healthy and colorful — great for branding and presentation. Just make sure to use plain, unsweetened yogurt with no artificial sweeteners.
Prep:
Mix 2 cups plain Greek yogurt with 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries.
Blend lightly—don’t puree completely; small chunks look nice.
Pipe small drops onto parchment-lined trays (about nickel-size).
Pre-freeze solid before loading.
Freeze-dry cycle:
36–40 hours total.
Done when dry and crisp all the way through (no tackiness inside).
Yield: ~6 oz per tray.
Storage: Air-tight container, 10 years shelf life.
5. Salmon & Pumpkin Bites
Blend cooked salmon with pumpkin puree and oats into small nuggets before freeze-drying. These smell irresistible to dogs and are loaded with omega-3s and fiber. They also rehydrate quickly, so some owners even crumble them into meals for picky eaters.
Prep:
Mix: 1 cup cooked flaked salmon, ½ cup pumpkin puree, ½ cup quick oats, 1 egg.
Scoop teaspoon-size portions onto tray; flatten slightly.
Pre-freeze overnight.
Freeze-dry cycle:
36–42 hours total, depending on moisture.
Check the center of a few pieces—if cool and dry to the touch, they’re ready.
Yield: ~10 oz finished per 2 lb batch.
Shelf life: 15 years sealed, or 2 years in jars.
The Financial Impact:
Average cost per finished ounce (including bags/absorbers) = $0.35–$0.50.
Retail price per ounce for natural freeze-dried dog treats = $3–$6.
One full freeze-dryer load (4 trays) can yield $100–$250 retail value, depending on recipe.
Now imagine if you sold just 1,000 packages of treats this next year!
