Homemade chicken jerky for dogs is a healthy, high-protein snack many pets love. It involves baking or dehydrating plain chicken breast into thin, chewy strips. Unlike store-bought treats, this DIY recipe uses only one ingredient (chicken) and no preservatives or fillers. As pet owners demand natural, grain-free treats, making your own dehydrated chicken strips at home has become very popular. For example, a vet-reviewed source calls chicken jerky “a delicious treat” and notes that homemade versions use single-ingredient meat. In fact, sales of natural dog treats hit $6.26 billion in 2023, reflecting a booming market. Around 66% of U.S. households own a pet (65.1 million have dogs), and many of those owners treat dogs like children and prefer homemade pet foods. This easy, homemade chicken jerky recipe is a popular all-natural dog treat that your dog will love. It’s quick to make in batches, so you’ll have plenty of healthy snacks on hand for training or rewarding good behavior homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
Why Choose Homemade Chicken Jerky for Dogs
Many dog owners opt for homemade chicken jerky for dogs because it’s cheaper, healthier, and offers total control over ingredients. A small bag of store jerky can cost $20 or more, while making a big batch at home costs just a few dollars of chicken. Homemade jerky is one-ingredient, so you know it’s pure chicken without any added salt, sugar, or fillers. This means no unknown preservatives or dyes homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
- Chicken First: Pur Luv Chicken Jerky Dog Treats are made with only whole proteins, featuring 100% Real Chicken as the ve…
- Satisfying Treat: The jerky treats help to satisfy your dog’s natural instinct to chew.
- Limited Ingredients: Pur Luv treats feature limited ingredient decks so you know exactly what you’re feeding your dog.
Benefits of Homemade Chicken Jerky:
– All-Natural: Made purely from chicken breast. No artificial ingredients, salt, or preservatives.
– High-Protein: Each strip packs about 1 gram of lean protein, which helps fuel your dog’s muscles and energy.
– Low-Fat: When trimmed properly, this jerky is very low in fat. It’s a great snack for dogs who need a lean diet.
– Cost-Effective: A homemade batch yields dozens of treats for a few bucks of chicken. Compared to commercial jerky, you can save a lot.
– Long-Lasting: Dried chicken jerky will keep for days at room temp. For longest freshness, refrigerate (1–2 weeks) or freeze (several months).
– Highly Palatable: Dogs go crazy for chicken jerky. The rich aroma and flavor make it an excellent, high-value training reward. Many trainers use it to teach dogs new tricks because it motivates them so much.
– Versatile Recipe: You can use this same method with other lean meats (turkey, beef, duck, etc.) to give your dog variety. Just adjust drying times for different meats and, of course, still cook poultry to 165°F for safety homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
By making jerky yourself, you give your dog a wholesome snack that tastes great and can even help scrape off plaque as he chews. Because it’s grain-free, it’s ideal for dogs with cereal allergies. Overall, homemade jerky is an easy, nutritious way to pamper your pet without the guesswork of store treats.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
Prepare these simple items before you start:
Image: A jar of homemade dehydrated chicken jerky treats.
Gathering your ingredients ahead of time makes the process smoother. You only need a handful of basic items to make this all-natural dog treat.
- Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless. The only ingredient needed. Using 1–2 large breasts (about 1–2 lbs) will yield many strips of jerky homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
- Cooking oil or spray – (optional) Lightly coat the racks to prevent sticking. A simple vegetable or olive oil spray is fine homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
- Wire racks & baking sheets – Oven-safe wire racks (set on baking sheets) allow air to circulate around each strip and catch any drips.
- Dehydrator or oven – Either works. If using an oven, you’ll bake at a low temperature (200–225°F). A food dehydrator should be set to about 165–170°F.
- Sharp knife & cutting board – For slicing the chicken evenly. Partially chill the chicken first (about 15–30 minutes in the freezer) to make slicing easier homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
- Meat thermometer – (optional) Helps confirm that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature (165°F).
Having everything ready saves time and reduces mess. It also helps with safety—handle raw chicken on a clean cutting board and wash hands/tools thoroughly to prevent any contamination.
Quick Preparation Tips
Preparing the chicken correctly is key. These tips help you slice and prep for even drying:
- Partial freeze: Place raw chicken in the freezer for 15–30 minutes. Chilled meat slices much more thinly and evenly homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
- Slice thin and even: Use a sharp knife to cut breasts into 1/8–1/4-inch strips. Uniform thickness ensures all pieces dry at the same rate. You can lightly pound thicker pieces to even them out.
- Trim excess fat: Remove large fat deposits before slicing. A little fat is fine, but too much can slow drying and lead to spoilage. The leaner the strips, the faster and safer they dehydrate.
- Optional flavor boost: Lightly brushing strips with a little low-sodium chicken broth or sprinkling dog-safe herbs (like dried parsley) before drying can enhance the aroma. Do not add salt or any spices (garlic/onion are toxic to dogs).
- Adjust for texture: If a batch comes out too brittle, slice next time a bit thicker or dry for a shorter time. If pieces still feel moist, increase drying time or temperature slightly. Every oven/dehydrator is different, so you may need to experiment a little.
Implementing these tips will help ensure your jerky turns out perfectly every time.
How to Make Chicken Jerky for Dogs (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps carefully for a safe, delicious jerky:
- Preheat and set up:
- Oven: Preheat to about 200–225°F (93–107°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set wire racks on top. Lightly spray the racks with oil to prevent sticking homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
- Dehydrator: Set to about 165–170°F (74–77°C). Insert wire trays or racks. Ensure trays are spaced to allow good airflow all around the meat.
- Slice the chicken: Thaw the chicken breasts just enough that they’re firm but slightly cold (a few minutes on the counter or 15 min in fridge after freezer). Cut each breast into long strips about 1/4-inch thick. Try to keep each strip similar in size. If a piece is still thick in spots, pound it lightly with a meat mallet to thin it out homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
- Arrange on racks: Lay the chicken strips in a single layer on the prepared racks. Make sure strips do not overlap. Leave a bit of space between strips so air can circulate. Overlapping or crowding will cause uneven drying, with some pieces cooking faster than others homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
- Dry the chicken:
- In a dehydrator: Dehydrate the strips for about 5–12 hours. Check at the 5-hour mark: flip each strip and rotate trays for even drying. If the strips still feel soft or oily, continue drying until they feel dry and firm.
- In an oven: Bake slowly. After preheating, place the trays in the oven. After about 2–3 hours, switch the top and bottom tray positions and flip all strips. Continue baking for another 1–2 hours, or until no pink remains and the strips are dry and firm. (Tip: If your oven’s lowest setting is above ~225°F, you can prop the door slightly open with a wooden spoon. This lets steam escape and keeps the oven from getting too hot homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
- Air Fryer: You can also use an air fryer on its lowest setting (around 220°F). Place strips in a single layer in the basket. Air-fry for about 1½ hours total, flipping every 30–45 minutes. The strong airflow speeds drying, so watch closely near the end to avoid burning homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
- Ensure safety: Poultry must reach at least 165°F internally to be safe. Since strips are thin, they usually reach this during drying. To be extra safe, you can finish the batch with a quick oven bake: heat the oven to 275°F and bake all strips for 5–10 minutes. Alternatively, use a meat thermometer on a thick piece to confirm 165°F. This step is especially recommended if your oven or dehydrator doesn’t have a fan or if pieces still seem thick in spots.
- Cool and store: Remove the jerky from the heat and let it cool completely on a clean rack. Cooling ensures any residual steam escapes. Once cool, store the jerky in an airtight container or bag. Properly dried jerky will keep about 1 week at room temperature (in a cool, dry place). For longer storage, refrigerate it (good for 1–2 weeks) or freeze it (keeps for several months). In very hot or humid environments, err on the side of refrigeration sooner, as moisture in the air can be reabsorbed by the jerky homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
Quick Recipe Summary
- Freeze briefly: Put the chicken in the freezer for 15–30 minutes.
- Slice thin: Cut chicken into ~1/8–1/4 inch strips, uniform thickness.
- Arrange on racks: Place strips in one layer on wire racks (use baking sheets underneath).
- Dry slowly: In an oven, bake at 200–225°F for ~3–5 hours; in a dehydrator, set 165–170°F for ~5–8 hours.
- Flip and rotate: Halfway through drying, flip strips and swap tray positions for even drying.
- Check temperature: Ensure the jerky reaches 165°F internally. Optionally finish with 5–10 minutes at 275°F to be sure.
- Cool and store: Let the strips cool completely. Store in a sealed container: room temp for ~1 week, or refrigerate (1–2 weeks) / freeze (several months).
Tips for Perfect Chicken Jerky Dog Treats
- No seasonings or marinades: Keep it plain. Even a little salt can be too much for dogs. Skip spices like garlic or onion, which are toxic to dogs.
- Uniform slices: If pieces are uneven, slice or pound them so all strips are the same thickness. This ensures they dry together evenly homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
- Monitor drying: Check the jerky every few hours. Rotate trays or flip strips halfway so they all dry evenly. Look out for any pieces drying faster than others.
- Trim fat thoroughly: Fat can spoil. The leaner the meat, the better. Remove as much fat as possible to avoid grease and ensure a long shelf life homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
- Maintain cleanliness: Always wash your hands and utensils after handling raw chicken. Keep raw juices away from food prep areas. Clean all surfaces immediately.
- Check doneness: Finished jerky should be dry, firm, and should crack when bent cold (but still have some flexibility when warm). If it bends without cracking or feels leathery, dry it longer. When in doubt, dry a bit more or check temperature.
Following these tips will help ensure your jerky is tasty, safe, and turns out perfectly every time.
Nutritional Info and Benefits
These jerky treats are essentially pure lean meat. A small jerky strip (about 1 inch long) has roughly 4–5 calories and about 1 gram of protein. There are virtually 0 carbs (no grains or fillers) and <1 g of fat (if well-trimmed). In short: high protein, low everything else. For perspective, a typical pig-ear treat has over 150 calories and high fat per piece, whereas these chicken strips are much leaner. Because of that, they’re ideal if your dog needs to lose weight or maintain a lean diet homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
High protein helps fuel your dog’s energy and muscle health. The chewy texture encourages thorough chewing, which can help scrape away soft plaque on teeth. However, keep treats to about 10% of total calories. For example, a medium dog could enjoy 2–4 strips per day. Adjust for size (give fewer to small dogs). Always account for treats in meal planning.
Homemade jerky also avoids the unknowns in some commercial treats. There have been past concerns about store-bought jerky (the FDA investigated illnesses), but results were inconclusive. By making jerky at home with fresh chicken and cooking to 165°F, you minimize any risk. Veterinarians generally say that simple homemade treats like this are fine for healthy dogs. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, introduce new treats slowly (1–2 pieces at first) and watch for reactions homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
Storing and Serving Chicken Jerky Treats
Storage: After drying and cooling, keep the jerky in airtight containers or bags. At room temp, it stays good for about a week (especially in a cool, dry spot). For best longevity, refrigerate the jerky: it will keep 1–2 weeks safely. In the freezer, chicken jerky can last 2–3 months. In hot or humid environments, refrigerate sooner to prevent moisture from creeping back.
Serving: These strips are ready to go as-is. Break them into small pieces for puppies or small dogs, or use whole strips for larger dogs. You can also crumble a bit of jerky into your dog’s regular food to make mealtime more enticing — especially for picky eaters. Many owners pre-portion the jerky into small snack bags, so you simply thaw one portion at a time and keep the rest sealed for freshness. For very overzealous eaters, watch their chewing and consider smaller bits. Rotate this treat with other healthy snacks (like carrot sticks or plain kibble) to keep your dog interested.
Remember: if feeding multiple dogs, portion accordingly and keep treats out of reach of children and pets when not supervised.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can my dog eat raw chicken jerky?
A: No. Raw chicken strips (sometimes called “raw jerky”) are not safe. They can carry Salmonella or Campylobacter bacteria. Our method cooks the strips thoroughly, so it’s different from a raw-food treat. Always be cautious with raw meat — here we make sure the chicken is fully cooked/dehydrated before serving homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
Q: How often can I give my dog these jerky treats?
A: Moderation is key. Treats, even healthy ones, should be about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For a medium dog, 2–4 strips per day is plenty. Adjust by weight: small dogs need less, large dogs can handle more. If you reward frequently, break strips into smaller bites to avoid overfeeding at once. Keep track of total treats in your dog’s diet.
Q: Should I consult my vet before making this?
A: If your dog has health issues (kidney disease, allergies, weight problems, etc.), it’s smart to ask your vet. Most healthy dogs do well with lean chicken treats. They have no additives like salt or sugar. But any new food can cause tummy upset in some dogs, so check with your vet for personalized advice if needed homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, but trim all the fat first. Chicken thighs have more fat than breasts, which can make the jerky greasy and slower to dry. Remove as much fat as possible, then slice the meat thin. The process is the same otherwise. Expect that thigh strips might need a bit longer in the dehydrator homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
Q: Why does the chicken need to reach 165°F?
A: The USDA and pet experts recommend cooking all poultry to 165°F to kill harmful bacteria (Salmonella, etc.). Since chicken strips are thin, they heat through quickly during dehydration. We still recommend finishing with a quick oven bake (275°F for 5–10 minutes) or checking with a thermometer to be safe. This way, the jerky is just as safe as any home-cooked chicken.
Q: My jerky still feels soft inside. What did I do wrong?
A: If parts are still soft or pink, it needs more time. Every appliance is different. Return it to the oven/dehydrator and dry in 30-minute increments. Proper jerky should be dry, not moist. It should bend and crack a bit when cold. If it still bends easily or feels chewy, give it more time.
Q: Are these treats safe for puppies?
A: In moderation, yes. Jerky strips can be a great training treat for older puppies. Use very small, soft pieces and make sure the jerky is cool. Don’t overdo it—stick to a piece or two for a puppy, depending on its size. Puppies have small stomachs and fast metabolisms, so keep treats limited homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
Q: My dog got sick after eating store jerky treats. Is homemade safer?
A: Often, yes. Store-bought jerky treats vary widely in ingredients and safety. The FDA has investigated illnesses linked to store jerky but hasn’t pinned it on one cause. With homemade jerky, you control the quality: fresh chicken and proper cooking means less risk. However, if your dog got sick once, watch them the first few times and consult a vet if concerned homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
Q: What if my dog doesn’t chew and just gobbles treats?
A: For gulpers, break the jerky into very small pieces so they have to chew. Never let a dog swallow large, hard pieces whole. Alternatively, you can rehydrate a strip by briefly soaking in warm water or broth to soften it. Always supervise dogs who inhale treats homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
Q: Are these treats suitable for dogs with allergies?
A: They are grain-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free, which helps dogs with those sensitivities. The only ingredient is chicken, so if your dog’s only issue is chicken itself (rare), then avoid it. Otherwise, this simple recipe avoids common allergens. For special diets (like kidney or liver disease), check with a vet, since jerky is high-protein.
Q: How much does making jerky cost vs buying?
A: Generally, making your own is cheaper. One blog notes spending about $8 on chicken for a large batch, while a small commercial jerky bag can cost $20 or more for similar volume. Buying chicken on sale or in bulk saves even more. Homemade is budget-friendly, especially if you make jerky regularly homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
Q: How many strips does one chicken breast make?
A: About 20–30 small strips (the exact number depends on how thick you cut them). One tested recipe reported that one breast “makes 30 treats”. So two breasts (about 1–2 lbs total) will yield roughly 60 strips if sliced thin. If you slice thicker, you’ll get fewer bigger treats homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
Q: Can I marinate the strips for extra flavor?
A: It’s not needed. Any liquids (like soy sauce or salt) won’t dry well and can actually breed bacteria. If you want more smell, brushing with low-sodium broth (no onions/garlic) before drying can help the aroma, but keep it minimal. Otherwise, plain chicken is flavorful enough for dogs homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
Q: Are there commercial alternatives to making jerky myself?
A: Yes, many pet stores sell chicken jerky treats. However, these often contain preservatives, sugars, or fillers. Homemade jerky is one ingredient and free of additives. If you buy commercial jerky, read labels: choose 100% chicken (and beware of extras like glycerin or salt) homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
Q: Can I use other meats (like turkey or beef) with this method?
A: Absolutely. The process is the same. You can slice turkey breast, lean beef, or even duck the same way. Just note that red meat may take a little longer to dry. Always ensure the internal temp reaches safety (160°F for beef, etc.) and trim excess fat on any meat homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
Q: Can I use leftover cooked meat to make jerky?
A: If it’s plain and unseasoned, you can try. For example, cooked chicken from your dinner (just boiled or baked, no spices) can be dehydrated. The texture might not be as uniform, and it may dry faster since it’s already cooked, but it can work in a pinch.
Q: What do veterinarians say about homemade dog treats?
A: Many vets support simple homemade treats made with healthy ingredients. The key is to keep it balanced. Our jerky is mostly protein, so it’s unlikely to cause nutritional imbalance if used moderately. You can always mention this recipe to your vet – most will appreciate that you’re using all-natural ingredients homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
Q: Are these treats suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes?
A: Generally yes. For tiny dogs or puppies, cut into very small pieces. Large dogs can handle full strips. Senior dogs or those with dental issues might prefer softened strips (you can soak them in warm broth for a minute). Just tailor the size to your dog’s needs and always supervise older dogs or those with health issues homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
Q: How can I use jerky in dog training?
A: Break a strip into small training-size pieces (about half-inch) and use them as rewards during learning. Chicken jerky is high-value, so dogs learn quickly when it’s involved. Put some pieces in your treat pouch for walks or classes. They’re portable and won’t crumble easily in your pocket homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
Q: Can I give homemade jerky to cats or other pets?
A: This recipe is tailored for dogs. A plain chicken strip is not toxic to cats, but cats have different nutritional needs (like more taurine, which chicken does contain, but formulas differ). As a general rule, if you have other pets (cats, ferrets, etc.), only give them treats specifically intended for them. Dogs metabolize things differently homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
Q: How can I tell if the jerky has gone bad?
A: Properly dried jerky shouldn’t mold, but if stored too long or in humidity, it can. Signs of spoilage include any mold growth (white/green fuzz), a sour or off smell, or an oily texture. If anything seems off, toss it. Always inspect treats before giving them to your dog.
Q: Is dehydrated jerky the same as freeze-dried treats?
A: No. Freeze-dried treats (like those for some dog foods) start raw and are frozen, then dried under vacuum. Our jerky is cooked (by heat) and dried at low heat. Both are shelf-stable, but freeze-dried often needs freezer storage to keep quality. Oven/dehydrator jerky is like traditional jerky.
Q: Will my kitchen get very hot while making jerky?
A: You’ll notice some heat, especially if the oven runs for 4+ hours. It’s usually tolerable, but you might want ventilation or a fan on. A dehydrator is generally more energy-efficient and generates less heat in the room. If it’s very hot outside, try to dry in cooler parts of the day.
Q: What do I do if I forget the jerky at room temperature?
A: If it’s only been a day or two, it’s probably fine if it was fully dried. But if left out for a week or more, check carefully for any spoilage homemade chicken jerky for dogs. Refrigerate it as soon as you remember. Properly dried jerky can sit out for a short time, but for safety, refrigerate if unsure homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
Q: How should I adjust for a gas vs electric oven?
A: Gas ovens can be hotter and more humid. If using gas, you might want to go slightly shorter on time or lower the temp if possible. Using an oven thermometer is a good idea to ensure you’re actually at 200–225°F. Every oven is different, so adjust as needed homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
Q: Why do dogs love dehydrated treats so much?
A: Dogs have an extremely keen sense of smell—thousands of times better than ours. Dehydrated chicken concentrates that meaty aroma and flavor. Many trainers find that jerky is one of the most motivating treats. In dog-training lingo, it’s considered a “high-value” reward that most dogs will work hard to earn.
Q: Any final serving tips?
A: You can crumble jerky into your dog’s food as a tasty topper. For easier feeding, cut strips into bite-size pieces and use like puzzle rewards (hide a piece in a treat toy). Always supervise your dog until you know how well they handle the jerky homemade chicken jerky for dogs. And label the container with date and ingredients (just chicken) so you always remember how fresh it is homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
- Chicken First: Pur Luv Chicken Jerky Dog Treats are made with only whole proteins, featuring 100% Real Chicken as the ve…
- Satisfying Treat: The jerky treats help to satisfy your dog’s natural instinct to chew.
- Limited Ingredients: Pur Luv treats feature limited ingredient decks so you know exactly what you’re feeding your dog.
Conclusion
Making homemade chicken jerky for dogs is a fun, cost-effective way to give your pet a nutritious snack. By slowly drying plain chicken strips, you create a crunchy, grain-free treat that your dog will happily chew. You control the quality: no preservatives, no additives, just real chicken.
This DIY chicken jerky not only saves you money but also provides peace of mind. You can make it easily with your oven or a dehydrator, and storing is simple. We hope this detailed guide inspires you to try making jerky at home. Many dog owners find treat-making a rewarding project, turning a bag of raw chicken into weeks’ worth of delicious snacks. Once you’ve mastered chicken jerky, you might experiment with other dog-friendly dehydrated treats (like sweet potato or liver strips) for variety.
In summary, homemade chicken jerky is a safe, nutritious treat that most dogs absolutely adore. It’s easy to make and gives you full control over what goes into your dog’s food. Follow the steps above carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with plenty of happy tail-wags homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
If you try this recipe, please share your experience! Snap a photo of your batch, post it on social media, or tell us what your pup thought in the comments. We love hearing from fellow dog lovers. Happy cooking and happy doggy snacking homemade chicken jerky for dogs.
Sources: Authoritative pet care guides, veterinary websites, and food safety resources were used to compile this guide, including USDA guidelines on poultry, pet nutrition data, and industry publications.
- Chicken First: Pur Luv Chicken Jerky Dog Treats are made with only whole proteins, featuring 100% Real Chicken as the ve…
- Satisfying Treat: The jerky treats help to satisfy your dog’s natural instinct to chew.
- Limited Ingredients: Pur Luv treats feature limited ingredient decks so you know exactly what you’re feeding your dog.
